Belize

Recommended Vaccinations For Belize

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Belize

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends malaria prophylaxis for high-risk patients, such as pregnant and immuno-compromised patients. The World Health Organization recommends mosquito bite prevention only. The British NaTHNaC recommends malaria prophylaxis in low-risk areas in rural Belize. For malaria prophylaxis, chloroquine may be recommended.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Belize

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Belize, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Belize.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Belize.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease carried by sand flies in Belize, especially in the central area.

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis is also known as “Chagas disease” and occurs throughout Central and South America, including Belize.

Malaria

There is no risk of Malaria in Belize.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Belize. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Belize, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Safety & Security in Belize

Personal Safety

Travellers should note that petty and violent crime has become a problem in Belize. Always be alert to your personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight to avoid becoming a target for theft.
Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
Travel in groups and avoid isolated areas. Use taxis rather than walking at night, and never walk alone in the dark.
Travellers are often at risk at tourist places, including San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio Corozal, and Placencia. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, debris, animals on roadways, and reckless driving.
Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark. Avoid using public transportation. Only use registered taxis with green license plates. Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Ensure the activities are covered by your travel insurance policy.

Same-sex relations were decriminalised in 2016. LGBT+ travellers may face harassment and verbal or physical abuse; there could be intolerance toward public displays of affection.

Extreme Violence

Gang-related violence is frequent in this country, especially in the Southside of Belize City (south of Haulover Creek Canal). Organised criminal gangs clash with each other to gain control over territories for illegal activities.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations sometimes occur in Belize. Sitata reminds travellers to minimize risk by avoiding large public gatherings and demonstrations due to unpredictability of these situations.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid the southern parts of Belize City as these areas are particularly dangerous due to gang violence and gun crime.

Armed robberies sometimes occur near the western border with Guatemala, including in and around Caracol. Travel to areas near the border and across the border should be done during daylight hours only. Use only official border crossings.