Belize Safety Guide 2025: Essential Tips for Smart Travelers

on July 25, 2025

Belize stands out as a top-tier Caribbean destination, but it is crucial for potential visitors to strike a balance between enjoying the paradise that Belize offers and taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This comprehensive guide encapsulates the most recent crime statistics, government advisories, and real-life insights to equip travelers with the knowledge they need to navigate Belize’s stunning beaches, lush jungles, and awe-inspiring ancient ruins while prioritizing their safety.

1. Understanding Crime Rates and Trends in Belize

As of 2024, Belize witnessed a homicide rate of 21.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, showing a slight increase from the previous year's rate of 21.5. Interestingly, there was a notable decline in homicides by 29 percent during the first half of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024, with 41 cases versus 58. According to the CompStat report from the Belize Police Department, overall major crimes also decreased by 9 percent, dropping from 536 in H1 2024 to 489 in H1 2025. This reduction is attributed to significant declines in murder (–29 percent), robbery (–15 percent), and theft (–26 percent), indicating a positive trend in safety for residents and visitors alike.

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 Belize

U.S. Department of State: Currently, Belize is rated as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to the prevalence of violent crime, which includes sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Particularly, the Southside of Belize City is classified as Level 3: Reconsider Travel—it is advisable to avoid non-tourist areas located south of Haulover Creek. Source: U.S. Department of State
Government of Canada: Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution across the nation, along with recommendations 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; the serious gang-related violence predominantly affects the Southside of Belize City. However, other areas such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio generally remain safe for travelers who take appropriate caution. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

3. Identifying High-Risk Areas and Common Crimes in Belize

Belize City (Southside): This area is known for gang activity that contributes significantly to violent crime rates. It is advisable to avoid non-tourist neighborhoods, particularly after dark, for personal safety.
Border Zones: Areas near the borders are experiencing increased smuggling and cross-border violence, particularly with Guatemala, which travelers should be aware of.
Petty Crime Hotspots: Locations like San Pedro are known for incidents of pickpocketing and credit card fraud. Always ensure to shield your PIN when using ATMs and prefer using machines located inside banks for added security.

4. Proactive Safety Tips for Travelers Visiting Belize

Enhancing Your Personal Security While Traveling

Maintain vigilance: It is crucial to avoid walking alone at night, especially in urban areas such as Belize City and Belmopan, where the risk of crime is higher.
Secure your valuables: Always utilize hotel safes for important items and keep wallets and phones out of sight to deter potential thieves.
Be cautious of spiked drinks: Never accept food or drinks from strangers, as this could lead to dangerous situations.

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 Travelers

Road Conditions: Be mindful that most secondary roads in Belize are unpaved and poorly lit. It is advisable to drive only during daylight hours and ensure your fuel tank is always full before embarking on longer journeys.
Public Transport Caution: Public buses often lack proper maintenance—it's best to avoid them if possible. When using licensed taxis, remember they are not regulated by meters; therefore, negotiate your fare in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
Ferries Safety: When traveling between the cayes, ensure that life jackets are readily accessible and that the vessels are not overcrowded to ensure safe travel.

Engaging in Adventure Activities Safely

When participating 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 safety; consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Only swim in designated areas; riptides are common, and lifeguards are often scarce, making it essential to prioritize safety in the water.

Essential Health Precautions for Travelers to Belize

Vaccination Recommendations: While there is no entry requirement for yellow fever, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies before traveling to Belize. For detailed information, check the CDC guidelines.
Mosquito Protection: Given the year-round risk of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, it is important to use EPA-approved insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets to minimize exposure.
Water Safety Guidelines: Follow the rule of “boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it” when it comes to food and water. Carry oral rehydration salts to manage traveler’s diarrhea effectively and stay hydrated.

5. Special Considerations for Women, Children, and LGBTQ Travelers

Women traveling solo should take extra care to avoid isolated areas and poorly lit alleys, as there have been reports of harassment in some regions.
Members of the LGBTQ community may experience social stigma in Belize; it is advisable to avoid public displays of affection to ensure personal safety.
Children traveling alone or with only one parent need to have notarized parental consent letters, as immigration officials in Belize enforce this regulation strictly.

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. Accessing Emergency Services and Consular Support in Belize

In case of emergencies, always dial 911 for immediate assistance, whether it’s 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.
Ensure you enroll in your government’s traveler-registration program, such as STEP for U.S. citizens or the Registration of Canadians Abroad for Canadians, to stay informed and receive necessary assistance.