Belize Safety Guide: Smart Travel Tips for 2025

Belize is widely recognised as a premier Caribbean destination, offering stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. However, it is essential for prospective visitors to find a balance between reveling in the beautiful paradise that Belize presents and taking necessary precautions to safeguard their well-being. This detailed guide presents up-to-date crime statistics, government advisories, and authentic insights to empower travellers with the knowledge they require to explore Belize’s breathtaking beaches, lush jungles, and magnificent ancient ruins while prioritising their safety and security.

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 uptick from the previous year’s rate of 21.5. Interestingly, there was a significant decrease in homicides by 29 percent during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with recorded cases dropping from 58 to 41. According to the CompStat report from the Belize Police Department, overall major crime rates also fell by 9 percent, decreasing from 536 incidents in H1 2024 to 489 in H1 2025. This positive trend is attributed to remarkable decreases in murder (–29 percent), robbery (–15 percent), and theft (–26 percent), suggesting an improving safety landscape for both residents and visitors.

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 Safe Visits to Belize

U.S. Department of State: Presently, Belize holds a rating of Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to the prevalence of violent crime, which encompasses sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Particularly, the Southside of Belize City is classified as Level 3: Reconsider Travel; travellers are advised to steer clear of non-tourist areas located south of Haulover Creek. Source: U.S. Department of State
Government of Canada: Canadian travellers are urged to exercise a high degree of caution throughout the country, with additional 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 cautions that Belize has one of the highest murder rates in the world per capita; serious gang-related violence is predominantly concentrated in the Southside of Belize City. Nevertheless, other destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio are generally regarded as safe for visitors who exercise appropriate caution. 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 activities that contribute significantly to the area’s violent crime rates. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid non-tourist neighbourhoods, especially after nightfall, to enhance their personal safety.
Border Zones: Areas adjacent to the borders are currently experiencing a rise in smuggling and cross-border violence, particularly with Guatemala. Awareness of these risks is vital for travellers.
Petty Crime Hotspots: Locations like San Pedro have gained notoriety for incidents of pickpocketing and credit card fraud. Always take precautions to shield your PIN while using ATMs and prefer machines situated inside banks for enhanced security.

4. Proactive Safety Recommendations for Travellers Exploring Belize

Enhancing Your Personal Security While Discovering Belize

Maintain vigilance: It is crucial to avoid walking alone at night, particularly in urban centres like Belize City and Belmopan, where the risk of crime is heightened.
Secure your valuables: Always make use of hotel safes for important belongings and keep wallets and mobile phones out of sight to deter potential thieves.
Be cautious of spiked drinks: Never accept food or beverages from strangers, as this could lead to perilous 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 Strategies for Travellers in Belize

Road Conditions: Be aware that many secondary roads in Belize remain unpaved and inadequately illuminated. It is advisable to drive exclusively during daylight hours and ensure your fuel tank is always topped up before embarking on extended journeys.
Public Transport Caution: Public buses often lack adequate maintenance—it’s prudent to avoid them whenever possible. When utilising licensed taxis, remember they are not regulated by meters; thus, it is best to negotiate your fare beforehand to prevent misunderstandings.
Ferries Safety: When travelling between the cayes, ensure that life jackets are readily available, and that vessels are not overcrowded to guarantee safe transit.

Engaging in Adventure Activities Safely in Belize

When participating in adventure activities such as scuba diving, zip-lining, and cave tubing, always select reputable operators. Verify their safety records and equipment standards to ensure your well-being; consider obtaining travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Only swim in designated areas; riptides are common, and lifeguards may be scarce, making it crucial to prioritise safety while in the water.

Critical Health Precautions for Visitors to Belize

Vaccination Recommendations: While there is no entry requirement for yellow fever, it is highly advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies prior to travelling to Belize. For more detailed information, consult the CDC guidelines.
Mosquito Protection: Given the year-round risk of diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, it is vital to utilise EPA-approved insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets to reduce exposure.
Water Safety Guidelines: Abide by the rule of “boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it” when it pertains to food and water consumption. Always carry oral rehydration salts to effectively manage traveller’s diarrhoea and ensure you stay hydrated.

5. Special Considerations for Women, Children, and LGBTQ Travellers in Belize

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

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. Navigating Emergency Services and Consular Support in Belize

In the event 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 assist with issues such as arrests, detentions, or other emergencies. For further information, please visit U.S. Embassy Belmopan.
Ensure you enrol in your government’s traveller-registration program, such as STEP for U.S. citizens or the Registration of Canadians Abroad for Canadians, to remain informed and receive necessary assistance.