Belize is attractive. We must always know; we simply returned from a two-week journey. The mainland is roofed in a dense, tropical jungle, whereas offshore, it has the Belize Barrier Reef—an acclaimed spot to scuba dive and snorkel. As if that wasn’t sufficient, you’ve additionally acquired the historical past of Mayan ruins to expertise at websites like Altun Ha. Mainly, we completely perceive why you wish to go to. Belize is in a league of its personal.
Sadly, you’ll need to take some further security precautions, although. Staying protected in Belize requires you to transcend the standard “verify common journey recommendation and ebook fundamental journey insurance coverage.” The nation has fairly just a few cases of crime, gang violence, and medicines, which might leak into vacationer areas.
On this information, we’ll put together you for staying protected in Belize. We simply returned from a go to to Cay Caulker, Ambergris Cay, and San Ignacio and felt actually protected. When you take the precise precautions you may get pleasure from this nation worry-free like we did. So, don’t rule out scuba diving and sightseeing Mayan ruins simply but; right here’s what you want to know.
Is Belize Protected? A Fast Abstract
We all know that not all people has the luxurious of time. When you’re in a rush, take a look at these most important bullet factors for a fast overview of security in Belize.
- Belize experiences a notably excessive crime fee for violent crime, together with murder, sexual assault, and armed theft.
- Belize has a number of gang violence, which often ends in shootings in public locations.
- The border areas, Caracol, and Belize Metropolis (notably the inner-city area of Southside Belize Metropolis) all expertise a excessive crime density.
- Belize has a number of pure disasters like hurricanes, so guests ought to take warning when touring throughout hurricane season.
- Highway requirements in Belize are thought of poor by worldwide requirements.
- There have been incidents with water actions ensuing from poor security procedures and measures.
Journey Advisories: Formally Talking, Is Belize Protected?
Formally talking, Belize is feasible to go to and never barred as a “crimson listing nation” or “don’t journey” space by the USA , Canada or the UK. As an alternative, it’s broadly suggested to take elevated warning in case you go to Belize.
The US Journey Advisories for Belize recommend that you simply train elevated warning all through the nation, escalating its considerations particularly for Belize Metropolis. It advises that you simply “rethink journey”, marking town as a Degree 3 zone regardless of the remainder of Belize securing a milder Degree 2 warning.
The US advisory acknowledges that gang violence in Belize Metropolis tends to happen beneath the Haulover Creek River and infrequently crosses into vacationer areas. Nevertheless, as an entire, it advises that dangers are excessive, particularly given the historic crime within the metropolis.
The advisory emphasizes that violent crimes like sexual assault and armed theft can – and do – happen in daylight, even in public areas. It’s sensible to take excessive security precautions when touring all through Belize.
The Canada Journey Advisories for Belize are fairly just like the US advisories. Belize usually has an Train a excessive diploma of warning warning resulting from excessive ranges of violent crime all through the nation. There may be additionally a warning to Keep away from non-essential journey to Southside Belize Metropolis, south of the Haulover Creek River, resulting from gang and drug-related violence, together with murders and shootings.
Vacationers shouldn’t even enterprise to this a part of Belize metropolis. Gang warfare is actually prevalent right here, and it’s simple to be caught within the crossfire.
The UK journey advisories for Belize echo an nearly an identical sentiment. They advise that Belize has “one of many highest homicide charges on the planet” and trace at insufficient policing, saying that “police capability is restricted and plenty of crimes stay unsolved.” Just like the US and Canada advisory, they notably emphasize the harmful nature of journey round Belize Metropolis, particularly the Southside.
The UK advisory additionally warns of muggings throughout Belize, together with San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio. It highlights the growing threat of sexual assault and rape, too, warning in opposition to solo journey and venturing down quiet streets.
Violent Crime in Belize
As you now know, Belize has a fairly nasty mixture of crime scattered all through the nation, notably in Belize Metropolis, which is vulnerable to gang-related violence. It has an general crime index of 53.15, notably increased than the US at 49.34 and the UK at 47.61. Most regarding is the truth that this crime score has elevated over the previous three years. Crime in Belize is widespread, and sadly, it looks like it’s going to remain.
