Car rentals in Belize - Crime Information

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Crime Information

CRIME INFORMATION: Crime, including robbery and mugging, continues to be a problem. Belize City has been the site of more reported incidents than other areas of the country. Crimes against tourists at resorts, while not unheard of, are rare. During daylight hours on May 2, 1998, a group of masked armed robbers blocked one of the three major highways in Belize, the Hummingbird Highway near the capital of Belmopan, and held up some twenty vehicles. The robbers killed one man who did not cooperate and injured others who tried to flee the area. A few less serious armed robberies have been reported near the western border with Guatemala. Travelers visiting the border area are advised to travel during daylight hours. Travelers should not travel alone, and should ensure that their vehicles are in good operating condition, are adequately fueled, and carry communications equipment, if possible.

The incidence of such crimes as theft, burglary and pickpocketing rises around the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Travelers should keep valuables out of sight, avoid wearing jewelry, and travel in groups during daylight hours to minimize the risk of being targeted. Individuals may contact the Belizean tourist police unit as well as the main police office for assistance. All incidents of assault, robbery, theft or other crimes should be reported to the police immediately.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. This publication and others, such as Tips For Travelers to Central and South America, are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs; or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.