Is Belize Safe in 2024? Important Safety Tips to Know!

Belize is a popular tourist destination within Central America, especially for backpackers traveling across Central and South America.

My last visit to Belize was fantastic!

I made several lifelong memories from chilling on the serene beachfront, scuba diving at the Blue Hole, and exploring the thick jungles. And watching the beautiful display of marine life at the Belize Barrier Reef was a fascinating encounter I’ll never forget.

But while my experiences were great, I know I've definitely done my fair share of research on staying safe and alert even before booking the ticket there.

While many tourists consider Belize a rich attraction site, it’s not considered the safest place to travel to. That's why I'm here to share my notes on why I still made my decision to visit Belize (Definitely don't regret it.)

This is why it’s essential to be prepared with your travel plans, and you can do this easily with Pilot!

So, if you’re hoping to visit Belize soon, I’ve gathered everything you need to know whether Belize is the destination for you, and if so, to ensure your trip to Belize is fun, safe, and memorable.

Let's start with why people, like me, want to visit the country of Belize.

Why Visit Belize?

Belize is a small country in Central America with no coastline on the Pacific Ocean.

The official language spoken in Belize is English.

Although this country does not have a coastline in the Pacific Ocean, it’s richly blessed with a lovely coastline along the Caribbean Sea towards the East, alongside other natural attractions.

You can find Belize between Guatemala, facing the West and South, and Mexico, facing the North. It's really the perfect pit stop to backpack your way through Central America!

Belize is the place to satisfy your appetite for adventure! It’s full of amazing things to see and do. From swimming to deep sea fishing to snorkeling to exploring the reefs, to scuba diving... Belize gives you the thrill of a lifetime!

Is Belize Safe in 2024?

The short answer is not really. Let me explain

While the country itself is amazing, with tons of things to do, see, eat, and explore, there are unfortunate events like violent crime and gang-related activities that makes some parts of Belize an unsafe place to be.

Belize is listed in many governments across the world to exercise increased caution while traveling.

Many governments have also given Belize City, especially Southside, a special designation to avoid travels near the region for increased gang activities and violent crimes, such as sexual assault, violent armed robberies, and murder, even during daylight and tourist areas.

This sentiment is echoed with the United States, Canadian, and New Zealand government's travel advisories as of time this article is written (Jan 2024.)

It's really unfortunate that a country with poplar tourist destinations Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker is currently going through a time of instability.

I'd highly encourage travelers to plan ahead if you're visiting Belize, especially if you're traveling through the sensitive areas and if you're a solo-traveler.

5 Things to Keep an Eye Out for in Belize

Being tourism hotspot, Belize has its fair share of criminal activity aside from the ones mentioned above.

So, if you're still headed there, how do you make sure you stay safe while exploring Belize?

In this case, knowledge and planning is king. Knowing which type of potential dangers are afoot and the precautions to take to avoid them can help give you peace of mind and keep you away from danger as you soak in the wonder of this beautiful country.

When traversing through a country like Belize, its always strongly recommended to have a solid plan, including a communication and checking-in plan with friends and family, especially for solo travelers.

Plan and share your travel itineraries on Pilot with your friends and family so they can check-in on your while you're there!

Without further ado, here are the 4 things to keep an eye out for in Belize.

5. Petty Theft

Like many other tourist regions, Belize has its share of theft and pickpocketing.

These acts usually increase during winter vacations and spring breaks. The number of theft incidents is higher because Belize has more visitors during these seasons. The pickpockets often target naive tourists, especially in crowded areas.

Here are some actions you can take to avoid theft in Belize:

• Keep your valuable stuff close to you always.
• Get a cross-shoulder bag or a money belt to store your credit cards, cash, important documents, and other small-sized valuable stuff.
• Only carry small amounts of cash and do not display signs of affluence.
• Always be cautious and alert of your immediate surroundings.
• Only use ATMs in the daytime in a secure environment.

If you discover someone has stolen something from you, don’t panic. Calmly report the situation at the nearest police station.

4. Scams

Scams is common in Belize.

During our last visit, my friend Anne lost a lot of her money to these scammers, and I wouldn’t want you to fall victim to their plots.

A general rule of thumb is to always make few assumptions and plan for the worst. Never think you're not susceptible to scammers, elaborate scams are evolving every single day.

