Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Thu, 12 Mar 2026
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Is Belmopan safe? 🇧🇿
Belize · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Belmopan scores 64/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes, Belmopan is moderately safe for visitors who exercise caution, particularly regarding petty crime and isolated violent incidents. The main risks for visitors are robbery (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Belmopan 🇧🇿
Belize · Assessed 18 October 2026
64
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime55/100FairCrime index 45.9 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment71/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability73Good
Health71Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-10-07T11:03:45Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Belize: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-10-14T08:09:06.2989682-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Urban scale factor
13k residents
94
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
28.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3Belize28.1South Africa43.7
17
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed robberies occur occasionally, often targeting individuals walking alone at night in less populated areas; recent incidents include a January 2026 truck driver killing during an attempted robbery.
Pickpocketing
LowPickpocketing is uncommon but possible in crowded markets or near the bus terminal; visitors should remain vigilant with belongings in public spaces.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
71/100
Reported feel69Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk96Low risk
Visitor reports indicate feeling safe during daylight hours in central Belmopan, particularly around government buildings and hotels, though some express concern about nighttime safety in isolated areas.
Yes, Belmopan is moderately safe for visitors who exercise caution, particularly regarding petty crime and isolated violent incidents.
Belmopan has a moderate safety profile with a homicide rate of 28.1 per 100k and frequent reports of armed robberies, though violent crime against tourists remains rare. Pickpocketing is uncommon but possible in crowded areas like markets and the bus terminal. Visitors generally report feeling safe during daylight in central areas around government buildings and hotels.
Recent developments
- Jan 2026Belize News and Opinion reported a Caribbean Chicken truck driver killed during an attempted robbery in Belmopan— Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com
- Jan 2026Greater Belize Media reported a father of two gunned down in a Belmopan robbery attempt— Greater Belize Media
- Feb 2026Love FM Belize reported an arrest made in the Belmopan double murder case— Love FM Belize
- May 2026Greater Belize Media reported a breakthrough in the Belmopan doctor’s murder case with two charged in the Bonilla killing— Greater Belize Media
Common scams
- Facebook marketplace scams involving non-delivery of goods
- Overcharging or fake tour operators targeting visitors
Full briefing
Belmopan sees regular armed robbery incidents, particularly after dark in less populated zones, though the city center around government offices and hotels remains relatively secure by day. A January 2026 robbery attempt left a truck driver dead, and another incident that month saw a father of two shot during a similar crime, both reported by local news sources. Pickpocketing is rare but visitors should guard belongings in busy areas like the market or bus terminal. Scams involving fake online sales, such as Facebook marketplace deals where sellers vanish after payment, have also been reported locally. Stay alert, avoid isolated streets at night, and use pre-arranged transport. While violent crime against tourists is uncommon, the national homicide rate remains high at 28.1 per 100k, underscoring the need for caution. Most visitors feel safe walking in daylight, especially near official buildings and accommodations, but nighttime solitude increases risk. Stick to well-lit, frequented areas and consult your lodging for current safety guidance. No active disaster alerts affect the city, and air quality is good, but dengue and measles watches remain in effect globally. Exercise increased caution as advised by the U.S. and Canadian governments, focusing on personal security rather than infrastructure concerns.
Was this Belmopan, Belize report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Belmopan districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Belmopan safety map.
San MartinavoidResidential area south of the city; multiple armed robberies and a double murder reported in Feb-Jun 2026.
Industrial ZoneavoidLimited lighting and surveillance; Jan 2026 robbery-murder of a truck driver occurred here during attempted theft.
Market SquarecautionBusy daytime market; petty theft possible, avoid carrying valuables and remain alert after dark.
Hospital RoundaboutcautionNear the main hospital; isolated incidents of robbery reported in Jan 2026, avoid walking alone at night.
RiversidecautionAlong the Belize River; scams and pickpocketing reported near transport hubs, exercise caution with belongings.
Government DistrictsaferCentral area with embassies and ministries; visible police presence and low crime during daylight.
University of Belize CampussaferWell-lit and patrolled area; students and staff report feeling secure, especially during daytime.
Forest DrivesaferResidential area near government housing; regular patrols and community watch contribute to lower incident rates.
07 · After Dark
Is Belmopan safe at night?
Armed robberies occur occasionally, often targeting individuals walking alone at night in less populated areas; recent incidents include a January 2026 truck driver killing during an attempted robbery.
After dark, be most careful around San Martin, Industrial Zone, Market Square, Hospital Roundabout. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Belmopan safety FAQ (2026)
Is Belmopan safe right now (2026)?
Yes, Belmopan is moderately safe for visitors who exercise caution, particularly regarding petty crime and isolated violent incidents. Belmopan has a moderate safety profile with a homicide rate of 28.1 per 100k and frequent reports of armed robberies, though violent crime against tourists remains rare. Pickpocketing is uncommon but possible in crowded areas like markets and the bus terminal. Visitors generally report feeling safe during daylight in central areas around government buildings and hotels. (Assessed 18 October 2026.)
Is Belmopan safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Belmopan report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Belmopan should tourists avoid?
Field research flags San Martin, Industrial Zone as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Belmopan (2026)?
- Facebook marketplace scams involving non-delivery of goods
- Overcharging or fake tour operators targeting visitors
How does Belmopan compare with other places in Belize (2026)?
Belmopan ranks #3 of 5 Belize destinations we've assessed, scoring 64/100. See the Belize safety overview for the full list.
How is this belmopan safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: belmopan.json (CC BY 4.0).