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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Belize International Parental Child Abduction Information

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Belize International Parental Child Abduction Information

Belize

Belize
Belize
Exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory.

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators.  Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory.

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. Crimes include sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Much of this violence is linked to gangs.

  • Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes.
  • Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.
  • Emergency medical services are usually unavailable or significantly delayed. Serious injuries or illnesses normally require medical evacuation to another country.

Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same guidance as government employees while traveling. U.S. government employees are strongly discouraged from:

  • Traveling to the south side of Belize City from the Haulover Creek Canal to Fabers Road.
  • Driving between cities in Belize after dark.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belize.

Risks in specific areas

Southside Belize City - Level 3: Reconsider travel

Reconsider travel to Southside Belize City due to crime.

Violent crime in Belize City mostly happens in the south side of the city. It is often connected to gang activity. U.S. government employees are strongly discouraged from travel to the south side of Belize City from the Haulover Creek Canal continuing south to Fabers Road due to the danger of crime.

If you decide to travel to Belize:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Belize.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • We highly recommend you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid walking or driving at night.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Belmopan

4 Floral Park Road
Belmopan, Belize
Telephone: +(501) 822-4011
Emergency After Hours telephone: +(501) 822-4011
Fax: +(501) 822-4012
Email: ACSBelize@state.gov

Belize and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since November 1, 1989.

For information concerning travel to Belize, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, health conditions, currency and entry regulations, and crime and security, please see country-specific information for Belize.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here. 

The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention.  In this capacity, the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Belize.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign central authority.

Contact information:

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Fax: 202-485-6221
Website: travel.state.gov

The Belize Central Authority for the Hague Abduction Convention is the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation.  The role of the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation is to perform the duties given to central authorities under the Hague Abduction Convention, including processing Hague Abduction Convention applications for return of and access to children.  They can be reached at:

Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation
West Block, Independence Hill
Belmopan
Telephone: 501-822-2161 or 501-822-2684
E-mail: secretary@humandev.gov.bz
Website: Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation

To initiate a Hague case for return of, or access to, a child in Belize, the left-behind parent must submit a Hague application to the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation.  The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application to the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes.

There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the United States or Belize central authorities.  Attorney fees, if necessary, are the sole responsibility of the person hiring the attorney.  Additional costs may include airplane tickets for court appearances and for the return of the child, if so ordered.

A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in Belize.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Belize.  The criteria for acceptance of a Hague access application vary from country to country.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

Retaining a local private attorney is required in Belize Hague Abduction Convention return cases if the LBP is not present in Belize.  The case will not be filed in court if a LBP lives outside of Belize and does not hire an attorney.  LBPs living in Belize may file a case in court without legal representation.  Local attorneys are not provided by the Belize Central Authority, and the litigant in a Hague Abduction Convention case in Belize is responsible for all legal fees. 

U.S. Embassy Belmopan maintains a list of attorneys who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms.  Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

Mediation may be offered by the Family Court in Belize free of charge, but this service is limited to individuals with cases already being handled by the court.  Parents interested in mediation outside of a court case should consult a local attorney.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: June 26, 2018

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Belmopan
4 Floral Park Road
Belmopan, Belize
Telephone
+(501) 822-4011
Emergency
+(501) 610-5030
Fax
+(501) 822-4012
Email
ACSBelize@state.gov
Website
https://bz.usembassy.gov/

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