Is Belize Safe to Visit? Your Safety Guide

Belize offers varying safety levels depending on location. Tourist spots like Ambergris Caye and Placencia remain relatively safe, while you should avoid Belize City’s Southside entirely. The country has a Level 2 travel advisory, recommending increased caution due to crime rates that rose 21% from 2020-2021. You’ll need to exercise standard precautions: use registered taxis, avoid night travel, and stay vigilant. Our detailed guide breaks down exactly where and when caution matters most.

Good To Know

• Belize has varying safety levels, with tourist areas like Ambergris Caye and Placencia being significantly safer than Belize City’s Southside.
• Crime rates increased 20.98% from 2020 to 2021, though recent data shows stabilization with a 7% decrease in major crimes by early 2025.
• Both U.S. and Canadian governments issue Level 2 advisories (exercise increased caution) due to crime, especially recommending avoiding Belize City’s Southside.
• Popular tourist destinations on islands and coastal areas experience mainly petty theft, while urban areas face more serious gang violence and drug-related crime.
• Travel safely by using registered taxis, avoiding night travel, staying in reputable accommodations, and registering with your embassy before visiting.

The Current Security Situation in Belize

While Belize offers stunning natural beauty and affluent cultural experiences, you’ll need to understand its current security landscape before visiting. The country has experienced fluctuating crime rates in recent years, with the murder rate at 31.25 per 100,000 in 2021, up from 25.83 in 2020. This represents a 20.98% increase from the previous year.

Belize’s natural wonders are matched by complex security realities that demand visitor awareness before travel.

Belize ranks 46th globally on the Crime Index with a score of 52.7, comparable to Botswana and Algeria. Recent data shows some stabilization in crime trends, with police reporting gradual improvements in early 2025. Travelers should follow essential safety tips to minimize risks while enjoying what the country has to offer.

The government has implemented initiatives to address safety concerns, including data-driven policing and community cooperation programs. However, skepticism exists about official statistics, with concerns about underreporting.

For accurate information, consult both the Belize Crime Observatory and cross-check with multiple sources before your trip.

Region-by-Region Safety Assessment

Understanding Belize’s safety landscape requires a closer look at each distinct region, as security conditions vary dramatically throughout the country. Southside Belize City distinguishes itself as the most dangerous area, with gang violence and higher crime rates that aren’t representative of the entire country.

• Island destinations like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye offer notably safer environments with mainly petty theft concerns, making them ideal for solo travelers.
• Placencia and Southern Belize maintain low violent crime rates and are frequently recommended by expats for their safety.
• Corozal and Northern Belize provide peaceful alternatives with minimal security concerns, though less developed tourism infrastructure.

The May 6, 2025 state of emergency in Belize City, Belize District, and Cayo District indicates the ongoing challenges with gang violence, especially in areas close to tourist zones.

Your safest options include the cayes, Placencia, and Corozal, while exercising standard precautions that you’d in any tourist destination. Like Jamaica, Belize requires visitors to remain vigilant about safety while enjoying its beautiful attractions.

What Government Travel Advisories Say About Belize

Government travel advisories paint a nuanced picture of Belize’s safety landscape that travelers should carefully consider before traveling. Both the U.S. and Canada maintain Level 2 advisories, recommending increased caution throughout the country due to crime rates.

The most serious warnings focus on Belize City’s Southside area, which both governments advise avoiding entirely due to gang violence and drug-related crime.

The U.S. Embassy regularly issues security alerts about urban areas and has announced enhanced security measures at municipal airstrips.

Beyond crime concerns, health advisories highlight risks from mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya.

Unlike Indiana where dangerous wildlife encounters are a primary concern for outdoor enthusiasts, Belize’s safety issues are predominantly related to urban crime and disease prevention.

You’re encouraged to register with your embassy, stay informed through local news, and follow authorities’ instructions while in Belize.

Tourist-Specific Safety Considerations

Tourists visiting Belize face unique safety considerations that differ from those affecting local residents. As a visitor, you’ll be more vulnerable to opportunistic crimes and health risks unfamiliar to your immune system.

