Mexico & Central America
Is Belize safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Belize safe?
Visitors mostly face petty theft on the cayes and in San Ignacio and Placencia. Gang violence is concentrated in Belize City's Southside, which tourists rarely need to enter.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-03-11.
- Homicide rate: 28.1 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 22.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: Expect catcalling, especially in Belize City. Caye Caulker and San Ignacio are easy for solo women; use registered taxis and avoid dark beaches.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Theft from rooms and beaches on the cayes
- Gang violence in Belize City's Southside
- Hurricanes and flooding, June–November
- Poorly regulated boat, dive and snorkel operators
Common scams
- Unregistered taxis; licensed ones have green plates
- Unlicensed tour guides; book through established operators
Laws visitors break by accident
- Damaging coral or the reef is a criminal offence with heavy penalties.
- Changing money on the street is illegal; use banks or licensed exchanges.
- Removing Maya artifacts or protected wildlife without a permit is illegal.
Safety by place in Belize
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Caye Caulker | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ambergris Caye | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Placencia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Ignacio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Belize safe for tourists?
Visitors mostly face petty theft on the cayes and in San Ignacio and Placencia. Gang violence is concentrated in Belize City's Southside, which tourists rarely need to enter.
Is Belize safe for solo female travelers?
Expect catcalling, especially in Belize City. Caye Caulker and San Ignacio are easy for solo women; use registered taxis and avoid dark beaches.
What is the emergency number in Belize?
All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Belize
- Government of Canada travel advice: Belize
- Belize Immigration and Nationality Department
- Belize Tourism Board: Work Where You Vacation
- Speedtest Global Index: Belize
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.