smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Belize
| Belize overall | This Advice is current for Wednesday, 07 January 2009. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
The advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Demonstrations, protests, marches and strikes may occur at any time in the capital Belmopan, Belize City and throughout the country. You should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Belize because of high levels of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. Violent crime, including assault, rape and armed robbery, continues to increase. Muggings are common, especially in Belize City and other urban centres.
Tourists have been the victims of armed robbery, particularly near the border with Guatemala. Criminals have targeted travellers at Mayan archaeological sites in that region. To reduce the risk of robbery and other crime, we recommend you use a reputable tour company.
Persons travelling alone can be victims of harassment and violent sexual assault. Use only licensed taxis and do not let the driver pick up additional passengers. Security risks are heightened after dusk. We recommended that you travel in groups.
Due to the risk of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
Belize has an ongoing 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 roads and vehicles, local driving practices including drink driving, and inadequate street lighting. Road traffic accidents are common. Be especially careful of bicycles as cyclists commonly disregard traffic laws and run red lights. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
The safety standards that Australians 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. Ensure you use registered and licensed operators.
There have been reports of travellers becoming stranded in the jungle 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.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services may occur. In the case of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. You can check the latest hurricane information at the National Hurricane Center website.
If you are travelling during hurricane season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.
In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. Passport, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Belize National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Credit cards and travellers' cheques can only be used in large tourist facilities in Belize.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Belize, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
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.
Homosexual acts are illegal.
It is illegal to possess pre-Colombian artefacts without a permit.
It is illegal to photograph official buildings. You should check with local authorities before taking photos.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
The government of Belize recognises dual nationality.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) 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) 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. See also our travel advice for the United States of America.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities are basic in the capital Belize City, and are very limited or non-existent in rural areas. 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.
Belize has one decompression chamber which is located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in all areas except Belize City. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers, particularly during the wet season (April to November). We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to discuss your vaccination requirements with your doctor before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in Belize. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Belize. You can obtain consular assistance from the Australian High Commission in Port of Spain:
Australian High Commission
18 Herbert St, St Clair
Port of Spain
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Telephone (1 868) 628 0695
Facsimile (1 868) 622 0659
If you are travelling to Belize, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
