Belize Safety Guide: Essential Travel Tips for 2025

Belize stands out as a top Caribbean destination, yet it is crucial for prospective visitors to strike a balance between enjoying the idyllic paradise that Belize offers and taking essential precautions to safeguard their well-being. This comprehensive guide provides the most current crime statistics, government travel advisories, and firsthand accounts, equipping tourists with the necessary insights to safely explore Belize’s stunning beaches, lush jungles, and extraordinary ancient ruins while prioritising their safety.

1. Comprehensive Overview of Crime Rates and Trends in Belize

As of 2024, Belize has recorded a homicide rate of 21.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, showing a slight increase from the previous year’s figure of 21.5. However, a significant drop in homicide rates of 29 percent was observed during the first half of 2025, when incidents fell from 58 to 41 compared to the same period in 2024. According to the CompStat report published by the Belize Police Department, major crimes overall also decreased by 9 percent, dropping from 536 in H1 2024 to 489 in H1 2025. This encouraging trend is attributed to significant reductions in murder (–29 percent), robbery (–15 percent), and theft (–26 percent), indicating a positive shift in safety for both locals and tourists.

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. Important Government Travel Advisories for Visiting Belize

U.S. Department of State: Currently, Belize is rated as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to widespread instances of violent crime, which include sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Specifically, the Southside of Belize City is classified as Level 3: Reconsider Travel, with strong recommendations 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 throughout Belize, particularly advised 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 primarily affects the Southside of Belize City. However, regions such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio remain relatively safe for travellers who take proper precautions. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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

Belize City (Southside): This area is notorious for gang activity, which significantly increases violent crime rates. It is strongly advised to avoid non-tourist neighbourhoods, especially at night, to ensure your personal safety.
Border Zones: Areas adjacent to the borders are experiencing rising smuggling and cross-border violence, particularly with Guatemala, which travellers should remain alert to.
Petty Crime Hotspots: Locations like San Pedro frequently experience incidents of pickpocketing and credit card fraud. Always protect your PIN when using ATMs and prefer machines located within banks for increased security.

4. Essential Strategies for Ensuring Safety While Travelling in Belize

Enhancing Your Personal Security During Your Travels

Stay vigilant: It is imperative to avoid walking alone at night, particularly in urban areas such as Belize City and Belmopan, where the risk of crime is notably higher.
Secure your valuables: Always use hotel safes for storing essential items and keep wallets and mobile phones concealed to deter potential thieves.
Be cautious of spiked drinks: Never accept food or beverages 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 a Secure Journey

Road Conditions: Be mindful that most secondary roads in Belize are unpaved and poorly lit. It is advisable to drive only during daylight and ensure your fuel tank is full before embarking on longer journeys.
Public Transport Caution: Public buses often lack proper maintenance; it’s wise to avoid them when possible. When using licensed taxis, remember they are not regulated by meters; therefore, negotiate your fare beforehand to prevent misunderstandings.
Ferries Safety: When travelling between the cayes, make sure life jackets are available and that vessels are not overcrowded to ensure safe travel.

Engaging in Adventure Activities While Prioritising Safety

When participating in adventure activities such as scuba diving, zip-lining, and cave tubing, always choose reputable operators. Investigate their safety records and equipment standards to ensure your well-being; consider obtaining travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Only swim in designated safe areas; riptides are common, and lifeguards are often scarce, making it essential to prioritise safety when enjoying water activities.

Health Precautions Every Traveller Should Take Before Visiting Belize

Vaccination Recommendations: Although there is no entry requirement for yellow fever, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies prior to travelling to Belize. For detailed information, consult the CDC guidelines.
Mosquito Protection: Given the year-round risk of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, it is vital to use EPA-approved insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets to reduce exposure.
Water Safety Guidelines: Follow the guideline of “boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it” concerning food and water. Carry oral rehydration salts to effectively manage traveller’s diarrhoea and ensure proper hydration.

5. Tailored Precautions for Women, Children, and LGBTQ+ Travellers

Women travelling alone should exercise heightened caution to avoid isolated areas and dimly lit alleys, as there have been reports of harassment in certain regions.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community may encounter 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 must carry notarised parental consent letters, as immigration officials in Belize strictly enforce this regulation.

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 Support in Belize

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