Travel Advisory: Rethink Your Plans for Central America’s Neighboring City!

The U.S. State Department is advising travelers to rethink their plans regarding two locations in Central America due to serious criminal activities and asserts that three regions within one country should be avoided altogether by Americans. As of Monday, updated travel warnings were announced for individuals intending to travel to Belize and Guatemala.

Concerning Guatemala, authorities recommend reconsidering journeys to most areas within the nation, but have classified the regions of San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, and Zone 18 in Guatemala City, along with the city of Villa Nueva, as “do not travel” areas. These locations are known for heightened gang presence, drug trafficking, and various forms of violent crime.

Additional parts of Guatemala are labeled as hazardous because of persistent criminal activities and inadequate police protection in those regions.

“Certain sections of Guatemala face challenges from gangs, theft, carjacking, drug trade, and violence. Local law enforcement may not consistently respond effectively to major crimes, resulting in low apprehension and conviction rates. While tourists are not typically targeted, they remain potential victims of opportunistic offenses,” reads a summary in the advisory.

Should you choose to travel to Guatemala, the State Department offers the following recommendations:

• Refrain from venturing outside Guatemala City after dark due to poorly illuminated roads and the heightened risk of serious vehicular accidents.
• When exploring Lake Atitlán, opt for licensed tour guides and travel between towns using chartered boats, as the routes around the lake can be perilous and difficult to navigate. Emergency services may struggle to respond quickly.
• Steer clear of swimming in the Pacific Ocean due to strong currents and undertows, with limited lifeguard presence.
• Always keep an eye on your drinks in bars and restaurants and decline invites from strangers to private gatherings.
• Think about lodging in hotels that provide secure parking, doormen, and trained security personnel.

In addition to Guatemala, the State Department also suggested reconsidering travel to Belize City in the adjacent nation of Belize. Authorities indicate that gang activities and violent crime in the southern part of Belize City are particularly concerning, urging visitors to remain extremely vigilant of their environment when exploring.

Regarding the nation itself, travelers to Belize are urged to exercise additional caution, even in tourist zones and during daytime. It is advisable to refrain from displaying signs of affluence, avoid walking or driving at night, and not to resist during any robbery attempts.