Were you wondering: is Belize Safe?
Welcome to Belize a tiny nation that is one of the most laid-back countries in the Americas and quite possibly the world.
Like a Caribbean island bolted on to Central America, this miniature country hugs the coast between Mexico and Guatemala.
Backpackers have flocked to the clear waters, white sands, and chilled environment for a while now.
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Is Belize Safe?
However, Belize has its hidden gems that travelers have only started to discover. Incredible forests, haunting
Mayan ruins, lavish food and drink, world-class coral reef and exotic wildlife on land and beneath the waves.
That’s all great for the traveler looking for the right spots. But when it comes to traveling to a country like Belize, you’re most likely there to pass through.
Belize is in the perfect location for backpacking Central America and it’s easy to see why so many people pass through rather than stay.
Is Belize safe?
Well, this is the guide to help answer this ponderous question.
It mostly depends on whether you’re traveling to certain areas such as the inner cities, but it also can apply to the rural and coastal regions.
Is it Safe to Travel to Belize?
In a word: yes! Belize is safe!
For most tourists traveling in Central American countries, there’s a couple of things worth knowing before making the trip. Belize, as well as its neighbors, are infamous for crime rates.
However, this is mostly due to gang violence and petty crime carried out by gang members.
Gang activity has decreased in Belize specifically, but that doesn’t mean it has stopped existing. Poverty can be an issue, but the main issue that travelers must know is quite simple.
Tourists can be targeted if they carry expensive clothes, jewelry, and equipment on show. This is where your PacSafe comes in handy.
There have been reports of tourist-targeting. That’s to say, petty crime has been specifically targeting travelers rather than the country’s locals.
This applies to all of Central America though, so there’s not a lot of difference in comparison with the likes of El Salvador and Nicaragua.
But it’s still something to keep in mind when traveling. If you stick to this guide, as well as others online, you can make your trip as safe as you want it to be.
Safety Facts about Belize
- 15,002 British nationals visited Belize in 2018. Most visits are trouble-free.
- There is a considerable risk from crime in the region in and surrounding Belmopan.
- According to the US Government’s guide to safety in Belize, most attacks take place on tourists and expatriates who are largely unaware of their surroundings and seem susceptible.
- Pickpocketing is the biggest concern in Belize, with hundreds of incidents taking place every year.
- Confrontational crimes, such as armed robbery and theft, have increased in tourist areas and remote areas alike. Murder, sexual assault, and armed robberies occurred in areas frequented by tourists and expatriates in 2018.
- There is no geographical advantage to avoiding crime, it happens everywhere. You just need to make yourself not look like a tourist and you won’t be targeted.
Hopefully, with the help of the government’s attitude towards tackling crime and gang violence, the rise in crime against unaware tourists will subside.
Those who practice good personal security are less likely to be impacted. Criminal acts, including extremely violent acts, occur in all areas of Belize.
Is Belize Safe to Travel Alone?
Belize is safe as long as you stick to the trusted modes of transport and hotels/hostels. There are some amazing retreats in Belize that you can visit. Get some ideas on where to stay in Belize here!
If you’re traveling alone, this may be to your advantage if you don’t look like a tourist.
For the most part, as long as you stay indoors at night and keep a watchful eye out for petty crime, you’ll be safe.
If you’re wondering about the safety of hostels, they’re very safe. The best part about Belize is the prices of rooms in hostels and hotels.
If you’re willing to spend the night in an 8-bedroom hostel room you can expect to pay $8 (USD). If you’re worried about other hostel guests, you can get a private en-suite room for as cheap as $25 (USD).
- Planning a Trip to Belize
- Best Party Hostels in Central America
- FREE Map of Latin America
- Central America Travel Guide
Backpacking Belize
Belize is great for the backpacker since it is strategically placed so that a lot of backpackers pass through.
If you use secure coach services and prefer not to fly, Belize checks the boxes.
You need to make sure you read up on Belize and if it’s right for your trip.
Most people traveling through Central America choose between Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize when they reach Guatemala.
It’s completely up to you which country you decide, but just know that Belize has been targeting tourists recently.
Belize: Travel Safety Tips
Here are some tips to help you on your trip to Belize:
- Do not travel to Belize until the COVID-19 virus issue is absolved.
- Keep your money safe. This can be achieved by carrying a neck wallets a dummy wallet or keeping money safely in or bras.
- Keep your belongings in a secure backpack such as a PacSafe one.
- Credit card skimming is a problem here. It would be best to keep your money in cash form.
- Do not drink any tap water or river water. There’s a risk of contracting Hep A and Typhoid.
- If you are a person that suffers from typical culture shock symptoms see our tips on adapting to new surroundings on this blog.
- Stay away from crowds, or better yet do not engage with any political activity. This includes demonstrations or rallies. This is because there are tensions between the presidency and the legislative assembly of El Salvador. You may even accidentally engage by joining a crowd you may think isn’t a protest.
- Make sure you stay indoors at night. Make a curfew for yourself if you need to.
- There is still a risk of contracting the Zika virus. Just visit Travel Health Pro For more info about diseases/viruses.
- You may encounter petty crime, like theft, especially on public buses. Do not flash any of your valuables around, or carry them at all.
See this guide to the safest countries in Central America for more practical safety information that may inform your latest travel plans.
Getting Around Belize
The best way for you to get around Belize would be through a trusted and secure coach service.
You can actually book before you get there through a tour operator or through the company you booked the hotel with.
One way to travel to Belize is to pass through, so this could be to your benefit. Arriving from the Yucatan in Mexico is a smart way to arrive.
Traveling alone, on a public bus, or trying a taxi could be dangerous. It would be best to stick with a coach.
Got Travel Insurance for Belize?
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Belize Safety
Belize is an amazing country with the best people and the best culture.
It’s perfect for passing travelers, so give it a try! You won’t regret it!
Learn more from these books about Belize to get even more insight into the country and its people.
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