So, here are ways you can be scammed in Belize:

Property Scams

Some fraudsters go the length of advertising properties that either does not belong to them or do not even exist. They sometimes approach you to make advance payment for these items but later run off with your money.

ATM Scams

This scam is especially prevelant in San Pedro. Only use ATM if necessary in well-lit public areas or banks.

Also be extremely cautious when someone else is handling your credit or debit card. Avoid card readers that looks irregular, and cover your keypad when entering the password.

Make sure to also alert your bank that you're traveling and check your bank account regularly for any unauthorized transactions.

Investment Scams

Most fraudsters are in this category. The fraudsters approach you with investment ideas and fake evidence to get you to invest your money. They brag about how much return you can get and put you under high pressure.

Lottery Scams

Sometimes, fraudsters in Belizen call you, informing you that you have won a prize. But you have to pay to access it.

Online Scams

Other scammers and cybercriminals use fake social media accounts and other online tactics to lure you into giving them money.

When in Belize, please stay mindful of these methods of scams and avoid them.

3. Taxis

Since there's only one international airport (BZE) in Belize, you'll need to either arrange private transportation with your accommodation or take an taxi.

Traveling around Belize may be slightly difficult if you're used to traveling with Ubers or other ride-sharing apps, since they're not available in Belize.

While there are taxis in Belize, I'd avoid taking taxis if possible. If you must take one, make sure they're a registered taxi vehicle (green license plates). Here are a few things to remember

• Taxis come in many form & they honk at you to indicate free space
• Always negotiate your fare before getting on
• Sharing taxis are common, plan for that
• Refrain from taxi-ing alone at night (especially for solo female travelers)

2. Natural Disasters

Touring Belize is fun!

But fun can quickly become a nightmare when traveling during a natural disaster. Belize is prone to many natural disasters like landslides, floods, hurricanes, and droughts.

In fact, Belize experiences frequent hurricanes, which tends to hit popular destinations like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. These hurricane seasons run late summer from June to November, so avoid travel during this time.

Here are some precautions to take before traveling to Belize:

• Check the weather forecast before you go.
• If you intend to visit between July and November, which is the usual hurricane season, you must be okay with the possibility of canceling your travel plans.
• Get travel insurance that can help you cover all expenses.
• If any natural disaster occurs while you are in Belize, don’t panic—follow the instructions from the local authorities.
• Frequently check for storm warnings.
• Carefully study the exit routes in case you have to flee.
• Avoid staying in houses that can’t withstand natural disasters.
• Keep your vital paper documents secure and waterproof.

1. Mugging

Mugging is a frequent and severe crime in Belize, since they're often armed robberies. Your items, like jewelry, phone, money, and other things, can be taken away from you forcefully in some dangerous areas.

Even worse, you can be injured as a result of this act. Mugging can occur anywhere in Belize but is more common in non-touristy and dark areas.

But don’t take Belize off of your travel list yet. There are lots of easy ways to avoid muggings as a tourist.

‍Here are some tips to prevent muggers:

• Stay in populated areas that are tourist friendly.
• Be careful taking taxis.
• Keep your valuables in a plain secured bag.
• Always be mindful of your surroundings.
• Travel alongside your friends or in groups if possible.
• If you suspect any unusual activity, quickly contact the authorities of Belize.

Is Belize Safe for Female Travelers?

Yes, Belize is a safe place, but only if you remain cautious and alert. While it's not dangerous for female travelers to visit Belize, there has been reports of sexual assaults and harrassments.

It’s essential to take safety measures while in Belize, such as:

• Dress inconspicuously and do not show signs of affluence
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially around isolated places.
• Ensuring your accommodation is secure.
• Be on alert for suspicious activities, know who to call.

By taking a few safety precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you and your friends can have an unforgettable experience in this gorgeous country!

Avoid This Area in Belize

If you're traveling to Belize, always stick to the tourist destinations. That's the best way to keep yourself safe.

Unless you must, avoid Belize City, especially the southern part. There are multiple travel advisories recommending to reconsider travel to areas south of Haulover Creek Canal as theres increased gang activities.

Also be careful around the Guatemala and Honduras borders as there has been recorded disputes happening around that area.

Safely Plan Your Adventure in Belize!

While I know there's a lot to look out for in Belize and that might deter many tourists from visiting this beautiful country, it really can be a tropical paradise if you plan ahead. Use Pilot to make sure your time in Belize is organized and well-prepared!