Belize Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All visitors to Belize (except cruise ship passengers) must produce a passport valid for at least the period of their intended stay. All visitors should also have return tickets and documents for onward travel, and funds amounting to US$50 per person per day.

Americans

United States citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.

UK Nationals

British passport holders, irrespective of endorsement regarding national status, do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.

Canadians

Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.

Australians

Australians do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.

South Africans

South Africans do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to one month. A valid passport is required.

New Zealanders

New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.

Healthcare

No vaccinations are required for entry to Belize. Travelers arriving from a yellow-fever infected area require a vaccination certificate. Cases of dengue fever have occurred, and seem to be on the increase, so insect repellent is strongly advised. Malaria prevention is recommended for those traveling 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

Although most visits to Belize are trouble-free, 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 minimize the risks. These would include not wearing expensive jewelry, 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. The country is prone to hurricanes between June and November; on 21 August 2007 Hurricane Dean caused severe damage to the northern Belize coast, particularly the regions of Corozal and OrangeWalk.