Published: June 25, 2026 

This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Belize Travel Advisory and Belize International Travel Information Page. 

Embassy & Consulate Contact Information 

​U.S. Embassy Belize 

4 Floral Park Road 

Belmopan, Belize  

+ (501) 822-4011 

Emergencies: + (501) 822-4011. Hours. Weekdays 7:30am-5:15pm; Friday 7:30am-12:30pm 

OSAC Country Chapter 

The Belmopan Country Chapter resumed activity in June 2026. 

Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions. 

Belize Travel Advisory 

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling to Belize due to crime. 

Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. 

Crime 

​The U.S. Department of State has assessed Belmopan as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. 

The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Belize, indicating that widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country; local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.   

The crime emergency line in Belize is 911. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure. 

Crime: General Threat 

There is no indication that criminals actively target U.S. nationals in Belize, but tourists and expatriates residing in Belize may be susceptible to crimes of opportunity and perceived affluence, particularly when not exhibiting situational awareness. Petty theft, armed robbery, and property crime are common in Belmopan. Violent crime is more common in Belize City, specifically on the south side of the city. As such, the U.S. Department of State has classified Southside Belize City as a Level 3: Reconsider Travel area.  

Incidents of pickpocketing, burglary, and hotel room theft are the most common types of non-violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens; these occur throughout Belize. Domestic violence is prevalent. Non-confrontational petty thieves are particularly active in tourist areas and on public transportation. Reports of theft from lodging are common; keep doors locked, even when at home, and secure valuables in locked containers or provided safes. Cooperate if an intruder confronts you.  

Vandalism and theft of vehicles occur throughout the country. Car alarms are a necessary precaution in deterring vehicle thefts and break-ins. Theft of easily pilfered items and sound systems is common.  

Taxi stands and plazas are located throughout major cities and villages. Identify taxis by their green license plates. Only hail taxis from reputable establishments or call a service ahead of time. Make it clear to the driver that you do not wish to pick up additional passengers. Many vehicles do not have operational security features such as airbags.  

In 2017, the Misuse of Drugs Act (MODA) decriminalized the possession of marijuana in quantities of 10g or less in a private domicile with the owner’s permission. Smoking in public locations, including parks, is still illegal, as is the importation and purchase of marijuana; violators are subject to substantial penalties, including lengthy jail time.  

Fraud related to credit/debit cards occurs in areas tourists frequent, particularly Belize City and San Pedro. Skimming is most likely to occur in restaurants, bars, and hotels, when the victim's card is out of view.  

There have been numerous reports of fraud committed against expatriates and Belizeans attempting to purchase land. Corrupt officials are reportedly involved in fraudulent land title transfers. Consult with a reputable Belizean attorney when purchasing property. Many expatriates have reported being the victim of scams in which land is purchased that was not available, was legally owned by other parties, or was subsequently resold without their knowledge. Due to media coverage implicating high-level complicity in land fraud, the government has renewed efforts to address property disputes by converting physical records to electronic records.  

Several high-profile investigations have linked Belizean officials to extortion and in the alleged sale of illegal Belizean identity documents including passports.  

The official nationwide murder total in 2025 was 91. The 2025 murder per capita was 21.8 homicides per 100,000 residents. This rate continues a trend of decreasing homicides over the last decade. However, there was not a significant decrease from 2024 with one less homicide in 2025 compared to 2024. Many recorded homicides are gang-related targeted killings that are less likely to affect bystander populations. 

Corruption, human and drug trafficking, money laundering (institutional and trade-based), and local criminal gang activity remain significant problems exacerbated by the low conviction rate. Criminal organizations and individuals often operate beyond the ability of the police to disrupt them.  

Due to Belize’s location along popular trafficking routes, the transit of drugs (including cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine from South America) has risen. It is common for tourists to be offered drugs (mainly cannabis) openly in tourist areas during all times of day.   

There is some evidence to suggest that Salvadoran and Guatemalan-based transnational criminal organizations provide logistical support to international drug and human trafficking organizations that use Belize as a transit country. Gang tags from 18th Street (Barrio 18) and MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) have been reported in multiple districts, including Belmopan and Cayo districts, where the U.S. Embassy is located.  

Crime: Areas of Concern 

Avoid traveling to Southside Belize City. Historically, much of the violent crime in Belize occurs in the Southside area of Belize City and is related to gang activity, although this area is not frequented by tourists. In 2025 and 2026, the Belizean government declared multiple states of emergency in designated gang areas following incidents of gang-on-gang aggression, enabling law enforcement and security authorities to conduct random searches and arrests without a warrant.  

