Belize is a small, developing country, facing higher rates of crime and disease than the developed world. Though the government makes an effort to protect those within its boundaries, police and medical resources are limited, so travelers to Belize should exercise caution and use common sense when visiting. However, as the tourism industry continues to grow so does Belize's infrastructure, and health and safety standards along with it.
Diseases and Immunizations
Dengue fever and malaria are just two diseases on a list of things you can catch in Belize. Thanks to Belize's improved health conditions, however, most diseases are rare. Hepatitis A and B, rabies and tetanus can all be prevented with vaccines prior to visiting Belize. Be sure to check with your doctor at least six weeks before you leave, as some vaccines take time to administer and take effect. Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and leishmaniasis can't be prevented with vaccines. These diseases are low risk, however, and can usually be avoided by applying insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Belize has the largest concentration of HIV per capita in Central America; normal precautions are warranted. Yellow fever isn't a problem in Belize, though travelers entering Belize from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission are required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Plants and Animals
Heat, humidity, and sparse human habitation makes Belize a paradise for thousands of species of plants and animals. Unfortunately for humans, some of these creatures can be poisonous, though they're far more likely to cause pain and discomfort than death. There are a few species of snake, including the infamous fer-de-lance, whose bite can be fatal. Snakes tend to avoid people, however, and bites are rare. Medical clinics stock antivenins and, if bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
Poisonous plants of all types can be found in the jungles of Belize. Contact or ingestion of the sap, needles, flowers or pulp of these plants can cause irritation, blindness and even death. If you're traveling through the jungle, educate yourself on the various dangers and hire a tour guide if possible. Some of the more dangerous plants are the Cashew Nut tree, Black Poison Wood, Oleander and the Manchineel tree, one of the most poisonous trees in the world.
Another plant to keep an eye out for is the unassuming coconut palm. The popular claim that coconuts kill 150 people a year is a myth, however falling coconuts can be dangerous. Take care and look up before choosing a spot under that shady palm on the beach.
From spiders to bullet ants to Africanized or killer bees, the bugs in Belize come in all shapes and sizes. Sand flies are common on the beaches and can be bothersome. Avoid contact with flies and mosquitoes, they can carry diseases as well as deposit eggs into the skin. Easily mistaken for simple sores, some bites and stings can be dangerous and may not form until weeks or months after being bitten.
To avoid the business end of a scorpion, don't forget to check inside your shoes before slipping them on, and shake out your clothes and sheets before using them. If you have any doubt about a bite, check with a doctor. The best ways to protect yourself are to keep your eyes open, don't reach into dark places, always wear shoes and bring clothing that can cover your skin. If you're in a malaria and dengue fever area, sleep under a mosquito net and, no matter what, always wear bug repellent with a high concentration of DEET.
Crime and Safety
Though most tourists feel very safe in Belize, criminal activity, including robbery and mugging, is a significant problem in Belize City. There has also been a recent increase of crime around Belmopan, but the crime rate is lower throughout the rest of the country. Violent crimes against tourists have occurred, though they are rare. Theft increases as tourism peaks around Christmas and spring break. It's best to always keep your personal belongings and travel documents safe by storing them securely out of sight. Some ways to avoid unwanted attention are to not show signs of wealth, keep out of dark alleys and take a taxi after dark instead of walking.
Though crime is a major problem for local Belizeans, crimes against tourists are taken very seriously, and are dealt with quicker and more severely. The government has developed a Tourist Police Force to protect and assist foreigners, helping significantly in keeping Belize's guests safe.
Natural Dangers
The hurricane and tropical storm season runs from June through November and torrential rains can cause flooding, mudslides and road closures. Hurricanes affect the whole country, but the coast and the cayes see the worst of it. Severe weather can hamper emergency services and food and water supplies throughout the country. Belize's National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has a website that provides local information on hurricane status and warnings.
When the rain stops and the sun comes out, don't forget to throw on a hat and apply sunscreen liberally and often. Belize can get very hot; avoid dehydration and heat stroke by drinking lots of water and spending some time in the shade.
Special Notes
When it comes to food, Belize has impressively high health standards compared to the rest of Central America. Food from restaurants and street vendors is usually thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. Though it isn't always necessary, it would be prudent to drink treated or bottled water, especially in more remote areas where the water can be contaminated. It's always a good idea to bring medicine for indigestion and diarrhea when traveling. As with everywhere in the world, use common sense when deciding if something is safe to eat or drink.
Traffic accidents are the leading cause of deaths among travelers around the world. Unfamiliar traffic laws and new sights and distractions can be a dangerous combination for tourists. Speed limits and other signs in Belize are rarely posted or obeyed and bicycles generally don't follow any rules. Pedestrians are usually given the right of way, though the streets can sometimes devolve into a free-for-all. While infrastructure and traffic safety is improving in Belize, always be cautious around any roadway and be careful before crossing the street.
Emergency Numbers
Belize uses the '911' emergency phone system and dialing this number will connect you with police, fire and ambulance. However, response time varies widely across the country. In the developed and populated Belize District, especially Belize City, response times are much faster.
Very few public ambulances exist in Belize, but there are a handful of good quality, modern private ambulances owned and operated by the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT), a non-profit organization specializing in ground and air ambulance services. For the most part, ambulances are only available in the vicinities of Belize City, Belmopan and a few major towns.
- Police: 911 or 90
- Ambulance: 911 or 90
- Fire: 911 or 90
- Private Ambulance (BERT): 501-223-3292