Belize

Recommended Vaccinations For Belize

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Belize

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends malaria prophylaxis for high-risk patients, such as pregnant and immuno-compromised patients. The World Health Organization recommends mosquito bite prevention only. The British NaTHNaC recommends malaria prophylaxis in low-risk areas in rural Belize. For malaria prophylaxis, chloroquine may be recommended.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Belize

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Belize, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Belize.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Belize.

For Some Travellers

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis is also known as “Chagas disease” and occurs throughout Central and South America, including Belize.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease carried by sand flies in Belize, especially in the central area.

Malaria

There is no risk of Malaria in Belize.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Belize. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Belize, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Safety & Security in Belize

Personal Safety

Belize recorded 89 murders in 2024, with overall major crime down 16 percent from the previous year. The homicide rate dropped to around 21.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, continuing a downward trend from rates that previously exceeded 100 murders annually. While this shows improvement, Belize maintains one of the highest per capita murder rates globally. Most violent crime concentrates in specific areas that rarely overlap with tourist zones. Gang violence primarily affects Southside Belize City, particularly areas south of Haulover Creek Canal. Tourists rarely become targets of gang violence but can be affected if near an incident. Theft represents the most common crime affecting visitors, accounting for roughly 85 percent of tourist-related incidents. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and hotel room theft occur throughout Belize, including in popular destinations like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and San Ignacio. The country’s small population of approximately 400,000 inflates per capita crime statistics. About 90 percent of serious crimes occur in areas tourists typically avoid. Tourism police patrol main visitor areas and speak English, focusing specifically on tourist safety. Over 1.5 million tourists visit Belize annually, with fewer than 1 percent reporting crime incidents. Armed criminals operate in remote forested border areas near Guatemala, particularly near tourist sites like Caracol ruins. The Belize Defence Force patrols these areas, and no reported incidents have involved tourists. Most violent crime remains gang-related, tied to domestic drug trafficking operations. Drug and human trafficking activity increases risk in certain areas. Sexual assault cases occur, including against foreign visitors, even in tourist areas and during daytime. Local police lack resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. Avoid walking or travelling after dark. Be extra vigilant near banks and ATMs. Police checkpoints operate regularly throughout the country.

Extreme Violence

Gang violence drives most extreme violence in Belize, concentrated heavily in Belize City’s Southside area. Domestic gangs originally influenced by US Bloods and Crips operate mainly in Belize City, engaging in drug trafficking and robberies. By 2008, over 30 gangs operated in Belize City with 500 youth members. Gang membership tripled to 1,500 by 2015. Gang structures fragmented at the turn of the millennium, contributing to a dramatic rise in homicide rates. This disorganised violence proved more deadly than the earlier, more structured gang environment. Central American gangs and Mexican drug trafficking groups have established presence in Belize as the country’s role in international drug trade has grown. Gang violence is predominantly small-scale conflicts between rapidly splintering groups. Over 80 percent of homicides in Belize result from firearms use. Eight out of ten murders in 2022 were committed with firearms. In 2024, domestic-related murders numbered 18 compared to 17 gang-related murders, marking the first time in years that domestic violence exceeded gang violence in homicide statistics. The Eastern Division, which includes Belize City, accounted for 39 of 89 murders in 2024, marking the first year in history this division did not account for more than half the country’s murder count. In March 2024, gang violence led to a state of emergency declaration covering portions of Southside Belize City, Roaring Creek and Camalote Village. Police rounded up dozens of alleged gang members for month-long detention. Gang violence escalated again in July 2025 with four attempted murders in five days in Belize City. States of emergency have been declared multiple times in recent years due to gang violence spikes. Witnesses often fear cooperating with police due to gang retaliation. Armed robbery and home invasions affect both tourists and foreign residents. Sexual assault remains a concern throughout the country. Investigations can take weeks, and police capacity is limited.

Political Unrest

Belize maintains stable democratic governance with regular rotations of power through competitive elections. The country has experienced relatively peaceful political transitions since independence in 1981. Political demonstrations occur in Belize City and Belmopan but most remain peaceful. Recent protests have not been marred by violence. Freedom of assembly is constitutionally protected and the government generally respects this right. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent and may lead to traffic and public transportation disruptions. Historical unrest occurred in 2005 over budget tax increases, resulting in nationwide strikes, demonstrations and clashes with police outside the National Assembly in Belmopan. Police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas when protesters refused to disperse after permits expired. This marked only the third time such unrest hit Belize. Protests in 2004 drew an estimated 10,000 people over Social Security funds use. Labour unions remain active and politically influential through the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. Teacher strikes and demonstrations occur periodically over salary and working conditions. In 2022, nurses, doctors and medical personnel held demonstrations over limited hospital resources, staffing shortages and unpaid overtime. In 2024 and 2025, teachers protested by blocking bridges and roads. In June 2025, almost 92 percent of union members supported declaring a trade dispute. Government corruption remains a concern with little political will to address the problem. Anticorruption laws are poorly enforced. No one has been prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption in Public Life Act despite it being on the books for over 20 years. The judiciary remains generally independent despite periodic attempts by political and business interests to interfere. In January 2022, the LGBTQ community expressed outrage over creation of a religious affairs portfolio, with the minister stating intentions to merge public service with Christian fundamentals. Religious organisations nominate one Senate member but non-Christian groups are excluded from this process. Protests occasionally involve confrontations with police, though no major violent incidents have been reported in recent years. The government tolerates public discourse and demonstrations within legal frameworks.

Areas To Avoid

Southside Belize City represents the most dangerous area in Belize, accounting for historically high crime rates. This area lies south of Haulover Creek Canal continuing south to Fabers Road and does not overlap with typical tourism areas. Violent gang-related crime occurs most frequently here. Specific neighbourhoods including Jane Usher Boulevard, George Street, portions of Kraal Road, Port Loyola and parts of Lake Independence experience higher crime rates including gang activity and violent incidents. The US State Department advises avoiding travel to Belize City entirely. In 2024, the Eastern Division experienced a 24 percent reduction in major crimes compared to the previous year, and for the first time in history did not account for more than half the country’s murder count. Nevertheless, roughly 40 percent of the country’s crime occurs in Belize City, though fewer than 10 percent of these incidents involve tourists. Areas along the Guatemalan border present elevated risks. Armed criminals operate in remote forested border areas, particularly near tourist sites such as the Mayan ruins at Caracol. The Belize Defence Force patrols these areas, and no reported incidents have involved tourists. Border areas generally see higher criminal activity and violence. Criminal activity including armed robberies can happen around Caracol and near the Guatemalan border. In contrast, tourist-friendly areas show much lower crime rates. Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker rank as the safest areas for tourists, reporting nearly 70 percent fewer incidents against tourists compared to mainland areas. Placencia and other coastal communities report crime rates approximately 40 percent lower than the national average. San Ignacio and the Cayo District provide relatively safe access to jungles and Mayan ruins. Popular tourist destinations maintain tourism police patrols including Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio and Placencia. Major crimes in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye were relatively low in 2024. Remote villages without dependable water supplies may present infrastructure challenges. Isolated areas should be avoided, especially after dark. Belmopan, the current capital, also experiences violent crime concerns. The Fort George neighbourhood in Belize City offers better safety for those needing to stay in the city.