last edited Dec 11, 2019
Health and Safety in Belize
Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal value. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Health
As always, it’s best to be up to date with your vaccinations, even if nothing is officially required to enter the country.
Diseases
Belize doesn’t pose too many health problems, though dengue fever and chikungunya, spread by certain mosquitoes, do occur sporadically, as in many places in this part of the world. As for malaria, it’s only present very locally or occasionally during the rainy season, to the point that few travelers use medication, preferring prevention. To protect yourself, the best approach is to use a good repellent, cover your arms and legs at dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and bring an impregnated mosquito net if you’re sleeping in a place without air conditioning or airflow.
Hygiene
Good personal and especially food hygiene is essential if you want to "eat local." So avoid tap water, which isn’t truly potable, and dishes or foods that don’t seem completely fresh—if only to avoid traveler’s diarrhea.
Healthcare Facilities on Site
Medical facilities on site are limited, and the few rare private "quality" establishments can be expensive. Good travel insurance is therefore recommended, especially since in serious cases, evacuation to other locations like Cancun may be considered.
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
Belize is far less affected by crime than other countries in the region, such as Guatemala, Mexico, or Honduras, to the point of being considered one of the safest destinations in Central America. That said, you should still take basic precautions for any trip, like not flaunting wealth, avoiding walking alone at night in isolated areas, etc.
Likewise, some vigilance is also required in transportation, bus stations, certain neighborhoods in cities like Belize City (the "worst") or occasionally Dangriga, as well as on Caribbean beaches or during nighttime outings. In case of aggression, it’s also advisable not to resist and to always have "something" to give to your attackers.
Scams and "Tourist" Harassment
Socio-Political Risks
Few problems in this area, though as always, it’s best to avoid crowds and other gatherings that may occur in this context.
Climate, Nature, and Animals
Like much of the Caribbean coast, Belize lies in the path of hurricanes around September to early November. These represent the main "natural" concern for visitors, more so than the heat and humidity that can prevail at certain times and places in the country.
Foreign Consulates on Site
If you encounter problems while traveling abroad, your country’s consular services can assist you. It’s also worth knowing that if you’re a citizen of the European Union and your country isn’t represented, you can contact any other EU member state’s representation.
France
There is no official French representation in Belize; the country is covered by the services of the French embassy in El Salvador. That said, there is a French honorary consulate in Belize City (109 New Road, PO. Box 976, Belize City. Tel.: +501 - 223 03 99).
Other Countries
Belgium:
Canada:
Switzerland: