Belize Safety Guide: Smart Travel Tips for 2025

Belize is renowned as a premier Caribbean destination, offering breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. However, it is imperative for prospective visitors to maintain a careful balance between immersing themselves in the paradise that Belize embodies and implementing essential precautions to safeguard their wellbeing. This detailed guide presents the latest crime statistics, government advisories, and practical insights aimed at equipping travellers with the essential knowledge needed to explore Belize’s stunning beaches, verdant jungles, and magnificent ancient ruins while prioritising their safety.

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

As of 2024, Belize reported a homicide rate of 21.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, which reflects a slight increase from the previous year's rate of 21.5. Interestingly, there was a significant improvement observed in the first half of 2025, with a notable decline in homicides by 29 percent, with reported cases dropping from 58 to 41. According to the CompStat report published by the Belize Police Department, overall major crimes have also decreased by 9 percent, falling from 536 in the first half of 2024 to 489 in the corresponding period of 2025. This positive trend indicates a considerable reduction in incidents of murder (–29 percent), robbery (–15 percent), and theft (–26 percent), showcasing an overall enhancement in safety 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. Critical Government Travel Advisories for Safe Visits to Belize

U.S. Department of State: Presently, Belize has been rated as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to the existence of violent crime, including incidents of sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Notably, the Southside of Belize City is designated as Level 3: Reconsider Travel—it is strongly advised to avoid non-tourist areas situated south of Haulover Creek. Source: U.S. Department of State
Government of Canada: Canadians are cautioned to exercise a high degree of caution throughout Belize, with specific recommendations to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City due to ongoing gang-related 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 per capita globally; serious gang-related violence is predominantly concentrated in the Southside of Belize City. Nevertheless, other regions such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio generally remain safe for travellers who exercise the appropriate level of caution. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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

Belize City (Southside): This region is notorious for gang activity, which significantly impacts the violent crime rates. It is advisable to steer clear of non-tourist neighbourhoods, especially after dark, to ensure personal safety.
Border Zones: Areas adjacent to the borders are experiencing heightened smuggling activities and cross-border violence, particularly involving Guatemala, which travellers should remain aware of.
Petty Crime Hotspots: Locations such as San Pedro are often frequented by incidents of pickpocketing and credit card fraud. Always ensure to shield your PIN when utilising ATMs and prefer machines located within banks for enhanced security.

4. Essential Proactive Safety Tips for Travellers Exploring Belize

Improving Your Personal Security While Travelling

Stay vigilant: It is essential to avoid walking alone at night, particularly in urban settings like Belize City and Belmopan, where the risk of crime tends to be elevated.
Secure your valuables: Always make use of hotel safes for your important belongings and keep wallets and mobile phones concealed to deter potential thieves.
Be cautious regarding spiked drinks: It is advisable never to accept food or beverages from strangers, as this could lead to potentially 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 aware that a significant portion of secondary roads in Belize are not paved and poorly illuminated. It is advisable to only drive during daylight hours and to ensure your fuel tank is always full before embarking on longer journeys.
Public Transport Caution: Public buses are often inadequately maintained—it's preferable to avoid them when possible. When opting for licensed taxis, remember that they operate without regulated meters; thus, it is wise to negotiate your fare beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.
Ferries Safety: When travelling between the cayes, ensure that life jackets are readily available and that vessels are not overcrowded to guarantee safe passage.

Engaging in Adventure Activities with Safety in Mind

When partaking 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 wellbeing; consider obtaining travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Only swim in designated areas; riptides are prevalent, and lifeguards are often scarce, making it crucial to prioritise safety while in the water.

Vital Health Precautions for Travellers Heading to Belize

Vaccination Recommendations: While there is no entry requirement for yellow fever, it is highly advisable to receive vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies before travelling to Belize. For comprehensive information, refer to the CDC guidelines.
Mosquito Protection: Given 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.
Water Safety Guidelines: Adhere to the rule 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 you remain hydrated.

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

Women travelling alone should exercise heightened caution to avoid isolated areas and poorly lit alleyways, as there have been reports of harassment in certain regions.
Members of the LGBTQ community may encounter social stigma in Belize; it is prudent to refrain from public displays of affection to ensure personal safety.
Children travelling alone or with just 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 the event of an emergency, always dial 911 for immediate assistance, whether 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 assist 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 stay updated and receive necessary support.