Belize Travel Information

Tourists are required to have a valid passport. Your passport will be stamped upon entry and departure. It's essential that an immigration officer stamp your passport upon arrival; failure to display the stamp may result in legal discrepancies upon your departure.

Tourists may also be required to provide proof of a return ticket, as well as a bank statement, cash, or travellers’ cheques showing that they have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.

Here's a list of countries that require an entry visa for Belize:

Countries A-K

Countries L-Z

There's an airport tax of $35 USD which is included in the flight package. No arms or ammunition are permitted unless special authorisation has been obtained. Importing of agricultural produce, plants, meat and meat products, processed foods, live animals, drugs and veterinary drugs is strictly prohibited. In order to bring in any of these items, please contact the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).

Belize has a lovely average temperature of around 29◦C all year round. The coastal sea breezes, forests and jungles play their part in keeping the temperature comfortably cool, even on the hottest days. This comfortable climate makes for warm and enjoyable summers, and cool winters that never drop below 16◦C. Afternoon rainfalls help to cool off hot days from June until December, but these mild afternoon showers simply add to the destination's charm.

Hurricane season starts around the first of June and is sometimes a concern for travellers. However, Belize usually only experiences tropical storms. Belize shares an early warning network which has proven very effective in situations requiring evacuation and/or other emergency procedures. 

Belize falls under the UTC/GMT -06:00 time zone and does not utilise Daylight Savings Time.

Emergency Number: 911

Hospitals:

• Belize City Hospital

Eyre Street

+501 2 77251

• San Ignacio Hospital ( Private Hospital)

Hospital Street, San Ignacio, Belize, C.A.

+501 92 2066

Police:

• Balmopan Police Station and Headquarters

Bliss Parade, Balmopan, Belize.

+501 227 2222

Fire Service & Ambulance Emergency Number: 90

Belize Coast Guard:

+501 225 2125

Belize has a total population of 340,844, as of July 2014. This nation is made up of a variety of ethnic groups; Mestizo, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna. Among these varied ethnic groups, English is considered an official language, but most Belizeans speak Spanish, Creole or other Mayan Dialects as well. Only 3.9% of the population speaks English, as their only language while 46% speak Spanish and English and 32.9% use Creole and English in their daily lives.

English is used in the larger cities and is especially prominent in tourist hot spots.

Belize has a variety of cultural influences. The Mayans were among the first to settle in Belize, with Spanish and British people following suite. This country has many of the same cultural characteristics as its Caribbean island neighbours. This beautiful country has a laid back atmosphere that accentuates the vivacious beauty of the island.

Belizeans are primarily Roman Catholic, although there is a growing Protestant population. The Mayan and Garifuna communities also practise their own mixture of Christianity and Shamanism, proving both fascinating and enlightening.

Belize is divided into two main physiographic regions, the Maya Mountains, which have many plateaus and basins, and the low-lying region which is made up of rivers, perennial streams, lagoons, and the coast. The navigable Belize River is the most historically important river in Belize and acts as a drain for more than one-quarter of the country.

Belize has mangrove swamplands, beautiful coastal regions, and inviting beaches, as well as tropical pine, savannah and hardwood forests. This remarkable country has a diverse variety of landscapes that are guaranteed to captivate and mesmerise every visitor.

Belizean cuisine is part of Caribbean cuisine. Coconut, plantains and hot peppers are all commonly used ingredients. These are usually combined with meats, beans, and rice.

Suckling roasted pig served with vegetables or a delicious escabeche onion soup is a firm favourite around Mayan tables. Belizean dishes are often served with fresh coconut milk, and there are many spicy dishes that are guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds.

The amalgamation of ethnicities and cultures in Belize has inspired a unique and extraordinary culinary experience.

The tap water in Belize is not safe to drink. Visitors are advised to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. It's also important to remember to use bottled water when brushing your teeth.