Visitor Information
This Visitor Information page is designed to be your comprehensive guide to Belize. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. However, some numbers and information may change during the course of time. COVID -19 restrictions and policies are not listed here for that reason. Currently Belize has no COVID restrictions. We ask that you check with us or your travel agent if you need assistance or additional information. If you are in Belize consult the front desk at your hotel or the nearest Belize Tourism Board office.
One of the most important updates for travelers is Belize’s new Digital Embarkation/Disembarkation (E/D) Form , which simplifies the immigration and customs process upon arrival. First time visitors may also view our “FAQ” page for additional Belize travel tips.
AIRLINE INFORMATION
It is easy to fly in and out of Belize from most countries in the Western Hemisphere and Europe. Visitors from North America can now get direct flights from major hub cities across the USA and Canada. From Europe, you can also get convenient flights from London, Heathrow to Belize with just a short connection in Miami.
Some flights are only available on certain days of the week, and some are seasonal. For example, Minneapolis and Denver only have direct flights on Saturdays, and seasonal flights from November to April are available from Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue, and Frontier Airlines.
All international flights land at the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City.
Below is a list of airlines and hub cities:
UNITED AIRLINES: Daily via Houston, TX and on weekends from Newark NJ, Chicago MI, Denver CO & San Francisco
DELTA AIRLINES: Via Atlanta GA & Los Angeles
ALASKA AIRLINES: Direct flights with at least one landing daily from either, Los Angeles LAX or Seattle SEA
AIR CANADA: Departs Toronto weekly on Sundays
WEST JET: Weekly from Toronto on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Fridays and Saturdays from Calgary
AMERICAN AIRLINES: Daily via Miami, FL or Dallas, TX
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: Houston Hobby TX, Ft. Lauderdale FL, Denver CO
JET BLUE: New York to Belize Direct on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
FRONTIER AIRLINES: Via Orlando, FL on Fridays and Saturdays & Denver, CO on Saturdays
AVINCA AIRLINES: Via San Salvador, El Salvador
COPA AIRLINESs: Via Panama City, PA
TROPIC AIRLINES: Via Cancun, Merida, Roatan, San Pedro Sula, Flores MX
The local airlines or puddle jumpers for connecting flights from the international airport to major towns and villages across the country are: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your arrival date. Some airlines may not allow you to board if your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date.
No visas are required from the United States, United Kingdom, the European Union and Commonwealth Countries. Most other countries require visas. Check with your travel representative. Visitors are allowed a one-month visit without requesting an extension. You’ll need to extend your stay with Belize Immigration if you want to stay longer than 30 days.
The following are also required:
Return or onward ticket: Proof that you intend to leave Belize
Documentation for children: If you’re traveling with children, you may need to provide birth certificates or written permission from both parents
Funds: Enough money to cover your stay
Departure tax: A fee of around US/$40 to exit Belize, which is usually collected at the airport in cash however, in some cases it may be included in your airfare
CUSTOM ALLOWANCES
Visitors to Belize are permitted to enter with 200 cigarettes (one carton) and one fifth of liquor per person.
Visitors returning to the United States are permitted a $400 duty-free tax exemption per person. They can also return with 200 cigarettes, and citizens 21 years or older can bring back one quart of alcohol duty-free.
Visitors returning to Canada are permitted a $300 duty-free tax exemption per person. They can also return with 200 cigarettes and 1.1 liters of liquor duty-free.
Belizean dollars may be used in duty-free shops. One is not allowed to leave Belize with certain items. These include: pre-Columbian articles, marine products (unless permitted by the Fisheries Department), unprocessed coral or turtle shells. If you try, these articles would most likely be confiscated and could even land you in jail. Other visitors should check with customs.
PORTS OF ENTRY
Private Aircraft: Planes should clear through Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City.
Land Borders: It is possible to enter Belize through the northern border in Santa Elena, the western border in Benque Viejo and at the southern border in Punta Gorda.
Private Boats: The following is a list of seaports where vessels may be entered or cleared. Belize City, Big Creek, San Pedro, Dangriga and Punta Gorda. Additional information is available as you enter by calling VHF channel 16.
ANIMALS
You can bring animals to Belize under the following requirements
Import permit: You need a valid import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). You can apply for a permit by emailing animalhealth@baha.org.bz or visiting a BAHA office.
Health certificate: Your pet needs a veterinary health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. The certificate should confirm that your pet is in good health and free from contagious diseases.
Vaccinations: Your pet’s vaccinations should be up to date, including rabies, which should be administered at least 30 days prior to travel.
Parasite treatment: Your pet should be treated against endoparasites and ectoparasites within 30 days of exportation.
Quarantine: All dogs and cats will need to undergo quarantine inspection at the port of entry.
Veterinary inspection: A BAHA veterinary officer may inspect your pet at the point of entry.
Microchip: While not mandatory, it is recommended to have your pets microchipped before traveling to Belize.
You should also be aware that the importer is responsible for any costs incurred in the processing of live animals for entry into Belize.
CLIMATE
The climate in Belize is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees. The rainy season is from June through August. The dry season typically occurs December through May except for northern cold fronts from the Gulf of Mexico that can bring rain. September to November is usually moderate.
GOVERNMENT
Belize is independent with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.
CURRENCY
Local currency is the Belize Dollar, or BZ. One U.S. dollar is worth BZ$2. US dollars are accepted and preferred throughout Belize.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police department countrywide dial: 911
Fire department countrywide dial: 990
U.S. Citizens in Belize can also call the US Embassy number 822-4011 in emergencies. From the US dial 011-501-822-4011
TAXES
There is a 7% government/hotel tax. A sales tax of 8% has been implemented and is applicable to goods and services.
TIPPING & GRATUITY
Tipping is voluntary. Usually 10% is acceptable with 15% for exceptional service. In some cases a gratuity may be added to your check. This practice varies with establishment. Be sure to ask before paying the bill.
TIME ZONE
Belize does not observe daylight-saving time. The time zone is Central Standard Time only.
TOPOGRAPHY
Belize is an area of only 8,866 square miles. It is situated on the east coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. It possesses the second-largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system is same as the U.S. 110 volts A.C.
FIREARMS
It is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Belize.