Belize Travel Information
Belize is one of the most fascinating and beautiful countries in Central America. This breath-taking country offers spectacular natural attractions and is home to some of the friendliest people in the world. You'll surely be impressed by the warm and welcoming hospitality. Beautiful Belize also has remarkable historic sites and many natural wonders. Come experience this exceptional country for yourself!
Entry and Exit
Visa and Entry Requirements
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
| Afghanistan | Cape Verde | Fyrom |
| Albania | Central African Republic | Gabon |
| Algeria | Chad | Georgia |
| Angola | People’s Republic of China | Guinea |
| Antarctica | The Republic of China | Guinea Bissau |
| Armenia | Colombia | Haiti |
| Azerbaijan | Commonwealth of Independent States | |
| Bahrain | Comores Islands | India |
| Bangladesh | Congo | Indonesia |
| Belarus | Cote D’Ivoire | Iran |
| Benin | Croatia | Iraq |
| Bhutan | Cuba | Japan |
| Bolivia | Djibout | Jordan |
| Bosnia | Dominican Republic | Kazakhstan |
| Burkina Faso | Ecuador | Kenya |
| Burma | Egypt | Korea |
| Burundi | Equatorial Guinea | Kosovo |
| Cambodia | Eritrea | Kuwait |
| Cameroon | Ethiopia | Kyrgyzstan |
Countries L-Z
| Laos | Pakistan | Tajikistan |
| Lebanon | Palestine | Thailand |
| Libya | Paraguay | |
| Liechtenstein | Peru | |
| Madagascar | Philippines | |
| Mali | Qatar | |
| Mauritania | Russian Federation | |
| Moldavia | Rwanda | |
| Mongolia | San Marino | |
| Montenegro | Sao Tome & Principe | |
| Morocco | Saudi Arabia | |
| Mozambique | Senegal | |
| Nauru | Serbia | |
| Nepal | Sri Lanka | |
| Niger | Somalia | |
| Nigeria | Sudan | |
| Oman | Syria | |
Exit Regulations and Customs Information
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).
Health Requirements
It's advisable for all tourists to consult with a medical practitioner 6 weeks before travelling. Routine vaccinations should be up to date prior to your departure and it's recommended that all tourists consider the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Measles – as of the Measles Global Update – March 13 2015
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever Vaccination – Proof of a Yellow Fever Vaccination is a requirement when entering Belize although there is no risk of Yellow Fever in the country.
Travel Facts for Belize
Climate and Weather
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.
Time Zones
Belize falls under the UTC/GMT -06:00 time zone and does not utilise Daylight Savings Time.
Currency
Belize uses the Belizean Dollar (BZD). The Belizean Dollar is locked at an exchange rate of $2 BZD = $1 USD, making it convenient for travellers from the USA. Most places only accept US currency while others accept travellers’ cheques with your passport number written on the back. Credit cards are accepted and there are ATM's available at most tourist destinations and in large city centres.
Electricity, Telephone and Internet
Electricity
Belize uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity – this is the standard used in North America. These plugs are usually flat two-pronged plugs, so be sure to bring an adaptor if your device plug has three prongs.
Telephone
The international dialling code for Belize is +501. Hotels will usually have various country codes listed in order to assist travellers who need to phone internationally. The dialling format for calling Belize from abroad is Landline IDD + 501 + Area Code + Recipient’s Number.
Internet
Internet in Belize is easily accessible but it's very expensive. Belize Telemedia Limited is the main internet provider with Direct TV, Hughes and Starband all offering satellite internet services. WiFi can be accessed easily from a variety of hotels, coffee shops and restaurants. International roaming is available but can be extremely expensive if you're using a lot of data.
Emergency Numbers
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
People and Landscape
Population & Language
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.
Culture & Religion
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.
Landscape & Nature
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.
Food & Beverage
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.
Travel and Security Information
There are a few guidelines that every traveller should follow in order to have the best vacation possible.
- Tourists are required to have a valid passport. This passport must be valid until after the last day of your trip. Visas are also required for some nationalities.
- Medical and travel insurance are strongly recommended for all tourists.
- Tourists are advised to travel in groups and should never walk alone after dark.
- Obvious shows of affluence can sometimes welcome unwanted attention from criminals. Tourists are advised to keep valuable belongings safely stowed in their hotel safes if possible. It's never a good idea to keep large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery where they are clearly visible and it's important to remember to never leave valuable items in unattended vehicles or any other public spaces, including on public transportation and luggage holds.
- It's essential that tourists keep emergency details on hand at all times. These include the numbers and addresses of nearby hospitals, ambulances, consulates, and contact details of their next of kin.
Exclusion of Liability
Those who choose to travel do so entirely at their own risk. SC Travel Adventures endeavours to inform tourists of the risks involved with travelling but cannot be held liable for any events which occur outside of their direct control. Tourists are advised to avoid areas considered unsafe, remain vigilant and cautious at all times throughout their stay, and heed the advice of local authorities.