For the outdoor enthusiast, Belize presents unlimited opportunities. The country has a lot more in common with the Caribbean island states (its style of architecture, for example) than its Central American neighbours. Every destination in Belize has its share of archaeological and national parks, marine and nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Mayan temples tower above rainforest canopies while an incredibly colourful array of marine wildlife finds protection in Belize's barrier reef.

Belize is a country of various cultural, language and ethnic groups. Approximately 200,000 people in Belize consist of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and East Indian heritage. Due to racial harmony, religious tolerance and a relatively non-violent political culture, all of these different elements have mixed and blended successfully, to give Belize a widespread reputation for its friendly peoples.

Passport/Visa

Passports

Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in chart above.

Passport Note

All travellers are required to show evidence of sufficient funds (minimum £50 per day) and proof of return or onward ticket at the point of entry.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above and nationals of their overseas territories for stays of up to 30 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Single-entry: £60; Multiple-entry: £110. Handling fee of £5 for all applications.

Working Days Required

Most visas are issued the next working day. Some applications may require authorisation from the Director of Immigration and the Nationality Service in Belize; this will take up to four weeks.

Money

Currency

Belize Dollar (BZD; symbol BZ$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of BZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of BZ$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

The Belize Dollar is tied to the US Dollar at US$1 = BZ$2.

Currency Exchange

Currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and travel agencies. Most businesses accept US Dollars. ATMs in Belize do not always accept foreign cards; Belize Bank ATMs usually do, but ATMs should not be relied upon as the only source of cash.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Most establishments will add a 5% service charge to the bills of customers using credit cards.

Traveller's Cheques

These can be exchanged; commission will usually be charged.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0800-1300, Fri 0800-1630. Times may vary according to destination.

Exchange Rate Indicators

Health

Vaccinations

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.

Food and Drink

Tap water is considered safe to drink in most areas, but visitors are advised to ask first, and to drink bottled or boiled water if in any doubt. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid all dairy products and eat only well-cooked meat. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised. Dengue fever may be present; several cases occurred in 2006. HIV/AIDS rates are increasing.

Note: Visitors applying for residency will require an AIDS test (foreign tests may not be acceptable).

Health Care

There are seven government hospitals – one in Belmopan, one in Belize City and one in each of the other five main district towns, but, generally, medical facilities are limited. Medical services in rural areas are provided by rural health care centres, and mobile clinics operate in remote areas. Medical insurance is strongly advised.

Getting There

Getting There by Air

American Airlines (website: www.aa.com) flies from Miami to Belize City. Continental Airlines (website: www.continental.com) flies from Houston. There are no direct flights from London to Belize; passengers can fly non-stop to Miami or Houston and join a connecting flight.

Approximate Flight Times

From Miami to Belize City is 2 hours and from Houston is 2 hours 40 minutes.

Main Airports

The Philip S W Goldson International Airport (BZE) is 16km (10 miles) northwest of Belize City. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city (journey time – 20 minutes); prices should be agreed with the driver beforehand. Taxi drivers are not tipped. There is an airport bus to the city centre, but it runs infrequently and should not be relied upon (journey time – 30 minutes). Facilities: Duty-free shops, bank, shops, restaurant and bar.

Note: Belmopan, the capital, is 84km (52 miles) from Belize City by road.

Departure Tax

None.

Getting There by Water

Main ports: Belize City, Corozal, Dangriga, Punta Gorda and San Pedro. Belize City is the primary port of call for most cruise ship lines. Regular scheduled boats carry passengers ashore to taste a bit of Belize at the Fort Street Tourism Village.

There are regular water taxi services between Punta Gorda and Puerto Barrios, Guatemala and a direct twice-weekly service from Livingston. There is a US$3.75/BZ$7.50 departure tax for passengers leaving by sea, payable in US or BZ Dollars.

Getting There by Road

There are road links with Chetumal on the Mexican border and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala.

Regular scheduled buses serve these routes, leaving every half hour or hour for Belize City. It is easy to enter Belize by bus from US border cities via Cancun, Mexico City and Chetumal.

Travellers entering Belize by car from Mexico or Guatemala must obtain a temporary importation permit at the border, valid for one month; drivers need to show all travel documents, insurance papers and proof of car ownership or rental documents.

Visitors leaving Belize by road must pay a US$18.75/BZ$37.50 land departure tax, payable in either currency.

Climate

Subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. High annual temperatures and humidity. Dry and hot climate from January to April, with rainy season from June. The hurricane season is from June to the end of November.

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens.

Contacts

Belize Tourism Board

Street address: Lower Flat, New Horizon Investment Building, 3 1/2 Miles Northern Highway, Belize City, Belize
Postal address: PO Box 325, Belize City, Belize
Tel: 223 1913 or 1 800 624 0686 (toll-free from the USA only).
Website: www.travelbelize.org

Belize High Commission in the UK

3rd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP, UK
Tel: (020) 7723 3603.
Website: www.belizehighcommission.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1800; 1000-1300 (consular section).

Caribbean Tourism Organisation in the UK

22 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP, UK
Tel: (020) 8948 0057.
Website: www.doitcaribbean.com

Embassy of Belize in the USA

2535 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 9636.
Website: www.embassyofbelize.org

Caribbean Tourism Organisation in the USA

80 Broad Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10004, USA
Tel: (212) 635 9530.
Website: www.doitcaribbean.com