Belize

Land of many cultures, our special blend will amaze, surprise, and delight you. Belize is blessed with lush rainforests, sandy beaches, abundant rivers, and Mayan ruins. Our people who make our land come to ensure that your stay, however long, will be one that you will treasure for years to come. Welcome to Belize, “Central America’s Gateway to the Caribbean” and “Nature’s Best Kept Secret.”

All visitors to Belize require a valid passport that must be valid for at least three months after the date of arrival. Visitors from the United States, United Kingdom and most Caribbean countries do not require visas for stays under thirty days. Any extension to remain in the country will incur a fee of BZ $200.00 for each month’s extension. Check with your local consulate for details on whether you need a visa to travel to Belize. 

Effective March 1, 2022 fully vaccinated travelers no longer require a negative test but must show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize’s airport, land borders, or sea ports. If you are unable to show proof or if unvaccinated, the traveler must present proof of a negative PCR result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Every child under 5 years of age will not be subjected to testing for SARSCoV2 upon entry into Belize through airport, land, or sea port. Results from Antigen Home Tests are not accepted for entry to Belize. 

Visitors departing Belize International Airport pay US $55.50 per person that must be paid in US currency. If departing through the land borders via Mexico and Guatemala, visitors pay US $20.00. 

The Belize Dollar has a fixed exchange rate to the US dollar (BZ $2 = US $1). Other currencies such as £ Pounds and € Euros can be exchanged at most banks. ATMs are available throughout the country. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most shops, however, cash is preferred.

The population of Belize is approximately 410,710. Ethnic groups include Mestizo (Spanish-Mayan), Creole (African-European), Garifunas (Caribs), Mennonite, Chinese, East Indian, Lebanese, Maya, and European.

Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member and a member of the CARICOM community. The capital is Belmopan, Cayo. 

Belize occupies time zone GMT-6, Same as US Central Standard Time. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Belize is bounded on the north by Mexico, the south and west by Guatemala, and the east by the Caribbean Sea. Belize has an area of 8,867 square miles. Belize City, the capital until 1970, is the largest city and main port. The climate is subtropical with constant winds from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages 26° Celsius / 79° Fahrenheit.  The land is generally low with mangrove swamps and cayes along the coast, but as you move inland north, west, and south the land rises.  Although most of the area is heavily forested, yielding cedar, mahogany and logwood, there are regions of fertile savannahs and barren pine ridges.

Light, cotton clothing is recommended during the day; a jacket or sweater for cool evenings. For jungle trekking, long sleeved shirts, comfortable shoes, trousers, binoculars, insect repellents, sunscreen, and hats are essential.

The official language of Belize is English. With a diverse mix of cultures, Belizeans also speak Creole, Spanish, (Mopan, Ketchi & Yucatec) which are Mayan dialects, Garifuna, German (Mennonites) and Mandarin among others. 

As everywhere, caution must be exercised when traveling. Belize is relatively safe, but you should ask your hotel or local guide before venturing out.

Tap water in Belize is drinkable.

10-15% is the standard gratuity for most restaurants and tour guides. Establishments may add a service charge.

Hotel Tax is 9%, General Sales Tax (GST) is 12.5%.

From local restaurants serving delicious stewed chicken with rice and beans, to fine restaurants serving international cuisine, visitors will enjoy the wide range of restaurant choices available throughout the country.

It is highly recommended that all international travelers purchase medical insurance before arrival. All international visitors are now required to purchase travel health insurance, the policy costs US $18, it can be purchased prior to arrival or when landing in Belize, and it covers expenses due to COVID-19. Hospitals and clinics are available in Belize City, Corozal, San Pedro, Cayo, Orange Walk and Punta Gorda.