The U.S. government just announced that Belize City in Belize has been bumped up from Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution to Level 3 Reconsider Travel.
And a ton of people misread it, which is common, let me explain.
Yes, the violence in Belize City has gone up so the advisory went up. But, it’s only for Belize City and the problem is really a part of Belize City.
Everyone should avoid traveling to Belize City. Historically much of the violent crime in Belize occurs in the Southside of Belize City and is gang-related.
The advisory did not speak to any other areas.
Note that Belize the country remains at level 2 (where it’s been for years), the “warning” is for the south side of BZ city specifically.
More shootings in a day in the US than in a year in Belize!
Seems like first-world nations are working some fear campaign against travel, in my opinion.
The rest of Belize is safe, just don’t visit the ‘hood wearing an Apple Watch Ultra. You’ll stick out and be a target immediately.
U.S. Travel advisories are helpful, I read them, but they are also taken out of context a lot.
The U.S. Government doesn’t apply their same level system anywhere inside the U.S.
Imagine if they did.
Chicago, D.C., L.A., New Orlean, N.Y.C., Dallas, Miami, San Antonio, San Francisco, etc. would probably all be Level 4 Do Not Travel. And all big cities would probably be at least Level 3 Reconsider Travel areas.
Be smart and read travel advisors very carefully and be in cautious travel mode in new places.
When I vacation in San Francisco, I love that city, I avoid The Tenderloin area. It’s just dangerous.
I don’t dress too nice and try to blend in and not look like a tourist either.
I’m just a “local” enjoying the city before going back home to México.
BELIZE CITY – LEVEL 3: RECONSIDER TRAVEL
U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to Belize City. Historically much of the violent crime in Belize occurs in the Southside of Belize City and is gang related. This area (south of Haulover Creek Canal and continuing south to Fabers Road) does not overlap the typical tourism areas. All visitors should maintain an elevated level of due diligence and reduce their exposure to crime-related risks by practicing good safety and security practices.
