Is Belize Safe for Travellers in 2025? What You Need to Know Before You Go

More and more travellers are visiting Belize, and it’s easy to see why. A glorious climate, excellent food, Caribbean vibe, rich cultural heritage and beautiful wildlife. It’s one of the few English-speaking countries in central America, so Belize’s popularity as a destination for travellers in 2025 is obvious. However, it’s not had a great reputation for safety, so has that changed? This comprehensive guide addresses the question: Is Belize safe for tourists in 2025? And looks at how to stay safe in Belize in 2025

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When planning my trip to Belize, I used the following resources.

Introduction

I spent a month exploring Belize, talking to Belizeans, using local transport, hanging out in bars and restaurants. This is my view on the question, “Is Belize safe for tourists in 2025.”

Firstly, the level of risk a traveller is prepared to accept is a personal decision, and different for everyone. Please, do your own research before travelling, and check local news and government advice, as things can change quickly. Don’t forget that travelling against government advice can invalidate your insurance.

Is Belize Safe for Travellers in 2025 – Government View

Belize declared a one-month (initially) State of Emergency on May 6th 2025 for some areas of Belize City due to ongoing gang violence. Travellers should avoid these areas.

It is essential to check your government’s travel advice before any trip, as insurance may be void if the government advises against travel to a country.

The following was correct at the time of writing.

• United Kingdom – No specific guidance other than notification of State of Emergency.
• United States: Level 2 – Exercise increased caution due to crime. Specific areas, like the south side of Belize City, are advised against for travel.
• Canada: Advises exercising a high degree of caution due to violent crime.
• Australia: Recommends exercising a high degree of caution, particularly avoiding the south side of Belize City due to gang-related violence.

Is Belize a Safe Country for Tourists – Crime

Belize has a high crime rate for violent crime including murder and rape.

The reason for this addition is the gang related violence prevalent in south Belize City. A young Belizean man I spoke with in a San Pedro bar told me his friend had been shot in Belize City the night before. He’d taken a large amount of cash to buy a motorbike and was killed for it.

On May 6th, authorities declared a State of Emergency for (initially) one month in areas of Belize City due to increased violent gang activity.

It can be difficult to avoid travelling to Belize City as the country’s main international airport is near there, as is the cruise terminal and the main ferry point to the Cayes. Businesses reliant on tourists are well aware of the issues, and higher end restaurants will often have armed guards stationed at their doors.

Travellers should exercise increased precautions:

• Do not walk or drive at night, particularly on your own
• Only take official transportation like licenced taxis (they have green licence plates)
• Do not wear expensive jewellery or display large amounts of cash
• Take extra precautions at banks/ATMs
• Do not resist if being robbed
• Avoid south Belize City.

Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink in Belize?

Is Belize a safe country to drink tap water? The water in the main cities, Belize City, San Ignacio and Belmopan and the tourist areas like Caye Caulker is described as safe to drink, but it has a very metallic taste which many people find unpleasant.

Every hotel I stayed at provided bottled water or water dispensers. It’s wise to take advantage of these. If you’re going off the beaten track, it’s essential to only drink bottled water.

Is Belize Safe for Travellers – Travel Medication and Holiday Jabs

Whereas Belize is a safe country in many ways, it’s still a tropical country with the inherent risks. The NHS Fit for Life website recommends that tourists travelling to Belize make sure that the following inoculations are up to date.

Tetanus – ensure this is up to date

Other jabs which should be considered, dependent on lifestyle and trip factors, include Hepatitis A and Rabies.

Malaria isn’t normally present in Belize, although at time of writing (April 2025), the Belizean government has announced an outbreak in the Cayo district near the border with Guatemala.

Zika virus is present in Belize, but no vaccine is available, so authorities advise travellers to practice good mosquito bite avoidance. Wear long sleeve shirts and use mosquito repellent sprays with a high Deet content, and sleeping under mosquito nets.Arek Socha

There is no Yellow Fever requirement for Belize.

As always, consult your GP before travelling abroad to ensure you receive the latest advice.

Whereas pharmacies are available in the cities and larger towns in Belize, travellers, particularly solo travellers, should always pack a comprehensive medical kit to cover common ailments.

If regular medication is required, ensure that you have a good supply to not only cover the planned trip, but a little extra in case of delays. These should always be packed in hand luggage.

