This is a Warden Message just issued by the U.S. Embassy in Belize.
Information for Travelers and Residents
Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize
August 7, 2008
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan issues the following information to American citizens traveling to or residing in Belize. Due to a recent increase in violent crime in Belmopan and the surrounding areas of the Cayo District, Americans are reminded to exercise an appropriate level of vigilance and caution in all their activities. U.S. citizens should exercise particular caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Violent crime continues to affect both urban and rural areas of the country. In the past two weeks there have been several armed robberies and other violent crimes committed in Belmopan, located in Cayo District. Residents and visitors to Belmopan, San Ignacio, Benque Viejo, rural villages in the Cayo District, as well as Belize City, should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
The Belize Ministry of National Security continues to work with local police, the Belize Defense Force and the U.S. Embassy with regard to security issues in the country.
While some recent robberies have affected U.S. Citizens directly, there is no current information available to suggest that the perpetrators were specifically targeting tourists or U.S. citizens. In some cases victims appear to have been targets of opportunity. For additional information regarding ways to better ensure your personal security, visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with their nearest embassy or consulate through the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. Registration allows Americans to obtain updated information on travel and security. Registration also makes it easier to contact Americans in case of an emergency. Americans in Belize may register in person at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan during normal business hours.
All Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the local U.S. embassy or consulate. For additional security tips, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.
For the latest security information, Americans living or traveling abroad should also regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.
For emergencies involving American citizens in Belize, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan: telephone (from the U.S.) 011-501-822-4011 or (within Belize) 822-4011. After working hours please call the embassy duty officer at 610-5030. For those U.S. citizens desiring to visit the Consular Section in person, the embassy is located on Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo District, and public hours are on Monday through Thursday from 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-5:00 pm, Fridays from 8:00-11:00 am. Persons requiring a paid service such as a new passport must appear prior to the closing of our cashier’s office at 3:30 pm.
The Consular Section may also be reached by email at consulbelize@state.gov. The embassy internet website is www.belize.usembassy.gov.