Health Advice

Health Advice for Belize

Vaccinations recommended for travel to Belize are Hepatitis A, Malaria, Tetanus and Typhoid and depending on the region and the season visited Diphtheria and Rabies are also suggested. For travellers coming from infected areas a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are also advised and travellers should be aware that Dengue fever is on the rise so mosquito protection is highly recommended. Due to the country being close to the equator always wear sunscreen as you will burn quickly.

Buy only bottled purified water with a proper seal and avoid drinking tap water at all times. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled and avoid ice cream, raw fish and basically anything from street vendors. Peel or cook all fruits and vegetables and ensure cooked food is always served hot. Try to prevent flies from landing on any food as many carry airborne diseases.

Visitors applying for residency will require an AIDS test (foreign tests may not be acceptable) as the adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is currently at 2.5%.

Medical facilities are limited and there is a shortage of doctors in rural areas however there are seven government hospitals one in each of the other five main district towns, one in Belmopan and one in Belize City. Medical insurance is strongly recommended as most hospitals and doctors expect to be paid in cash, whether you have insurance or not.

When visiting Belize, travellers should be on their guard and exercise caution, as there have been occasional violent incidents against tourists particularly in Belize City and surrounding areas. Violent gang related crime is extremely high in these areas due to narcotic trafficking and the struggle for power in the streets. In Belize City it is recommended that you remain in the tourist zone that runs just north of the marina to the southern extension to the east of the main canal. Travellers should maintain a high degree of vigilance when travelling the country as rape, theft and assaults are daily occurrences in many parts of the country together with human trafficking also playing a role. In general, stay near tourist areas or other commercial zones and exercise common sense, such as never go wandering around alone after dark.

The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, particularly places visited by tourists.

Belize emergency numbers are: Police 911, Fire and Ambulance 90.