Belize Harbour

Travel to Belize

Overview

Belize is an under-the-radar travel destination growing in popularity, with more and more tourists drawn to this exotic locale. Sandwiched between the steaming jungles of the Amazon and the sparkling coastline of the Pacific, there is plenty in Belize to tempt travellers.

The country is home to a number of ancient ruins from the Mayan civilisation. One of the most popular sites is the satisfyingly named Xunantunich, an impressive 7th century construction on a hilltop, reached by hand-cranked cable ferry. Lamanai (which translates as ‘submerged crocodile’) is known both for its impressive architecture and its dense rainforest setting. Caracol, near the Guatemalan border, was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient Mayan world.

The coast of Belize sparkles with beaches and the world’s second-longest barrier reef. Glover’s Reef, named after an 18th century pirate, is a collection of small cays with white sand, palm trees and low-key resorts. Lighthouse Reef houses the unique dive site, Blue Hole. Ambergris Caye is the champion of the tourist industry, a typical paradise of sunbathing, cocktails, snorkeling and scuba diving. Caye Caulker is laid back and cheaper, its easy-going attitude complemented by the reggae beats of the Creole culture.

Belize is also home to some unique wildlife. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary hosts flocks of migrating birds from November to April, Mayflower Bocawina National Park has great hiking trails and is home to troops of black howler monkeys, and Belize Zoo hosts a fascinating collection of obscure creatures such as tapirs, gibnuts, coatimundi, white-lipped peccaries and many more.

September is the month for festivals and parties. Two weeks of celebrations take place from National Day to Independence Day, and the Belize Carnival reveals exotic costumes and infectious Caribbean music.

Climate in Belize

Belize weather features a temperate climate marked by two distinct seasons, the rainy and the dry. There is a notable transition from the one to the next. Rainfall during the rainy season occurs between June and November, with rainfall averages ranging between 60 inches (1,524mm) in the north to 160 inches (4,064mm) in the south. Except for the southern regions, the rainfall is variable from year to year. Average temperatures range from 81°F (27°C) along the coast to 69°F (21°C) in the hills. The coldest month is January and the warmest temperatures are experienced in May.

Health Notes when travelling to Belize

No vaccinations are required for entry to Belize. Travellers arriving from a yellow-fever infected area require a vaccination certificate. Cases of dengue fever have occurred, and seem to be increasing, so insect repellent is strongly advised. Malaria prevention is recommended for those travelling outside Belize City. Potable water is available in most areas of Belize but it is advisable, if in doubt, to drink bottled or boiled water. Medical facilities are poor in the city, and almost non-existent elsewhere. Cases of severe illness or injury usually require expensive medical evacuation. Adequate medical insurance is therefore vital. For divers there is a hyperbaric chamber at Ambergris Caye.

Safety Notes when travelling to Belize

There have been incidents of tourists falling victim to violent crime. Muggings have been reported in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, and in parts of Belize City. Visitors should take sensible precautions to minimise the risks. These would include not wearing expensive jewellery, keeping valuables out of sight, staying in groups, avoiding dark alleys, and not walking alone on the beach at night. It is also advisable to use qualified guides for exploratory trips off the beaten track.

Customs in Belize

A laidback attitude permeates Belize and usually carries over into conversation, so visitors who approach locals should try to be friendly, relaxed and patient. Locals aren’t especially accepting of homosexuality, but are unlikely to show their disapproval. Still, there are no gay venues and, as a precaution, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

Duty Free in Belize

Travellers over 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, wines or spirits not exceeding one litre and personal goods or souvenirs to the value of 200 BZD. Restricted items include plants, meat and meat products, live animals and processed food items.

Doing Business in Belize

Belize has a fairly informal business style, although punctuality and politeness are appreciated. Handshaking, the exchanging of business cards and some small talk is expected before getting down to business. Dress is usually casual, but neat, with men in short-sleeved, collared shirts without a tie; however government-related business is more formal. Business hours are usually 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Communication in Belize

The international dialling code for Belize is +501. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Roaming costs can be expensive. For visitors staying longer than a week or two, the cheapest option is usually to buy a cheap local phone with a prepaid SIM card. WiFi is widely available Belize City.

Tipping in Belize

Tipping in Belize is voluntary but as in any country, good services should be rewarded with a 10 percent tip. Upscale hotels and resorts may add a 10 percent service charge to guests’ bills, and this usually goes to the porter and maid who assisted them. Tour guides should be tipped a few extra dollars for their effort and taxi drivers should be tipped only if they help carry bags or take travellers on a guided tour.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors to Belize must produce a passport valid for at least the period of their intended stay. It’s recommended, however, that passports be valid for six months after departure from holiday destinations. All visitors should also have return tickets and documents for onward travel, and funds amounting to US$50 per person, per day. Visas are usually granted on arrival for 30 days but extensions are usually possible for a fee.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

United States passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of 30 days or less.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian passports must be valid at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Belize. Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British passports should be valid for six months from the date travellers arrive, but visas are not required.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian passports must be valid at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Belize. Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish passports must be valid at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Belize. Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealander passports must be valid at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Belize. Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African passports must be valid at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Belize. Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days.

Tourist Offices

Belize Tourism Board, Belize City: +501 223 1913 or http://www.travelbelize.org

Belize Embassies

In the United States:

Belize Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 9636.

In Canada:

Belize High Commission, Ontario, Canada: +1 416 865 7000.

In the United Kingdom:

Belize High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7723 3603.

Foreign Embassies in Belize

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Belmopan: +501 822 4011.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Honorary Consulate, Belize City: +501 223 1060.

British Embassy

British High Commission, Belmopan: +501 822 2147

Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Belize): +1 868 822 5450

Irish Embassy

Mission of Ireland to the UN, New York City, United States (also responsible for Belize): +1 212 421 6934.

South African Embassy

South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Belize): +1 876 620 4840.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is fixed against the US$ as BZD2 to US$1. Most tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants and tour operators accept US currency, so visitors should make sure they understand which dollar rate (Belize or US Dollars) is being quoted. Credit cards are only accepted in large tourist facilities; ATMs are widely available in larger towns.