The most typical crimes in Belize are:
- Dealing of medicine
- Theft from property, which incorporates inns and vacationer lodging
- Sexual assault
- Homicide and grievous bodily hurt
- Verbal or bodily abuse
- Muggings and armed theft
Furthermore, there are considerations over policing, too:
- Corruption and bribery
- Lack of inefficiency of police response
We’ll focus on police effectiveness in a second, however many crimes go unsolved. Corruption could also be concerned in your police interactions, though you may nonetheless name 911 for help from native authorities in an emergency.
Belize Metropolis experiences a disproportionate quantity of gang-related violence and crime, so guests ought to train a excessive diploma of warning. Whereas gang members sometimes function out of vacationer areas, affected areas are shut sufficient to town heart that unsuspecting vacationers could wander into bother, or battle could spill over.
The remainder of Belize nonetheless requires you to train warning, with excessive ranges of theft and opportunistic crime, a few of that are violent.
Police in Belize
Onto the police in Belize, as promised. Properly, you already know that the overall consensus with the Belizean police is that they’re usually underfunded and lack the capability to truly punish or react to many felony instances.
Native authorities and shops are overrun. Your finest technique of safety from petty crime is superb journey insurance coverage.
On a barely completely different observe, it’s best to just remember to are sticking to the precise facet of native legal guidelines, like holding an IDP in case you hire a automotive and avoiding any unlawful medication.
Pure Disasters in Belize
Belize has a foul rep on the subject of pure catastrophe threat. The nation has a shoreline that opens onto the Caribbean Sea, so it’s best to train warning throughout hurricane season, between June and November, notably from August to October.
These months are fraught with hurricanes and extreme storms. As a knock-on impact, Belize usually experiences flooding and sea stage rises. There may be the specter of tsunamis, however there has by no means been one in current historical past, just a few warnings just a few years again.
We suggest making an attempt to not journey throughout these months or not less than subscribe to climate warning alerts. On common, the nation experiences seven hurricanes a yr, so it pays to keep away from the season totally.
How To Keep Protected in Belize in Case of Pure Catastrophe
When you resolve to go to Belize throughout this high-risk interval, we’d recommend visiting pre-armed with an inventory of the way to remain protected in case of pure disasters. Listed below are just a few suggestions you need to use to maintain protected within the face of disasters like flooding and hurricanes:
1. Have an Evacuation and Shelter In Place Plan
It’s sensible to have a plan to evacuate (this could possibly be journey insurance coverage to get compensation if you need to ebook an early flight house or a “go-bag” to evacuate to a distinct area in Belize). You must also have a shelter plan, checking forward of time along with your lodging to see what help they provide.
2. Know The Space
Do some fundamental analysis on the realm you’re staying in beforehand. You need to know the place the closest police stations, hospitals, and sensible locations like the very best floor (in case of flash floods) are. Figuring out this structure will enable you in case of emergency when each minute issues.
3. Subscribe to Alerts
Subscribe to alerts from the US Embassy in Belize, native media, and disaster-related alerts from corporations just like the Nationwide Hurricane Middle Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Climate in Belize
In fact, one of the best ways to know the chance of seasonal pure disasters is to know the climate in Belize. Figuring out the nation’s climate breakdown by season can actually assist decrease the dangers of journey.
Total, it’s best to know that Belize has a subtropical local weather, largely cut up right into a dry and wet season. The wet season lasts from June till November, coinciding with its hurricane-prone season. The dry season runs from February till Could. Temperatures sit between 70 and 90 levels Fahrenheit all yr spherical.
We’ll take a more in-depth look, although.
Spring: March to Could
March to Could in Belize is generally dry, with temperatures between 75 and 90 levels Fahrenheit. Could is the warmest selection, whereas late March to early April is the busiest time with all of the spring break crowds.
Summer time: June to September
That is Belize’s official moist season. Regardless of temperatures sitting at their highest between 80 and 90 levels Fahrenheit, coastal areas could discover a drop with all of the winds. That is when Belize has its highest dangers of hurricanes and floods. We’d suggest giving it a swerve.
Fall: October to November
Fall remains to be a bit of iffy, with frequent rain regardless of the drop within the threat of hurricanes. Temperatures hover at round 75 to 85 levels Fahrenheit, however it’s best to nonetheless anticipate a slight chill within the blustery coastal areas. Only some vacationers trouble visiting presently of yr, because the rain may cause flooding and, usually, doesn’t make for a pleasing keep.
