Emergency Help Abroad – Belize

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Belize — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL  LAWS

• Possession, trafficking or use of illegal drugs remains a serious offence in Belize; penalties can be severe.

• Even though small-quantity cannabis possession has been decriminalised (for up to 10 g on private property), public use or trafficking remains illegal and risky.

• Importing or carrying weapons, ammunition or restricted arms without authorisation is illegal.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden — enforcement and checks are common.

• Public intoxication or drunken and disorderly behaviour can attract police attention or arrest.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Disrespecting local customs, culture or community norms — especially in rural or indigenous areas — can lead to serious social backlash or legal problems.

• Public indecency or overtly lewd behaviour may be frowned upon and could lead to intervention.

• Damaging cultural sites, historic buildings or public-heritage areas (including Maya ruins) is forbidden.

• Littering, disposing of waste, or damaging natural or historic sites can result in fines or other penalties.

• Noise or disruptive behaviour — especially late at night in small communities — may cause police complaints or local hostility.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Violent crime rates (including murder, armed robbery, shootings) in some parts of Belize are high.

• Police may ask for identification — it’s wise to carry a photocopy of your passport and your entry stamps.

• Avoid places and times where gang-related violence is more prevalent — especially in areas / districts known for gang activity.

• Tourist-targeted scams, petty theft, pickpocketing or bag-snatching occur — stay alert, especially in crowded or nightlife areas.

• Refusing or arguing with police, or failing to comply with authorities’ instructions, can escalate into serious trouble.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Driving without a valid licence, proper vehicle paperwork or insurance is illegal and can result in fines or confiscation.

• Road accidents must be reported; leave the scene or fleeing can lead to serious consequences.

• Using unlicensed taxis or informal transport — especially at night — increases risk of scams, overcharging or unsafe conditions.

• Avoid travelling on remote roads after dark where policing or lighting is limited — risk of crime or accidents rises.

• Overstaying your visa or not respecting entry/exit stamp requirements may lead to fines or immigration problems.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing or filming police, security installations or sensitive infrastructure may attract unwanted attention — avoid doing so.

• Using drones or high-powered camera/recording equipment without checking local regulations can lead to confiscation or legal issues.

• Taking photos of locals — especially in rural, indigenous or private communities — without permission can cause offence.

• Filming or photographing criminal activity, protests or police operations may lead to questioning or detainment.

• Always check for restrictions before photographing historic or protected sites, nature reserves or culturally sensitive zones.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing wildlife (coral, shells, marine life), plants or natural materials from beaches, reefs or protected forests is usually illegal and harmful.

• Fishing without proper permits or outside designated zones may lead to penalties.

• Lighting fires on beaches or in forested/natural areas — for example for BBQs or bonfires — without permission is often forbidden, due to fire risk.

• Disrespecting protected marine or jungle reserves (littering, noise, damage) can lead to fines and forced removal.

• Ignoring safety advice when swimming (strong currents, reefs), hiking or entering remote areas may endanger you — and can cause legal or civil liability if rescue is required.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Climbing on monuments, ruins or sacred structures — especially ancient Maya sites — is strictly forbidden.

• Taking sand, stones or artefacts from beaches, jungles or archaeological sites is prohibited.

• Damaging community-heritage sites, shrines, religious or cultural structures is treated very seriously.

• Trespassing on private lands such as farms, reserves or culturally sensitive community zones without permission is illegal.

• Ignoring conservation rules — for example around protected forests, marine parks or heritage zones — may result in ejection, fines or even prosecution.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels straightforward in the UK may be understood quite differently in Belize.

• Don’t buy, use or transport illegal drugs — even small amounts can cause serious trouble.

• Don’t carry weapons, ammunition or restricted items unless formal authorisation is confirmed.

• Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Don’t wander alone at night in high-risk areas, slums or unknown neighbourhoods.

• Don’t use unlicensed taxis or informal transport — especially late at night.

• Don’t leave valuables visible (money, passport, jewellery) in public — theft and street crime is a real risk.

• Don’t walk into known gang zones or high-crime neighbourhoods, especially around Belize City.

• Don’t flash expensive electronics or cameras in tourist-heavy or nightlife areas.

• Don’t exchange money with unofficial street dealers; use ATMs or official exchange services.

• Don’t ignore local advice about unsafe roads, weather, strong currents, or reef/beach hazards.

• Don’t fish or take marine life, corals, shells or souvenirs from protected natural reserves.

• Don’t attempt to bribe officials or police — corruption issues can complicate things severely.

• Don’t photograph security personnel, checkpoints or culturally sensitive sites without permission.

• Don’t engage in or photograph protests, political gatherings or public demonstrations.

• Don’t overstay your permitted visa or tourist stay period.

• Don’t travel after dark on isolated roads or areas with limited infrastructure.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments — cash is often more reliable, especially outside major towns.

• Don’t drink untreated tap water if you’re unsure — stick to bottled or purified water.

• Don’t ignore official safety or environmental guidance given by local authorities — especially around nature reserves or protected areas.

• Don’t assume local emergency services will respond quickly — always have travel insurance and store emergency contacts in advance.