# Updated Belize Travel Advisory: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know Before Booking
Planning a tropical escape to Belize’s beautiful beaches and ancient Mayan ruins? Before you finalize those travel plans, Ottawa travellers should be aware of an important update from the Government of Canada. On March 16, 2026, the federal government refreshed its travel advisory for Belize, maintaining a **Level 2 risk designation — Exercise a High Degree of Caution** for most of the country, with stricter warnings for specific areas.
The good news? The travel health notice for dengue has been removed. However, significant safety concerns remain that every Canadian heading to this Central American destination should understand and prepare for.
## Understanding the Current Risk Level
Belize sits at Level 2 primarily due to high rates of violent crime throughout the country. While this doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip, it does require thorough preparation and heightened awareness during your stay. One area—Southside Belize City, located south of the Haulover Creek River—carries an even stronger warning: avoid non-essential travel due to gang-related violence.
Belize unfortunately holds one of the world’s highest per-capita murder rates. Gang activity, drug trafficking, and territorial disputes fuel most of this violence. Armed robberies, burglaries, and assaults occur with concerning frequency, even in popular tourist destinations like San Pedro, Placencia, Caye Caulker, and Hopkins.
The silver lining: tourists aren’t typically targeted. However, being in the wrong place at the wrong time remains a real risk, especially after dark.
## Smart Preparation Goes Beyond Booking Flights
For Ottawa travellers preparing for Belize, safety preparation should go hand-in-hand with health preparation. While violent crime poses the most significant risk, health considerations remain crucial for any international trip.
Start by scheduling a pre-travel health consultation well before departure—ideally 6-8 weeks out. A travel health physician can recommend appropriate vaccinations based on your specific itinerary and activities. Depending on where you’re going in Belize and what you’re doing, vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine immunizations may be recommended.
Beyond vaccines, discuss malaria prophylaxis if you’re venturing outside urban areas, and ensure you have medications for travellers’ diarrhea. A well-stocked medical kit becomes even more important when travelling to destinations with safety concerns—you want to minimize situations where you’re seeking help in unfamiliar areas after dark.
## Stay Safe, Stay Healthy
Combine smart safety practices with proper health preparation: avoid going out after dark, travel in groups, stay in accommodations with strong security, and keep doors and windows locked. Keep emergency contacts readily available, including the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala City (which provides consular services for Belize).
Travelling to Belize? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.