LOCATION: BELIZE
Event: On Monday, June 24, 2024, the Government of Belize declared a 30-day State of Emergency for certain areas of Belize City and the Cayo District, including Cotton Tree Village and the areas of Hattieville and Another World in Roaring Creek Village. The declaration follows a recent increase in violent crime in Belize.
The State of Emergency outlines measures that may be taken by the government to preserve public safety during a public emergency, to include expanded power to detain and arrest individuals suspected of being threats to public safety, limits on public gatherings, and imposition of a curfew for minors, among others.
U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on the travel of U.S. government employees at all times.
During the current State of Emergency issued by Belize, U.S. government employees may not travel to the areas subject to the State of Emergency. These areas include southside Belize City, certain areas of northside Belize City, and certain areas of Cayo District, including Cotton Tree Village and the Hattieville and Another World areas of Roaring Creek Village. Direct and immediate transit through these areas on George Price Highway is allowed. Please see the attached Proclamation for more specific details about the areas subject to the State of Emergency.
These restrictions on travel during the State of Emergency are in addition to the general restrictions on U.S. government employee travel, which include avoiding travel between cities after dark and avoiding non-essential travel to the Southside of Belize City. These guidelines are in line with the Department of State’s country information and travel advisory on Belize . Visitors to all parts of Belize should generally exercise increased caution when traveling in other parts of Belize, as well.
As always, please practice good situational awareness in all your activities and enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Additional Actions to Take:
· Be aware of your surroundings
· Keep your family and travel companions informed about travel plans
· Avoid displays of wealth
· Keep a low profile
· Do not physically resist any robbery attempt
· Review your personal security plans
· Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
For assistance:
U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo, Belize
+501 822-4011
ACSBelize@state.gov
https://bz.usembassy.gov/
Department of State’s country information and travel advisory on Belize
+1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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