Is Belize safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Most visitors to Belize's tourist areas — San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye and Placencia — have trouble-free trips. Belize does have a high crime rate, mostly gang-related and concentrated in parts of Belize City, so visitors usually pass through the city rather than stay. Petty theft, water safety on tours and the heat are the realistic day-to-day risks.
The real risks
Theft
Bag snatching and theft from rooms and beaches happen, including on the cayes. Use the hotel safe, do not leave belongings on the beach while you swim, and avoid displaying jewellery or cash.
Belize City at night
Some neighbourhoods have gang violence. Use taxis after dark and stick to the areas around the water taxi terminal and the Fort George district.
Tours and water
Use licensed guides and operators with good safety records for caves, snorkelling and diving. Wear a life jacket on boats and follow the guide's instructions in the ATM cave.
Border areas
Remote parts of the western border with Guatemala, such as around Caracol and the Chiquibul forest, have had incidents; tours to Caracol travel in convoy for this reason.
Hurricanes
The season runs June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. Follow the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and your hotel's advice.
Areas and times to take care
In Belize City, many visitors spend only a few hours between the airport, the water taxi terminal and the Fort George area, and avoid walking around the southside at night. On Caye Caulker and in San Pedro, walk on lit main streets after dark, and be more careful on empty beaches at night. San Ignacio and Placencia are relaxed, but the same common-sense precautions apply.
Getting around safely
Use licensed taxis (green licence plates) and agree the fare before you get in, as there are no meters. Avoid long-distance road travel after dark, when potholes, unlit roads and speed bumps (locally called 'sleeping policemen') are hard to see. On the cayes, golf carts serve as taxis. Water taxis and small domestic planes (Tropic Air, Maya Island Air) are the usual way between the mainland and the islands.
Solo and women travellers
Many solo women travel in Belize without problems, particularly on Caye Caulker and in San Ignacio, where the backpacker scene is friendly. Catcalling happens. Take a taxi at night, avoid walking alone on empty beaches after dark, watch your drink in bars, and choose well-reviewed tour operators and accommodation.
Health, water and heat
Tap water is chlorinated in some towns, but most visitors drink bottled or filtered water, especially on the cayes. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occur, so use repellent, particularly in the wet season. Sand flies are common on beaches at dusk. The sun is strong; use reef-safe sunscreen and drink plenty of water in the 27–30°C heat.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Belize safe for tourists?
Most visitors to San Ignacio, the cayes and Placencia have no problems. Crime is concentrated in parts of Belize City, where visitors usually pass through.
Is Caye Caulker safe?
Generally yes. Watch out for petty theft, avoid empty beaches late at night and use the hotel safe.
What is the emergency number in Belize?
911 for police, ambulance and fire.