Location: Southside and Northside of Belize City and Certain Parts of Belize District, Belize

Event: On May 8, 2026, the Government of Belize declared a State of Emergency (SOE) for Belize City (Northside and Southside) and in parts of the Belize District, specifically Ladyville Village, Burrell Boom Village, Fresh Pound Community, Buttercup Estates, Bermudian Landing Village, Lemonal Village, Isabella Bank, Rancho Dolores Village, and Double Head Cabbage Village. The declaration follows a recent increase in crime.  At this time, the SOE is scheduled to last up to 30 days.

SOE measures may be taken by the Government of Belize to preserve public safety during a public emergency including expanded power to detain and arrest individuals suspected of being threats to public safety. For more details and the full text of the proclamation, please review the Government of Belize Press Office Facebook  and website  pages.

Actions to Take:

• Follow the directions of local authorities; in case of emergency, call 911.
• Monitor the Government of Belize Press Office Facebook  and website  pages.
• Contact the Belize Government Press Office directly at info@pressoffice.gov.bz or +501-822-0759 with questions regarding the State of Emergency.
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Review the State Department’s Belize Travel Advisory .
• Notify friends and family of your location and safety.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Belize

From Belize (501) 822-4011

From the United States: 011-501-822-4011

Department of Sate – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Links:

Belize International Travel information 

U.S. Citizens in Belize WhatsApp Channel

U.S. Passports

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 

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