“Unpacking the Travel Warning: What You Need to Know About Belize”

GALVESTON, Texas — Are you considering a cruise to Belize in the near future? The U.S. State Department is advising Americans to proceed with heightened caution.

The State Department has published a Level 2 travel advisory for the Central American nation, which occasionally serves as a port of call for various cruise lines. Carnival Dream, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, and the Regal Princess departing from Galveston, Texas, all visit this Central American destination, as stated by GalvestonCruises.com.

This advisory is prompted by elevated crime rates, including violent events in tourist hotspots.

Particularly, the advisory categorizes Belize City’s Southside as a Level 3 area, advising visitors to reconsider their trips there due to gang-related violence.

The warning underscores problems like sexual assaults, home invasions, armed robberies, and homicides, clarifying that these acts happen even during daylight hours. Local law enforcement is referred to as under-resourced and inadequately trained to address serious crimes effectively, with many events remaining unresolved and unpunished.

Despite typical tourist zones in Belize City not being directly targeted, the advisory cautions that violent crime is widespread in the Southside area, covering territories south of the Haulover Creek Canal to Fabers Road.

Visitors are encouraged to avoid walking or driving after dark, stay alert at banks and ATMs, and refrain from displaying valuables, such as luxury watches or jewelry.

The State Department advises U.S. nationals traveling to Belize to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for emergency alerts and to examine the Traveler’s Checklist and Country Security Report.

• If you choose to travel to Belize:
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Evade walking or driving at nighttime.
• Do not physically resist in case of a robbery.
• Exercise extreme caution when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not showcase signs of wealth, such as wearing costly watches or jewelry.