Winter: December to February
Winter marks the start of the dry season—hooray! December is at all times a gradual begin, with the rain dragging its toes a bit of earlier than disappearing. Nevertheless, January and February are notoriously dry and are the months when tourism picks up once more.
Temperatures are gentle, between 70 and 80 levels Fahrenheit, however the barely cool, drier climate is good for sightseeing. A win is a win, proper?
5 Ideas For Staying Protected in Belize
As talked about, journey insurance coverage alone gained’t minimize it when visiting Belize. A good way to remain protected is to tick all of the fundamentals (journey insurance coverage will be extra useful than ringing 911 if a digicam will get swiped). Nevertheless, as a common rule, you will need to construct on the fundamentals with extra specialised methods to remain protected in Belize.
1. A Spare Pockets is Your Greatest Buddy
When visiting Belize, carrying a spare pockets with previous (or lesser-used) playing cards and free money is a superb concept. That is largely for in case you are touring within the bigger cities. Mugging can get everybody. There’s no assure you gained’t fall foul of this unfortunate crime, so why not be ready?
You need to by no means resist a mugger. So, as an alternative, provide another that doesn’t actually influence you.
2. Don’t Scrimp on Transportation
There are such a lot of nations the place you may minimize prices by taking public transport. Belize isn’t certainly one of them. Skip low-cost transportation and at all times select the safer choices. We opted for personal transfers which have been safer and quicker. That is non-negotiable in Belize, particularly on the subject of issues like night time buses.
3. Go away Your Luxurious Style Sense At House
Flashy jewellery and even notably eye-catching outfits would possibly look superb, however we’d advise leaving them at house. You wish to keep away from drawing consideration to your self with something designer or expensive-looking. As an alternative, costume down and make your aim to mix, not catch eyes.
4. If In Doubt, Skip Belize Metropolis
Belize Metropolis is by far the riskiest place within the nation. If you’re uncertain whether or not you are feeling assured taking lively security measures, simply skip it. There are simpler locations to remain protected in Belize, like Caye Caulker. It’s simple sufficient to chop it out of your itinerary.
5. Do Your Season Analysis
Lastly, do your season analysis. As you discovered within the part above, Belize’s local weather adjustments on a month-to-month foundation regardless of its general dry versus moist season. It’s finest to keep away from the height hurricane threat months.
You must also needless to say rainier and low season months entice fewer vacationers. This implies fewer crowds and extra remoted vacationer areas, which might really put you at extra threat of opportunistic crime. It’s a little bit of a catch-22 when heavy crowds tempt pickpocketing. Nonetheless, usually, peak months are higher to keep away from being remoted for extra violent crimes.
Belize Emergency Numbers
- Police (Countrywide): 90/911
- Fireplace and ambulance (Belize Metropolis solely): 90
- Police (Belpoman): 822-2222
Is Belize Protected for Households?
We’d say that areas like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Cay are protected for households with travel-savvy dad and mom. If you’re an skilled traveler and are spending the cash to remain in extra-secure, beautifully-located lodging with respected excursions and transfers, Belize is protected for households. Simply needless to say it could be a greater vacation to take with older kids who you may clarify fundamental security precautions to.
For households with out that pre-existing journey expertise, we suggest selecting a distinct place to go to. Save Belize for a bit of later after you’ve had just a few apply runs.
Ideas:
- Take lodging significantly when touring as a household, and chorus from scrimping on safety or location.
- Select your vacation spot in Belize rigorously, choosing historically “protected” areas like Caye Caulker.
Is Belize Protected for Solo Vacationers?
Belize is a little bit of a problem for these visiting solo, however equally very rewarding. When you’ve had loads of solo journey expertise, you’ll discover it manageable, and there’s an amazing hostel scene for making new pals. Skilled solo vacationers are sometimes much more acutely aware of security precautions than these in a gaggle, so Belize can really be higher suited to solo journey in that sense.
Nonetheless, as a common rule, Belize is finest skilled in a gaggle to restrict the chance of muggings and extra sinister crimes like sexual assault. You’ll be able to ebook issues like group excursions and guided day journeys that will help you keep protected whereas touring to Belize alone. If visiting solo, keep away from non-essential journey at night time, take care in rural areas, and don’t take pleasure in extreme alcohol consumption.
Ideas:
- Take group excursions the place attainable and keep away from strolling alone at night time.
- Select well-located inns or hostels.
Is Belize Protected to Take Public Transportation?