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.  

Kidnapping Threat 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Belize.   

Kidnappings are rare in Belize. There were no known incidents of U.S. Citizens involved in kidnappings in 2025 and 2026. 

Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips. 

Terrorism 

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Belmopan as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Belize. 

Political Violence and Civil Unrest 

​The U.S. Department of State has assessed Belmopan as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Belize. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent. 

Elections/Political Stability 

Belize is a parliamentary democracy led by a Prime Minister. General elections are held every five years. 

Belize last held general elections in 2025 without incident. The incumbent government under the People’s United Party (PUP) was reelected for a second term. Prime Minister Johnny Briceño retained his position as leader of the PUP. 

Belize will hold general elections in 2030.  

Protests & Demonstrations 

There is minimal risk from civil unrest in Belmopan. Political violence is rare. Lawful protests/ demonstrations do occur but are generally peaceful and orderly. The Belizean government requires a permit that must be requested at least 24 hours prior to a planned protest.  

In 2026, the Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ) protested in demonstrations held over several months after a telecoms merger led to a suspension of owed interest payments to former employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). Demonstrations varied in scale over several months, but some reports suggest protesters were able to briefly breach police barriers and police denied permits to the group to lawfully protest. Other labor unions and organizations joined BCWJ events.  

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest. 

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment 

There is no inherent anti-U.S. sentiment in Belize.  

Law Enforcement 

The crime emergency line in Belize is 911. Belize operates a Crime Stoppers anonymous crime reporting line at 922.  

The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security is responsible for oversight of the military and the Coast Guard, while the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has responsibility for police and prisons. The Belize Police Department (BPD) is primarily responsible for internal security.  

The small military focuses on external security but also provides limited support domestically to civilian authorities. The Belize Defense Force has limited powers of arrest within land and shoreline areas, and the Coast Guard has arrest powers and jurisdiction within coastal and maritime areas. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There have been credible reports that members of the security forces committed some abuses.  

The National Crimes Investigations Branch (NCIB), under the Commissioner of Police, is the lead investigative agency for serious crimes. Reach NCIB at +501-802-3818.  

Contact info for city police:  

Belize City (incl. all Eastern District): +501-207-2222  

Belmopan: +501-802-1404, +501-822-0202, +501-828-4684  

Benque Viejo: +501-803-2038  

Caye Caulker: +501-206-0179  

Corozal: +501-402-0022  

Dangriga: +501-522-2022  

Independence: +501-523-2022  

Orange Walk: +501-322-2022  

Punta Gorda: +501-722-2022  

San Ignacio: +501-804-2022  

San Pedro: +501-206-2022  

Police Response 

If you are the victim of a crime, contact the local police first to obtain a Belize police report (911 or +501-822-2222). The police and emergency telephone lines may be busy. Contacting police can be difficult. U.S. citizens report difficulties in receiving police reports due to a lengthy and time-consuming reporting structure, which may contribute to underreporting of thefts in tourist areas. There is a Tourist Police Unit that patrols certain high traffic areas.  

Law enforcement in Belize have limited access to equipment, resources, and training. As a result of lengthy responses to requests for assistance by the citizenry, media reports of human rights violations by police officers, and cases of perceived corruption, the police do not enjoy the full confidence and cooperation of the general population. Crime is underreported and often resolved by confrontation, due to absence of an immediate police response. Investigative units generally have the autonomy to respond; additionally, availability of transportation and lack of professional training in investigative techniques remain obstacles. Equipment shortages (e.g., radios, vehicles) limit police ability to deter or respond to crimes expeditiously. Other impediments to effective law enforcement are unsupportive laws, general distrust, and the limited cooperation between police, prosecutors, and corrections officials. The conviction rate remains low. When criminal acts happen in remote areas, there is little protection or assistance available for victims.  

Transportation Security 

Road Safety 

Road conditions are improving throughout the country but remain generally poor. They range from short stretches of newly paved roads in Belize City to decades-old pavement on major highways. Roads in rural areas/villages are typically dirt or loose gravel; road conditions worsen during the rainy season. The primary highways – Philip SW Goldson Highway (northern), George Price Highway (western), Hummingbird, and Southern highways – are generally in better condition and more consistently paved than most roads. The Hummingbird Highway is currently undergoing an improvement project to widen and improve sections of the highway. The Manatee (Coastal) Road, leading from the Western Highway east of Belmopan to Dangriga, is mostly unpaved, easily flooded after storms and without services. The combination of inconsistent paving, bridges with low guard rails, and slick roadways due to rain have been contributing factors in several fatal accidents. Traffic fatalities remain a very real danger. Driving at night is strongly discouraged.  

