Belize is the only English-speaking British Commonwealth country in Central America. Sheltered between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize opens its heart to the Caribbean Sea. Very close to the United States and Canada, only a couple of hours of flight will bring you here. Enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, caving, boating, kayaking, rafting, tubing, diving, and fishing in Belize at affordable prices.
Or just relax with the sun, water and tranquility.
Previous checks
A passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure is required along with proof of return. Citizens of the United States, British Commonwealth nations, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, and Canada can be here without a visa. Others should check with their local Belizean Consulate or Embassy for visas. Tourists are normally granted a 30-day stay, and one can go to Belize City and request that the stay be extended for six months by paying a small fee.
Airlines to Belize
If you wish to bring your own aircraft, you must enter Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Be sure to get permission from the Chief Civil Aviation Officer 48 hours before your arrival. The documents will be inspected and a normal flight plan must be presented along with the corresponding fee. Apart from its own aircraft, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Taca and Aeroméxico are operating regular flights. It only takes a couple of hours to get here from Miami, Florida, Houston, Texas, or New Orleans, Louisiana.
Passport and travel documents must be available to clear customs. In addition to your personal items, only 200 cigarettes or ½ pound of tobacco items, 20 ounces of alcohol, and one bottle of personal perfume are allowed.
Channels: browse your way
The sea route can be adventurous and perfectly enjoyable. The Caribbean Sea is beautiful and the trip could add a nice part to your trip to Belize. However, boats must clear customs and enter Belize City, Dangripa, Punta Gorda, Big Creek, or San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
Arrive by land: drive
Choose this route if you are willing to enjoy the rough and tumble. The rough roads will take almost three to six days from Texas to Mexico. Be sure to bring your driver’s license or permit along with your vehicle registration certificates. You would need a temporary import permit for the vehicle to cross the border into Mexico, and Belizean customs officials would be more than happy to provide it. Do not speed and stay on the right side of the roads.
Liability or third party insurance is also required. Also, if you do not have an International Driving Permit, you will need a Temporary Driving Permit, and you can obtain one from the Principal Licensing Officer in Belize City. You could even bring your camper, however overnight parking in public places is not allowed.
Move
You can also rent a car or golf cart in Belize City for which a valid driver’s license is required. Owning a car is a great way to experience Belize.
Belize is only 68 miles wide and 180 miles long. So fill up your gas tanks and remember not to pick up hitchhikers or drive at night. Bus services are also available around Belize. Novello’s, Z-Line, Betty’s and Venus can take you to major cities.
Accommodation and boarding costs
If you’re traveling on a budget, you can vacation for as little as $40 a day in mainland Belize, while transportation will be extra. Room and accommodation in luxury lodges and good hotels cost between $100 and $150 per day. Group adventure trips outfitted in exclusive all-inclusive accommodations range from $100 to $150 per day. Reservations are always a good idea and don’t forget to ask about group discounts.
Banks
There are several commercial banks in Belize City. Atlantic Bank Limited, Alliance Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclay’s Bank PLC and Belize Bank Limited will be happy to assist you if needed.
Credit cards and traveler’s checks
Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards. Small vendors and merchants in rural areas may only accept cash or traveler’s checks. All major credit card companies can be contacted at all commercial banks in Belize City.
currency exchange rate
The local currency is the Belize dollar. One US dollar is equal to two Belize dollars. However, US dollars are also accepted throughout the country.
See you later – for now
It can be hard to say goodbye to Belize, however consoling yourself that it will be back soon can help. Days of sun, water and tranquility will always be here for you, whenever you feel like it or wish to purchase your dream vacation property in Belize from one of the most reputable communities in Belize.
departure duties
A US$20 tax is charged when leaving Belize and is payable in cash only. However, this does not apply if you leave Belize within 24 hours. A security fee of US$0.75 is payable when entering Belize by plane and taking another on flights from Belize. There is a US$5 visa charge when entering Guatemala (for site viewing) through the western border; and a departure tax of US$3.50 is charged when leaving Belize on this western side.
This charge is deductible at the airport from the US$20 departure tax when you leave Belize.
However, remember that Belize is always willing and always inviting.
See you later for now!