Belize TRAVEL INFORMATION

passport info	what to bring	currency	travel guides	tipping
customs	how to dress	credit cards	pets	electricity
departure tax	travel age	taxes	faq's	health and safety
flight confirmation	time zone	phone numbers	getting married	most important thing

see also directions to J and R Guest House, and Belize maps, travel info, free stuff, more ...
see also A Brief History of Belize Belize photos
Some information provided courtesy of the Belize Tourism Industry Association.

left menu button

If you have not visited the about Belize page, please do so to find out more about Belize. Topics include history, geology, location etc. Tell me more about Belize.

An FAQ page has been added that may provide additional information.

A passport is required to enter Belize along with proof of return. No visas are required from the United States, Canada, and the UK. Citizens of other countries should check with their local Belizean consulate or embassy. Visitors are allowed a one month visit without requesting an extension.

You must declare what you are bringing into the country. Personal items and equipment such as cameras and scuba equipment are not subject to customs fees as long as you will bring them back with you. US residents are permitted a $400 duty free tax exemption per person. They can also return with 200 cigarettes, and citizens 21 or older can bring back one quart of alcohol duty free. Belizean dollars may be used in duty free shops. It is illegal to take firearms, ammunition, or illegal drugs into or out of of Belize. Certain plants and animals are protected and our Mayan Artifacts are also protected. These include Pre-Colombian artifacts, fish, coral ornaments, shells, the skin or products made from endangered animals.

"...that piece of broken pottery you found at El Pilar, that you thought would make a great souvenir...it's best you just leave it there..."

Your passport.
For Sightseeing
camera and plenty of film or video equipment,
batteries, binoculars and a
flashlight for Caracol and Rio Frio Cave.
Sun tan lotion (remember you are in the tropics now)
Mosquito repellent (For the jungles or San Pedro)

comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots (for visiting temples)
light casual clothing (for the warm weather)
long sleeved shirts/pants for the jungles to protect you from scratches and mosquitoes.
Swimsuits, pool towels for swimming/snorkeling
if hats and sunglasses are your thing by all means bring them.

"...things cost twice as much in Belize as they do in the US so bring items you will need such as film or batteries, rather than buying them here..."

One US dollar = Two BZE dollars. Credit cards are accepted in most resorts. US dollars are readily accepted everywhere. You will be in remote areas so have cash on hand rather than depending on credit cards. Traveler's cheques can be cashed at Banks.

There is a 7% percent hotel tax. A 15% value added tax (VAT) has been recently implemented and is applicable to services.

Before departing Belize international visitors will have to shell out approximately $14.75 US in fees which include the following: A US$10 departure tax plus a US$1.25 security tax plus a Protected Area Conservation Trust (PACT) fee of US$3.50.

10% - 15% is acceptable or as you normally tip.

Same as US 110 volts AC

Your prescription medicine may not be readily available so be sure to bring it with you if so needed.
The water is safe to drink but if you prefer bottled water is also available.
If you must travel with younger children, we found that while on tour it is a challenge keeping milk fresh for babies, so we recommend getting your child use to a powder formula, which holds up better in warmer weather.
A first aide kit comes in handy for scratches or cuts.

Because of the nature of our tours which involve a lot of walking and climbing often in warm to hot humid weather (and there are no paved paths for pushing a stroller) we recommend that the travel age to be six years and older. All age groups be sure that you can handle the walking and climbing involved. "...surprisingly it is a lot cooler and shadier in and around the temples since archaeologists have left many shade trees standing..."

To dial Belize from the US first dial 011-501-and then the number. In an emergency dial 911 Before you leave be sure to write the phone numbers of your Resorts, Tour guides, Travel Agent, Other.

Belize is on Central Standard time. We don't observe daylight savings time.

Always confirm your flight. In Belize have your resort assist you with this.

: You must reside in Belize for three days before you can apply for a minister's license to marry. You will need proof of citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate, signed by a notary public, and which includes father's name); proof of divorce if applicable (certified copy or original certificate of divorce); copy of death certificate for widow or widower; You don't' need a blood test or consent of parents if over 18.

From the UK, Jamaica, Barbados, New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia: all animals must be certified either as having been vaccinated against rabies not less than one month and not more than six months prior to departure or as having no contact with rabies during the previous six months. All animals must be accompanied by a certificate of freedom from symptoms and of infectious or contagious diseases signed by a government veterinarian not more than 48 hours prior to shipment. All animals must be free of fresh open wounds to prevent the re-introduction of screw worm larvae. All other countries: All animals must be accompanied by a certificate of freedom from symptoms and of infectious or contagious diseases signed by a government veterinarian not more than 48 hours prior to shipment. All animals must be certified either as having been vaccinated against rabies not less than one month and not more than six months prior to departure. Any animal may be required to be vaccinated against rabies on arrival at the owner's expense. All dogs must be accompanied by a valid vaccination certificate against distemper, parvo virus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis.

"...I think what they are trying to say is leave Fido at home..."

Your local bookstore or library will have additional information/travel guides about Belize.

Most Important thing of all: just have fun, enjoy yourself, relax, learn, new things, be safe and gather some unforgettable memories.