Canada Warns Travellers Following Belize’s SOE

The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for Belize, warning travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” amid rising violent crime and the ongoing state of emergency affecting parts of Belize City and the wider Belize District.

The updated advisory follows the declaration of a one-month state of emergency on May 8 after a surge in shootings and gang-related violence.

The SOE affects both the Southside and Northside of Belize City, along with several Belize District communities, including Ladyville, Burrell Boom, Fresh Pond, Buttercup Estates, Bermudian Landing, Lemonal, Isabella Bank, Rancho Dolores, and Double Head Cabbage.

Residents across Belize City awoke over the weekend to heightened police and Belize Defence Force patrols, road checkpoints, curfews, and tighter security operations as authorities moved to contain escalating violence. Officials say the emergency measures were introduced after weeks of retaliatory shootings and deadly attacks linked to ongoing gang conflicts.

Among the recent incidents was the ambush shooting of well-known figures Hubert Baptist and Eric Frazer along the Philip Goldson Highway on May 5. Both men survived the attack. Days later, twenty-nine-year-old Jamal Samuels was killed in what investigators believe was a retaliatory murder.

In another incident that shocked residents, police reported that a sixteen-year-old allegedly entered a bar and fatally shot a thirty-four-year-old mother of three. The killings are among several violent crimes that have unsettled communities in recent weeks.

Under Statutory Instrument 50 of 2026, authorities have been granted expanded powers aimed at restoring public order and suppressing criminal activity. The emergency regulations prohibit loitering, public drinking, and gatherings of three or more people within designated zones. Minors are also required to remain indoors between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Police and BDF personnel are authorised to search homes, vehicles, boats, and individuals without a warrant if criminal activity or threats to public safety are suspected. Officers can also detain individuals for questioning, confiscate items considered dangerous, and make arrests without warrants if they believe someone has committed, plans to commit, or may contribute to criminal activity.

Canada’s advisory warns travellers that security forces under the SOE have the authority to restrict movement, conduct searches and seizures, and detain persons of interest. Canadians in affected areas are being advised to carry valid identification, remain vigilant, avoid unsecured areas, and monitor local media closely.

The advisory continues to caution against non-essential travel to Southside Belize City due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. It also notes that violent crime remains a concern across the country, including in Belmopan.