Event: Spring Break Travel

Event: Spring Break Travel

Location: Belize

Travel Smart – Be Informed:

Every year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Belize during spring break.  Please read our Belize Travel Advisory  and Country Information Page  when deciding whether to travel to Belize and where to go.  Visitors should also consider the following when planning their vacation or traveling in Belize:

• Crisis Preparedness: Crises can occur anywhere and can affect popular vacation destinations.  Be prepared, be safe and stay connected.  Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ) to receive critical safety and security updates.
• Crime: Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Belize, including in popular tourist destinations. U.S. citizens should exercise caution in popular tourist spots, especially after dark. Reconsider travel to the south side of Belize City, which historically has the highest incidence of violent crime, much of which is linked to gangs.
• Drugs: Drug possession and use, including of medical marijuana lawfully purchased in the United States, is illegal in Belize and may result in fines and penalties.
• Theft: Do not wear flashy or expensive jewelry or watches. Do not leave cameras, cell phones, or other expensive personal items unattended.
• Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault.  Perpetrators may target drunk or isolated individuals or use drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
• Weapons and ammunition: U.S. permits to carry weapons are not valid in Belize.  Bringing firearms, ammunition, cartridges, empty shell casings, knives, fireworks or explosives, or brass knuckles into Belize is a serious crime.  Violations can lead to large fines or lengthy imprisonment.  Before traveling, check your bags and/or vehicle to remove prohibited items.
• Medical Emergencies: Private medical care is expensive and often requires upfront payment.  Make sure your health or travel insurance cover care outside the United States, and consider medical evacuation coverage.
• Driving: Highway driving in Belize at night is dangerous, and emergency services are not always available in case of accidents.  Avoid driving between cities in Belize after dark.
• Drinking Alcohol: Guard against someone spiking your drink – don’t leave beverages unattended or accept them from strangers.  In Belize, it is illegal to be drunk and disorderly, to drive under the influence of alcohol, or to have open alcohol containers in public or in vehicles.
• Drowning: Some beaches and rivers have strong currents, and may lack lifeguards, warning or signs of unsafe conditions. Do not swim alone, after drinking, or when local authorities indicate dangerous conditions.
• Scuba and Snorkel: Make sure you select a reputable and certified tour operator. You should be in good physical condition, and it is advisable to have your doctor assess your physical fitness prior to embarking on a scuba or snorkel trip.
• Excursions and Rentals: Make sure your tour operator carries safety equipment, such as life jackets and radios, and accident insurance.  Do not hand over your U.S. passport as collateral for vehicle rentals.  Take photographs and videos of the car, golf cart, or ATV’s condition when you rent it.
• Carbon Monoxide: Many hotels and other lodgings are not equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, even if they contain sources of this potentially lethal gas. If your lodging is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, consider traveling with a portable one.
• Scams: Real estate investment scams in Belize have been reported, especially in resort areas, with tactics including false promises of amenities and misleading sales tactics. If you are considering purchasing real estate in Belize, we recommend you seek legal and financial advice from a reputable source before making any decisions.  Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams  and FBI  webpages.  If you are the victim of a scam, file a police report.

Actions to Take:

• Read the Belize Travel Advisory  and Country Information Page  for travel details and entry requirements.
• Carry your passport and make sure it hasn’t expired.  You cannot board an international plane or cross a border without a passport.
• Enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  to receive safety updates and to help the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate contact you in an emergency.  Call 911 in an emergency.
• Drink responsibly and seek medical attention if you feel ill.
• Monitor your credit or debit card accounts for unauthorized transactions.  Limit the amount of cash you carry, be cautious when withdrawing funds from an ATM, and avoid isolated ATMs.
• Protect your personal possessions on public transportation. Use official airport taxi stands, or hotel-provided shuttles when available.
• Tell your friends and family about your travel plans, especially if you travel alone.  Drive only during daylight hours.
• Stay in safe locations and avoid unfamiliar or dangerous environments when possible.
• See our advice for cruise passengers , particularly those with underlying health conditions.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy if you need assistance.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

From Belize: +501 822 4011

From the United States: +1 703 988 5718

Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Links:

Belize International Travel Information 

U.S. Citizens in Belize WhatsApp Channel

U.S. Passports

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP)

U.S. Department of State on Facebook and X 

U.S. Embassy in Belize on Facebook and X