BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 10, 2020– Last Thursday, August 6, the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, issued a Level 4 – DO NOT TRAVEL advisory for Belize.

Health and crime are the reasons cited by the State Department. American citizens are advised that “violent crimes – such as sexual assault, home invasion, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.”

Additionally, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a LEVEL 2 TRAVEL HEALTH NOTICE for Belize due to COVID-19. The advisory said that, “Travelers may experience border closures, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay at home orders, business closures, and other emergency conditions in Belize due to COVID-19.”

The advisory issued a specific warning for travelers going to the southside of Belize City, and cited a lack of resources and training in the Police Department, which it says has resulted in an ineffective response to major crimes.

The advisory states, “Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.”