Published: March 10, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Belize Travel Advisory and Belize Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Belmopan
4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo, Belize.
Tel: +501-822-4011.
After-hours Emergencies +501-610-5030.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0800-1200 and 1300-1700.
OSAC Country Chapter
Belize does not currently have an active OSAC Country Chapter.
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.
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 there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
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 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
The official nationwide murder total in 2024 was 98, a 4% increase from 2023 with 94. The 2024 murder per capita was 23 homicides per 100,000 persons. There was a significant decrease in the number of gang-related murders in 2024, but an equally significant increase in the number of alcohol-related murders.
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.
Avoid traveling to 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. Minimize travel to Southside. In 2024, 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.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Belize.
While kidnapping is rare in Belize, kidnapping incidents in 2014 and 2016 involved U.S. citizens. There were no reported kidnappings in 2024 that involved U.S. citizens.
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
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.
Belize held general elections in 2020, throughout which morale was high and the transition to a new party was peaceful and smooth. Corruption by senior government officials continues to be a systemic problem throughout the country.
Belize will hold general elections in 2025.
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 late 2023 to early 2024, the Belize Sugarcane Farmers Association (BSCFA) in the Orange Walk community protested against the sugarcane mills to demand a better agreement between the sugarcane farmers and the sugarcane mills. The multi-day protest was peaceful and concluded without incident.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Police Response
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.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in COUNTRY, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Belize.
While the constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide 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.
In March of 2024, the government instituted a 30-day state of emergency (SoE) in Belize City in response to an increase in criminal gang activity. The measure allowed the BPD and Belize Defense Force to target criminal gang elements through house raids, arrests, and imprisonment. A second SoE was instituted on in June and extended to August, expanding the area to include the Cayo District. By the time the SoE expired, an estimated 80 persons were detained in prison awaiting trial. During the SoE, there were reports that law enforcement agents used excessive force on citizens, damaged property, and unjustly targeted law-abiding citizens. Travel during SoE’s is not recommended.
Cybersecurity
There are no irregular cybersecurity 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.
Satellite phones can be brought into Belize for personal use, but they must be registered with the Belize Public Utilities Commission, and an importation permit must be obtained.
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.
