Belize Safety Guide: Smart Travel Tips for 2025

Belize is renowned as a premier Caribbean destination, offering a remarkable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. However, it is essential for prospective visitors to strike a harmonious balance between indulging in the paradise that Belize provides and adopting vital precautions to ensure personal safety throughout their travels. This extensive guide presents the latest crime statistics, government advisories, and genuine insights, empowering travellers with the essential knowledge required to explore Belize’s breathtaking beaches, vibrant jungles, and magnificent ancient ruins while prioritising their safety and well-being.

Table of Contents

1. In-Depth Analysis of Crime Rates and Trends in Belize

As of 2024, Belize recorded a homicide rate of 21.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, reflecting a slight increase from the prior year’s figure of 21.5. Intriguingly, there was a significant drop in homicides of 29 percent during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with reported cases decreasing from 58 to 41. According to the CompStat report from the Belize Police Department, overall major crimes also experienced a decline of 9 percent, reducing from 536 in H1 2024 to 489 in H1 2025. This positive trend is attributed to significant reductions in murder (–29 percent), robbery (–15 percent), and theft (–26 percent), indicating an overall improvement in safety for both residents and tourists visiting the country.

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. Crucial Government Travel Advisories for Visiting Belize

U.S. Department of State: At present, Belize holds a rating of Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to the presence of violent crime, which includes sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Notably, the Southside of Belize City is designated as Level 3: Reconsider Travel—it is strongly recommended 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, alongside recommendations to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City due to ongoing gang-related violence and drug issues. 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 impacts the Southside of Belize City. However, other regions like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio generally remain secure for travellers who take necessary precautions. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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

Belize City (Southside): This region is notorious for gang activity that contributes significantly to elevated violent crime rates. It is advisable to steer clear of non-tourist neighbourhoods, particularly after dark, to ensure personal safety.
Border Zones: Areas close to the borders are witnessing increased smuggling and cross-border violence, notably with Guatemala, which travellers should remain vigilant about.
Petty Crime Hotspots: Locations such as San Pedro have reported incidents of pickpocketing and credit card fraud. Always exercise caution by shielding your PIN while using ATMs and prefer machines located within banks for added security.

4. Proactive Strategies for Ensuring Safety While Travelling in Belize

Boosting Your Personal Security During Your Trip

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

Road Conditions: Be mindful that the majority of secondary roads in Belize are unpaved and poorly lit. It is advisable to drive only during daylight hours, and always ensure your fuel tank is full before setting out on longer journeys.
Public Transport Precautions: Public buses often lack proper maintenance—it's best to avoid them if possible. When opting for licensed taxis, remember they do not operate on meters; therefore, negotiate your fare in advance to prevent misunderstandings.
Ferries Safety: When travelling between the cayes, ensure that life jackets are readily accessible and that the vessels are not overcrowded to guarantee a safe journey.

Participating in Adventure Activities with Safety in Mind

When engaging in adventure activities like scuba diving, zip-lining, and cave tubing, always select reputable operators. Investigate their safety records and equipment standards to ensure your safety; consider acquiring travel insurance that covers medical evacuation for added peace of mind.
Only swim in designated areas; riptides are commonplace, and lifeguards are often scarce, making it essential to prioritise safety while enjoying water activities.

Essential Health Precautions for Visitors to Belize

Vaccination Recommendations: Although there is no entry requirement for yellow fever, it is strongly advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies prior to travelling to Belize. For comprehensive information, consult the CDC guidelines.
Mosquito Protection: Considering the year-round risk of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, it is imperative to utilise EPA-approved insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets to reduce exposure to these vectors.
Water Safety Guidelines: Adhere to the principle of “boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it” concerning food and water intake. 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 solo should exercise extra 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 encounter social stigma in Belize; it is advisable to avoid public displays of affection to ensure personal safety and comfort.
Children travelling alone or with only one parent must possess notarised parental consent letters, as immigration officials in Belize enforce this regulation stringently.

Two individuals stand at the edge of a lush, green lagoon with clear blue water at sunset. Swimmers enjoy the picturesque 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 cases of emergencies, always dial 911 for immediate assistance, whether it’s for medical, fire, or police services while in Belize.
The U.S. Embassy located in Belmopan and the Canadian Honorary Consul in Belize City can provide vital assistance with matters such as arrests, detention, or other emergencies. For further information, visit U.S. Embassy Belmopan.
Ensure you enrol in your government’s traveller-registration programme, such as STEP for U.S. citizens or the Registration of Canadians Abroad for Canadians, to remain informed and receive necessary assistance during your stay.