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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Belize...
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
You should avoid demonstrations, rallies and localised street disturbances which can occur at short notice and may turn violent.
Crime
Violent crime, including assault and robbery, continues to increase. Robbery and muggings are common, especially in the major cities of Belmopan and Belize City. Armed robbery of tourists has occurred near the border with Guatemala.
Criminals have targeted travellers at Mayan archaeological sites.
Women travelling alone have been victims of harassment and violent sexual assault. Security risks are heightened after dusk.
Local Travel
There is an on-going border dispute with neighbouring Guatemala. You are advised to use only officially recognised border crossings when travelling between the two countries.
Driving in Belize can be hazardous due to poor road and vehicle conditions, local driving practices including drink driving, and inadequate street lighting. Road traffic accidents are common.
The safety standards that travellers might expect of tour operators are not always met, especially for adventure sports, such as scuba diving. Diving equipment may not be properly maintained and life jackets and other safety equipment are not always provided.
There have been reports of travellers becoming stranded in jungles following heavy rains and flooding. If considering undertaking adventure sport, including jungle treks, you should check local weather conditions and use the services of an experienced tour operator.
Natural Disasters
The hurricane season is June to November when landslides and flooding may occur.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those in your country. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by your standards.
Penalties for drug offences, including possession, are severe and include lengthy imprisonment served in local jails.
Serious crimes, such as treason and murder, may attract the death penalty.
It is illegal to possess pre-Colombian artefacts without a permit.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Belize for the most up to date information.
If you are travelling to Belize from a country endemic for yellow fever, you are required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on arrival. The World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Organisation (WHO) provides a list of countries endemic for yellow fever.
If you are travelling to Belize through the United States, including transiting in Honolulu or other US points of entry, you will need to meet US entry/transit requirements. You should check your visa needs well in advance of travel with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
Health Issues
Medical facilities in Belize are basic. Doctors and hospitals may require cash payment prior to providing medical services, including emergency care. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to the USA where the cost of medical treatment is very high.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers.
Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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