Stick to reputable accommodations in safer areas like Ambergris Caye or Placencia, and avoid traveling at night when poor street lighting increases risks. Popular tourist destinations have seen a 24% reduction in major crimes according to recent police reports. While exploring natural areas in Belize, be aware that the country, like neighboring Cuba, is home to various spider species that are generally harmless but worth recognizing.

• Transportation safety: Use secure transportation services, wear seatbelts, and avoid driving after dark when road hazards become more dangerous.
• Health precautions: Carry insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, drink only bottled water, and research medical facilities near your destinations.
• Financial protection: Use ATMs in secure locations like hotel lobbies, carry limited cash, and inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent card issues.

Crime Statistics and Trends to Know

You are trained on data up to October 2023. Early statistics from the first quarter of 2025 indicate a positive trend with major crimes down by 7% compared to the same period in 2024. When comparing safe travel destinations in Central America, it’s important to note that Belize has significantly lower crime rates than El Salvador, which contains some of the region’s most dangerous areas.

How Safe Are Popular Tourist Destinations?

Despite Belize’s high national crime rate, popular tourist destinations vary markedly in their safety profiles. Coastal areas like Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker stand out as the safest spots with minimal crime affecting visitors. The Eastern Division, which includes these destinations, reported a 24% decrease in major crimes in 2024. Unlike Hawaii’s bustling tourist centers, Belize offers a more secluded vacation experience with fewer crowds.

• Beach destinations (Ambergris Caye, Placencia, Caye Caulker) offer safe environments with strong community vigilance and police presence.
• Mayan ruins and attractions require awareness of petty theft risks but generally remain safe for travelers.
• Belize City demands caution, particularly in Southside areas which should be avoided entirely.

When traveling between destinations, exercise heightened vigilance at transit points like airports and border crossings, where robbery risks increase. Taking public chicken buses can be a safe alternative, though they may sometimes be overcrowded and in poor condition.

Essential Safety Tips for Travelers

Getting around Belize safely requires vigilance and practical preparation, even in popular tourist areas where violent crime remains a persistent concern.

Always secure your valuables—avoid flashy jewelry and keep cash minimal. Use ATMs only in well-lit areas during daylight hours. Lock hotel rooms completely and utilize in-room safes. Don’t walk alone after dark, and stick to reputable transportation services recommended by your accommodation.

Never accept drinks from strangers or leave beverages unattended. Be wary of overly friendly locals offering unexpected assistance, as this could be a scam setup. Save emergency contacts in your phone before arrival, including local police and your embassy’s number. Carry passport copies separate from originals.

Purchase extensive travel insurance covering both medical emergencies and theft.

Unlike Puerto Rico with its spine-chilling animals, Belize’s safety concerns are primarily related to crime rather than dangerous wildlife.

When and Where to Exercise Extra Caution

Understanding which areas pose genuine safety risks in Belize can make the difference between an enjoyable vacation and a potentially dangerous situation.

While tourist hotspots like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia remain largely safe, you’ll need to exercise heightened vigilance in specific circumstances.

• Belize City’s Southside: Avoid this area entirely, especially south of Haulover Creek to Fabers Road, where gang-related violence is concentrated.
• Nighttime travel: Limit movement after dark, particularly in urban areas or remote locations where emergency response is limited.
• Road travel: Drive with extreme caution due to poor road conditions, minimal lighting, and inconsistent safety standards – or opt for registered taxis with green license plates.

Like Hawaii’s dangerous spots, Belize has beautiful areas that can pose hidden risks to unprepared visitors.

Always maintain situational awareness when traveling between tourist zones and major urban centers.

The Sum Up

Like a vigilant jungle cat exploring Belize’s varied landscape, you’ve now mapped your journey through both welcoming beaches and challenging urban territories. You’re armed with practical knowledge about where to roam freely and when to raise your guard. Trust your instincts, follow local advice, and maintain awareness of your surroundings. With proper preparation, you’ll enjoy Belize’s treasures while keeping safety your constant companion.