Public transportation is comparatively protected in Belize, however be ready for an intense expertise. So-called hen buses are brightly painted public buses working in suburban and concrete areas. They’re sometimes packed however an inexpensive solution to get round. Be a bit of aware of pickpocketing, altercations, and bag snatching, however in any other case, this technique of public transportation is protected.
At night time, throw all that out the window. You need to keep away from public transportation at night time in any respect prices, because it creates a a lot increased threat for violent crime. Get a registered taxi as an alternative, or keep away from pointless night time journey.
The most secure solution to get round Belize is by registered taxis, which you’ll acknowledge from inexperienced license plates. Uber doesn’t exist right here, so inexperienced license plates will undoubtedly change into your subsequent finest buddy. You positively need a registered taxi driver, because it affords an additional safety layer. It’s a good suggestion to take a look at the Authorities Of Canada’s advice on public transport.
It’s also possible to hire a automotive and drive round Belize in personal autos comparatively simply. Nevertheless, it’s best to train a excessive diploma of warning at night time, ideally avoiding all nonessential journey after darkish. You must also be ready for normal police checkpoints, the place you will need to show a type of ID and your Worldwide Driving Allow. Be aware of solely ever utilizing official border crossings and pay attention to the chance of armed robberies at locations like site visitors lights in city areas or opportunistic crime on distant roads.
Are Medical Amenities Protected in Belize?
Medical services in Belize are blended. There are two varieties of services: private and non-private hospitals. Non-public hospitals are typically a greater choice as they’re higher funded, in order that they have higher medical provides and extra to spend money on adequately educated professionals. Nevertheless, entry to both will be significantly restricted, particularly in case you’re staying in rural areas.
We’d recommend checking the place your nearest hospitals are earlier than visiting. Guarantee you might be up-to-date with all of your vaccinations and routine well being checks earlier than departure. And be sure to have good journey insurance coverage if it turns into a greater concept to fly house. That is notably the case if the hospital doesn’t have a particular, area of interest kind of remedy or remedy accessible on speedy demand. Belize’s finest hospitals are nice for minor accidents, however when you’ve got a extra significant issue, it could be advisable to hunt remedy elsewhere.
Is Belize Protected? Prime FAQs
We’ll go away that query as much as you—do you are feeling assured utilizing all the knowledge above to plan a protected journey? Belize receives almost one million guests annually, the overwhelming majority of whom journey the nation with no points. It’s all about selecting locations the place you really feel snug taking duty on your security, and everyone knows some nations make this tougher than others. Belize is difficult however not unattainable. We like it.
Listed below are just a few widespread FAQs to assist clear the query of “must you, shouldn’t you” up.
Is Mexico or Belize safer?
Mexico and Belize are roughly on a par. Mexico has some Degree 4 areas (marked as “don’t journey”) however has a clearer space for protected tourism in Cancun and alongside the Mayan Riviera shoreline. Belize has just one Degree 3 space (“marked as rethink journey”) however much less clearly marked areas for protected tourism. It depends upon the place you propose to journey.
Is Belize or Costa Rica safer?
Costa Rica is marginally safer, as it is just marked as Degree 2 by the US Journey Advisory. In distinction, Belize Metropolis is marked as a Degree 3. Nevertheless, each Belize and Costa Rica are flagged for violent crimes, together with sexual assault. It’s finest to method each nations with elevated warning.
When to not go to Belize?
August and October are the worst occasions to go to Belize. These are the months when you may expertise essentially the most storms and hurricanes, which will be harmful. It’s smack in the midst of hurricane season.
What’s the most secure a part of Belize?
Caye Caulker and San Pedro are the darlings of Belize, two areas identified for being comparatively “protected” throughout the nation.
So, Is Belize Protected To Journey In?
No, Belize isn’t a historically protected place to go to. Nevertheless, there are ranges to the dangers you are taking; are you planning a visit to Southside Belize Metropolis or Caye Caulker? Are you visiting on a tour? Or are you going solo? How a lot journey expertise do you may have? What are the present updates, and what time of yr are you going?
For these prepared to take water-tight security precautions, Belize vastly rewards your further efforts. There’s no denying the nation is gorgeous. We have now a excellent one-week itinerary right here in case you’d like some inspiration.
Keep protected and luxuriate in. The most effective security precaution is data, and we hope you may have a unbelievable time.