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Compiling planning guides and trip resources tailored for Belize.
Travel Planning
travel and safety tips
Health & Safety
From adventure enthusiasts to wildlife-obsessed families, Belize has long attracted travelers of all types. Our nation's compact size, easy navigability and overall safety make it a welcoming place to be. We want everyone who visits to experience pura vida, to enjoy authentic moments and to feel at home just like a local.
We've gathered some important travel tips so you can explore with confidence and peace of mind.
explore in trip plannerhow to adventure
safely
- Always dive or snorkel with a certified guide or tour operator
- Check weather and water conditions before entering the water
- Don't touch coral reefs or marine life - look but don't touch
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the Belize Barrier Reef
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before water activities
- Know your limits - don't push beyond your comfort level
- Ensure your equipment is properly fitted and functioning
- Only enter caves with licensed, certified guides - required by law
- Wear appropriate footwear with good grip
- Bring a waterproof flashlight or headlamp
- ATM Cave requires moderate fitness - involves swimming and climbing
- Don't touch artifacts or cave formations
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Inform guides of any medical conditions or claustrophobia
- Choose operators with safety certifications and good reviews
- Follow all weight and health requirements
- Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing
- Remove loose jewelry and secure cameras properly
- Listen carefully to safety briefings
- Don't attempt tricks or unsafe maneuvers
- Report any equipment concerns to staff immediately
- Always hike with a guide in remote areas
- Wear long pants and closed-toe hiking boots
- Bring plenty of water - at least 2 liters per person
- Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Stay on marked trails to protect wildlife habitat
- Carry a basic first aid kit and emergency whistle
- Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket
- Check weather forecasts and avoid storms
- Stay close to shore if you're a beginner
- Bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
- Know how to self-rescue and re-enter your kayak
- Paddle with a buddy - never alone in open water
- Be aware of boat traffic in busy areas
- Keep a safe distance from all wildlife - use binoculars
- Never feed wild animals - it disrupts natural behavior
- Don't use flash photography near animals
- Watch where you step, especially at night (snakes)
- Respect nesting areas for sea turtles and birds
- Follow your guide's instructions around jaguars and crocodiles
- Report injured wildlife to local authorities or your guide
- Hire licensed fishing guides who practice catch-and-release
- Obtain proper fishing permits when required
- Use barbless hooks for easier release
- Handle fish with wet hands to protect their slime coating
- Bring sun protection and seasickness medication if needed
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks for long trips
- Respect marine protected areas and fishing regulations
- Wear a helmet at all times
- Use lights and reflective gear when cycling at dawn or dusk
- Stay alert for potholes on rural roads
- Carry water, basic tools, and a spare tube
- Yield to pedestrians and local traffic
- Golf carts have right of way on the islands
- Lock your bike securely when not in use
protect your
peace of mind
Save these fun infographics to stay safe and secure in your car rental, on the bus, on the water or in the jungle.
If You Rent a Car
- Plan your trip with anticipation, check road conditions and that your car has all necessary safety equipment.
- While on the road, should you have car trouble, such as a flat tire or an accident, move to safety. If you need to stop, it's best to do so near other people.
- Call your rental car company and do not pull over until you are in a safe place.
- Never leave any valuable belongings in the car and always make sure the car is locked when you're not in it.
- Try to always use parking lots that have security. Do not trust people off the street who offer to watch your car.
- It is recommended to be especially careful with personal items such as passports, credit cards, money and jewelry.
In case of emergency, call 911
When Travelling by Bus
- Check the destination and route prior to boarding the bus.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in the boarding areas and keep an eye on it when left in the overhead bins.
- Be wary of over-friendly people, it may be a ruse to steal your belongings.
- If you are victim of theft on the bus, inform the bus driver and call 911.
- Make a note of the bus driver's name and the bus's license plate number.
- Keep valuables in a money belt or secure pocket.
In case of emergency, call 911
While Visiting the Beach or Rivers
- Understand the beach conditions, rip currents or other potential risks.
- Wait two hours after eating before going into the ocean.
- Don't swim in the ocean if you have consumed any drugs, alcohol or medication that could affect your decision-making.
- When traveling with children, always keep them within reach. In deeper waters, keep a watchful eye while in the ocean.
- Pay attention to signs about beach conditions and follow lifeguards' instructions.
- Never swim alone, especially in unfamiliar waters.
In case of emergency, call 911
Heading to the Jungle
- Inform the park ranger or park administration when you start hiking.
- Let family and friends know where you will be travelling and when you will be returning.
- Carry your own provisions and medications, especially when visiting volcanic or high-risk areas.
- Stay on the marked trails and don't feed the animals.
- Use proper clothing and footwear. Carry basic equipment such as a flashlight, compass, whistle, bug repellent, sunscreen and medication.
- Travel with a certified guide when exploring remote areas.
In case of emergency, call 911
Inoculations
Belize has a good healthcare system, with both public and private facilities. Before you travel, be sure that you're up to date on basic vaccines for hepatitis A and B, as well as rabies and tetanus.
- No vaccinations are legally required to enter Belize from most countries
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations
- Consider rabies vaccine if you'll be in remote areas or working with animals
- Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for certain rural areas
- Bring prescription medications in original containers with documentation
- Mosquito repellent with DEET is essential - Zika and Dengue are present
Important: Vaccines must be administered at least 10 days before the start date of your trip.
In the case of non-resident foreigners with a contraindication to yellow fever vaccination who come from countries or geographic areas at risk, they must present, prior to entering national territory, a medical certificate endorsed by the national health authority of their country of origin.
Quick Facts About Safety in Belize
Emergency
911
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Tourist Police
+501 227-6082
Belize City
Healthcare
Good quality
Private hospitals available
Travel Tips
Practical advice for your exploration.
Is Belize safe for tourists?
Yes, Belize is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular tourist areas like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio. Use common sense precautions: don't flash valuables, stay in well-lit areas at night, and use reputable tour operators. The tourist police are helpful and English-speaking.
Do I need travel insurance for Belize?
Travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical evacuation, as serious conditions may require transport to Mexico or the US. Ensure coverage includes adventure activities if you plan to dive, cave tube, or zip line. COVID-related coverage is also advisable.
Is tap water safe to drink in Belize?
Tap water is generally safe in major tourist areas and resorts. However, bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. In remote areas, stick to bottled or purified water. Most hotels provide filtered water.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call 911 for emergencies. Major towns have hospitals and clinics. San Pedro and Placencia have hyperbaric chambers for diving emergencies. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Belize City or internationally may be arranged. Keep your travel insurance details handy.
Travel with Confidence
Now that you know how to stay safe, start planning your adventure in Belize.
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