While the constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court, there have been several allegations made through media and to the Police Standards Branch that the government failed to observe these requirements.  

The government regularly institutes 30-day states of emergency (SoE) in Belize City in response to an increase in criminal gang activity. The measure allows the BPD and Belize Defense Force to target criminal gang elements through house raids, arrests, and imprisonment. During SoEs, there have been reports that law enforcement agents use excessive force on citizens, damage property, and unjustly target law-abiding citizens.  

Health Concerns 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Belize. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters. 

Medical care in Belize can be costly and inadequate by U.S. standards. There are nine hospitals and numerous medical clinics throughout the country. While certain hospitals are equipped to treat certain medical emergencies, clinics treat only outpatient cases and are not staffed to handle emergencies. Belize City is the center for medical care, with the three major hospitals best equipped to handle serious medical problems. Medical facilities outside Belize City are not adequate to handle serious medical conditions and often fail to meet basic U.S. standards. Emergency medical care and search-and-rescue capabilities are extremely limited, particularly on the Cayes and in remote areas.  

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas. 

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.  

Vaccinations 

The Zika virus was identified in Belize in 2016. The following diseases are also prevalent in Belize: Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Diarrheal illness, and Dengue Fever.  

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations. 

Issues Traveling with Medications 

Arrive prepared with any legally prescribed drugs you may need during your visit and ensure that those medications are legally permitted to enter Belize by contacting the Embassy of Belize in Washington D.C. Belize considers marijuana to be an illegal narcotic, and individuals with a prescription for marijuana will still be arrested if in possession of an illegal substance. For other prescription medication, travel with a copy of your prescription and keep the medication in original, clearly labelled packaging when traveling to Belize. There are reasonably well-stocked pharmacies in most major towns and tourist destinations, and prescriptions are usually not required. Counterfeit medication is found throughout Belize.  

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.   

Water Quality 

There are not significant water quality issues present in Belize. While tap water is considered largely safe in many areas, many prefer to drink bottled water due to taste and perceived contamination of pipes. Tap water is safe to use when brushing your teeth.  

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water? 

Natural Disasters 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Belize. 

The most frequent natural disasters to affect Belize are tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane season in the western Caribbean is June 1-November 30; however, September-October is when tropical storms generally affect Belize.  

The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) analyzed Belize’s vulnerability to hurricanes and established an evacuation plan, although response capabilities are limited even for a Category 1 storm. Hurricane shelters exist along the coast, but the high number of potential victims would exhaust emergency food/water stockpiles quickly. In preparation for an active hurricane season, the U.S. Embassy and NGOs provided additional donations to bolster supplies.  

Because Belize is tropical and has regular rainfall, clogged drainage and waterways often lead to flooding of roadways, even during the dry season. Severe storms cut off vehicular movement in many coastal and inland areas as the low bridges flood.  

Belize is also vulnerable to forest fires, mostly in the Cayo region. In past years, fires have had a dire impact on the air quality. The risk of forest fires is during the December to May dry season. Review OSAC’s report Wildfires: Risks and Mitigation Measures. 

Earthquakes and tsunami warnings have occurred in Belize. Few earthquakes have their epicenter in Belize, but major earthquakes on fault lines outside of Belize can be felt in the country, typically in the south.  

Much of Belize is protected rainforest, and there is threat of attack by native animals. Rivers contain crocodiles, and isolated attacks have been reported. Review OSAC’s report When Wildlife Attacks.   

Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.  

Cybersecurity 

There are no cybersecurity concerns specific to private-sector operations in Belize.  

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage. 

Counterintelligence Issues 

There are no counterintelligence concerns specific to private-sector operations in Belize. 

Import/Export Restrictions 

The following items are subject to importation restrictions: Illegal drugs; guns, explosives, and ammunition; knives and deadly weapons; plants and plant products; meat and meat products; milk and poultry products; hazardous materials; counterfeit money and goods; pornographic material; cats and dogs; and wooden furniture.  The Government of Belize currently prohibits the temporary importation of drones for recreational or personal use. Belize currently only accepts applications to fly drones from people who live in another country and have been hired to do a job for a local Belize business or organization that has been approved. For the detailed requirements on drone applications, please refer to Civil Aviation’s website. A permit is required for the import of satellite phones. 

A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website. 

Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.