Key Aspects:
- A State of Emergency has been declared for 19 different areas in Belize City, Belize, effective from November 1, 2026.
- Crime is cited as the main factor for the declaration, particularly gang violence, but no cruise ship visits are yet impacted.
- The State of Emergency is scheduled to last for 30 days but could be revoked earlier.
The Government of Belize has declared a State of Emergency (SOE) for much of Belize City and nearby regions, effective from November 1, 2026, for 30 days, unless it is revoked earlier.
Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor-General of Belize, signed the State of Emergency order on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
With 27 cruise ship calls scheduled for Belize City in the month of November, booked guests visiting the port destination will want to be aware of the situation and how they can stay safe when visiting the largest city in Belize.
The U.S. Embassy in Belize noted that the SOE follows an increase in crime in recent weeks.
“U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution when traveling in and around Belize City due to gang violence and random, potentially violent, crimes of opportunity,” the embassy said in a security alert issued on November 4, 2026.
Despite the SOE, the U.S. Department of State has not increased the advisory level for Belize, which is currently listed as a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” for the entire country, with crime cited as the primary concern.
The south side of Belize City, however, does have a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, also due to crime.
“Isolated incidents of violent crime can happen even during the day and in tourist areas, though the south side of Belize City has historically had the highest concentration of violent crime,” the advisory explains. “Crimes include sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Much of this violence is linked to gangs.”
In the new SOE, 19 different areas in Belize City are noted as being especially hazardous. Cruise Hive has verified that 17 of the areas named as part of the SOE are south of Haulover Creek, while only the areas surrounding Queen Street, Handyside Street, North Front Street, Barrack Road, Victoria Street, and Pickstock Street are on the north side of the creek.
The Belize Cruise Port is north of Haulover Creek and on the east end of the city. This area is not listed in the SOE. Similarly, the nearby Fort Street Tourism Village, Welcome to Belize sign, and Baron Bliss Lighthouse are also outside the emergency declaration.
In addition to the listed areas of Belize City, Ladyville Village in Belize District as well as Cotton Tree Village and Unitedville Village in Cayo District are also under the SOE declaration.
Are Cruise Visits Impacted?
At this time, no cruise line has adjusted itineraries in response to the SOE declaration.
In November, ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, TUI Cruises, and Viking are all scheduled to visit Belize City.
Read Also: 11 Most Dangerous Cruise Ports You Should Be Extra Cautious About
Cruise guests are always advised to be cautious when going ashore in any port of call and to remain alert to their surroundings. Because extra police checkpoints may impact traffic during the SOE, guests with excursions out of the city will want to plan adequate time for their visits.
The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid walking or driving at night. During November, the sun sets as early as 5:16 p.m. in Belize City, according to timeanddate.com. Most cruise ships depart the city no later than 6 p.m., and guests will need to be back onboard their respective ships well before that departure time.
The travel advisory also suggests that visitors “do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry,” which is always a sensible precaution.