Is Belize Safe for Tourists to Drive

Is Belize a safe country to drive in? Generally, yes with care, but there are many variables to be aware of.

Traffic accidents are common in Belize because of a variety of factors, the quality of roads, the prevalence of heavy rain during certain months, and poor maintenance of local vehicles.

Night driving is more dangerous, as roads outside of the main highways have poor or non-existing lighting, and wildlife crossing is more prevalent.

Specifically, the standard of driving in Belize is, at best, variable. Drink driving, speeding and reckless overtaking are widespread. Roads, even the main highways, are heavily potholed and drivers will switch to the other side of the road to avoid them.

Another thing to be aware of is that the main highways use ‘sleeping policemen’ as traffic calming measures. Hitting one of these at full speed is not recommended. Also note, that overtaking on these speed bumps is a regular occurrence.

A UK photocard driving licence is sufficient for three months in Belize. There is a requirement for an international driving permit (IDP), but this is rarely enforced.

It’s relatively easy to hire a car in Belize, but I’d recommend using one of the big players to ensure the car is in good shape. Always check the car before accepting it.

Is Belize Safe for Travellers – Sun Protection

Belize’s tropical climate means year-round sunshine — a major draw for travellers, but also a health risk if you’re not prepared. Sun safety is essential, especially for visitors from cooler climates who may underestimate the intensity of UV rays near the equator.

Start by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours — more often if you’re swimming or sweating. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so consider planning indoor activities, shaded hikes, or snorkeling excursions during these peak hours.

Wear protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and light, long-sleeved shirts. Many Belizean tours, such as boat trips or jungle treks, expose you to prolonged sun — even when it’s overcast. Don’t rely on clouds for protection.

Dehydration is another concern. Always carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially when exploring inland jungles or coastal areas. Coconut water and fresh fruit juices are widely available and can help replenish electrolytes.

I recommend this reusable water bottle. It has some great features; it keeps water cool for up to 28 hours, and has a brilliant leakproof seal.

Contigo Drinking Bottle Autoseal Chill Macaroon (Amazon link)

In short, Belize is a sun lover’s paradise, but proper precautions will keep your trip safe, comfortable, and free from sunburn or heat exhaustion.

Adventure Sports and Excursion

Is Belize a safe country for tourists engaging in adventure sports and excursions. The Belize travel industry majors heavily on adventure sports. Even cultural tours like visiting Mayan ruins are often paired with ziplining, cave tubing or river canoeing. In the Cayes (islands) off the coast of Belize, snorkelling and scuba diving play a large part in the excursion offerings.

Fortunately, Belize has a strong record in licencing the tour operators who adhere to stringent safety protocols. There are no guarantees, of course, there’d be no adventure if there was no risk, but choosing a reputable tour operator with the appropriate training should help mitigate these to an acceptable level.

Before booking, make sure that you check out the tour operator. Check they are experienced, licenced and reliable. Make sure there are no red flags in customer reviews. If there’s a theme in the ‘1 star reviews’, then think whether there aren’t better suppliers. There are many Belize tour operators offering these tours, it shouldn’t be hard to find a good one.

There should be a thorough briefing before the activity and safety equipment should be well maintained. If you don’t like what you see, walk away. Better to lose the price of the tour than to get badly hurt.

Is Belize Safe for Tourists – Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belize City safe for tourists?

While Belize City has areas with higher crime rates, particularly the south side, many tourist activities are located in safer parts of the city. Exercise caution and stay informed about local conditions.

Can I drink tap water in Belize?

It’s recommended to drink bottled or purified water, as tap water may not be safe for consumption.

Are there any health concerns in Belize?

Travellers should protect against mosquito bites to prevent diseases like dengue. Also, be cautious with food and water to avoid gastrointestinal issues.

Is it safe to travel alone in Belize?

Yes, many solo travellers visit Belize safely each year. Staying in well-populated areas and taking standard precautions enhances safety.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

Contact local authorities or your country’s embassy. The Fmain emergency number in Belize is 911. However, it’s advisable to have local emergency contact numbers readily available.

Is Belize Safe for Travellers in 2025 – Conclusion

Yes, Belize is safe for travellers in 2025. No travel is 100% safe, there is risk in everything in life. However, taking reasonable precautions should make Belize safe for visitors.

Belize is a wonderful country with something for everyone. Go, be safe, and enjoy.