Belize Safety Guide: Essential Tips for Savvy Travellers 2025

Belize is celebrated as a top Caribbean destination, making it crucial for prospective visitors to strike a balance between enjoying the idyllic paradise that Belize offers and implementing the necessary precautions to ensure their well-being. This comprehensive guide presents the most recent crime statistics, government advisories, and first-hand insights, empowering travellers to discover Belize’s stunning beaches, lush jungles, and extraordinary ancient ruins while prioritising their safety and security.

1. Comprehensive Overview of Crime Rates and Trends in Belize

As of 2024, Belize reported a homicide rate of 21.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, indicating a slight increase from the previous year's figure of 21.5. However, a noteworthy decline in homicide cases by 29 percent was observed during the first half of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024, with 41 incidents reported against 58. According to the CompStat report from the Belize Police Department, there was also a 9 percent decrease in overall major crimes, dropping from 536 incidents in H1 2024 to 489 in H1 2025. This encouraging trend can be attributed to significant reductions in murder (–29 percent), robbery (–15 percent), and theft (–26 percent), suggesting an improved safety landscape for both residents and visitors in Belize.

Crime Category	Jan–Jun 2024	Jan–Jun 2025	Change
Major crimes	536	489	–9 percent
Murders	58	41	–29 percent
Robbery	–	–	–15 percent
Theft	–	–	–26 percent

2. Essential Government Travel Advisories for Visitors to Belize

U.S. Department of State: Currently, Belize is designated as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to the prevalence of violent crime, which includes sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Specifically, the Southside of Belize City is classified as Level 3: Reconsider Travel, advising visitors to avoid non-tourist areas located south of Haulover Creek. Source: U.S. Department of State
Government of Canada: Canadians are encouraged to exercise a high degree of caution throughout the country, with specific advisories to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City due to ongoing gang and drug-related violence. Source: Government of Canada
UK FCDO: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office warns that Belize has one of the highest murder rates globally per capita; serious gang-related violence predominantly affects the Southside of Belize City. In contrast, areas such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio generally remain safe for travellers who take appropriate precautions. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

3. Identifying High-Risk Areas and Common Criminal Offences in Belize

Belize City (Southside): This area is notorious for gang activity, which greatly contributes to the heightened rates of violent crime. It is advisable to steer clear of non-tourist neighbourhoods, especially at night, to ensure personal safety and well-being.
Border Zones: Regions adjacent to the borders are witnessing increased smuggling and cross-border violence, particularly with Guatemala, which travellers should be cognizant of and approach with caution.
Petty Crime Hotspots: Locations such as San Pedro have reported incidents of pickpocketing and credit card fraud. Always remain vigilant by shielding your PIN when using ATMs and opting for machines located inside banks for enhanced security.

4. Proactive Safety Practices for Travellers Exploring Belize

Boosting Your Personal Security During Your Travels

Stay alert: It is essential to refrain from walking alone at night, particularly in urban areas like Belize City and Belmopan, where the risk of crime tends to be elevated.
Protect your valuables: Always utilise hotel safes for important items and keep wallets and mobile phones out of view to discourage potential thieves.
Be wary of spiked drinks: Avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers, as this could lead to perilous situations that jeopardise your safety.

Aerial view of the Great Blue Hole near the coast with people by the water, surrounded by greenery. Text on image reads "BELIZEAN GREAT BLUE HOLE" with illustrated map, sun, clouds, an airplane—perfect for your Belize travel adventures.

Transportation Safety Guidelines for Travellers

Road Conditions: Be advised that most secondary roads in Belize are unpaved and poorly lit. It is best to travel during daylight hours and ensure that your fuel tank is full before embarking on longer journeys.
Public Transport Caution: Public buses often lack sufficient maintenance—therefore, it is wise to avoid them whenever possible. When using licensed taxis, remember that they are not regulated by meters; thus, it is prudent to negotiate your fare in advance to prevent misunderstandings.
Ferries Safety: When travelling between the cayes, ensure life jackets are readily available and that vessels are not overcrowded to guarantee safe passage.

Ensuring Safety While Participating in Adventure Activities

When engaging in adventure activities such as scuba diving, zip-lining, and cave tubing, always choose reputable operators. Check their safety records and equipment standards to ensure your well-being; consider obtaining travel insurance that covers medical evacuation for additional peace of mind.
Only swim in designated areas; riptides are prevalent, and lifeguards are often unavailable, making it crucial to prioritise safety while in the water.

Vital Health Precautions for Travellers Visiting Belize

Vaccination Recommendations: While there is no entry requirement for yellow fever, it is highly recommended to receive vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies before travelling to Belize. For comprehensive details, refer to the CDC guidelines.
Mosquito Protection: Given the year-round risk of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, it is crucial to use EPA-approved insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets to minimise exposure.
Water Safety Guidelines: Follow the principle of “boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it” regarding food and water consumption. Carry oral rehydration salts to effectively manage traveller’s diarrhoea and ensure proper hydration.

5. Important Considerations for Women, Children, and LGBTQ+ Travellers

Women travelling alone should exercise heightened caution to avoid isolated areas and poorly lit alleys, as there have been reports of harassment in certain regions.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community may face social stigma in Belize; it is advisable to refrain from public displays of affection to ensure personal safety.
Children travelling alone or with only one parent are required to possess notarised parental consent letters, as immigration officials in Belize enforce this regulation stringently.

Two people stand at the edge of a lush, green lagoon with clear blue water at sunset. Swimmers enjoy the scene, while small buildings dot the trees. Four Belize safety icons are displayed in the bottom left corner.

6. How to Access Emergency Services and Consular Assistance in Belize

In emergencies, always dial 911 for immediate assistance, whether for medical, fire, or police services in Belize.
The U.S. Embassy located in Belmopan and the Canadian Honorary Consul in Belize City can provide assistance with issues such as arrests, detention, or other emergencies. For more information, visit U.S. Embassy Belmopan.
Be sure to register in your government’s traveller-registration programme, such as STEP for U.S. citizens or the Registration of Canadians Abroad for Canadians, to stay informed and receive necessary assistance.