Embarking on a journey to beautiful Belize? Before taking your trip, it’s important to go over the Belize travel requirements. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through everything you need to know – from entry protocols and health precautions, to recommended accommodations and activities.
Get ready for an eye-opening exploration of Belize!
Key Takeaways
- Belize is a lovely place to visit but keep safe. Crime rates can be high. Be on guard and avoid unsafe areas at night.
- You need a passport to travel to Belize. You will receive an automatic 30 Day Visa upon entering Belize. You will need to renew this Visa if you plan to stay longer than 30 days.
- Plan your health needs before travel. Get routine shots, eat clean food, avoid bug bites and make sure you know where good medical care is found.
- Check the latest news about travel in Belize! Know about curfew times, mask rules or any changes at border entry points. Watch out for new updates from airlines too!
- Choose a nice hotel that fits your budget and safety needs while visiting Belize!
Current Belize Travel Advisory
Stay updated with the latest travel advisories issued for Belize to ensure a safe and hassle-free trip to this beautiful country. Learn about health, safety updates, specific regions under advisory, and areas where heightened caution is recommended.
Belize is doing its best to keep people safe. Yet, crime rates are high.
Even during the day, bad things like sexual assault and murder happen often.
The south side of Belize City faces this problem deeply. Here, gang-related crimes happen more often. So, it’s very important to stay alert and safe in these areas.
Cops in Belize don’t have enough training or tools to stop serious crimes fast. Most of the time, these crimes don’t get solved or go to court at all.
Make sure you always have a plan to keep yourself safe while traveling here.
Entry Requirements & Protocols for Traveling to Belize
From passport and visa stipulations to other crucial mandates, the entry requirements for Belize offer detailed guidance on duration of stay permissions along with a plethora of other protocols intended to streamline your travel into this beautiful Central American country.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Going to Belize requires you have a valid passport with you. This passport must stay valid for as long as you are in Belize.
Most people from the United States, Canada, EU countries, and CARICOM countries don’t need a visa before they go; as people from these countries receive an automatic 30 day Visa upon entering.
Traveling with kids needs a letter that says its okay from the parent not going on the trip. This letter has to be notarized to validate it.
You don’t need any COVID or other test to enter Belize, so don’t worry about that part. You also won’t need a test when leaving Belize either.
You also don’t need any special shots nor vaccines to enter Belize.
These rules make going to Belize easy for most people!
Length of Stay/Visa Requirements
In Belize, you can stay for up to 30 days as a visitor. You don’t need to get approval before you arrive. If you want to extend your stay after 30 days, you’ll need to head over to the Immigration and Nationality Department office to renew your visa.
There is an Immigration department in Belize City, Belmopan, and other large towns.
The Visa Renewal fee range from $25 USD for just one month up till six months of extension. If it exceeds half a year, then immigration officials start charging around $50 USD per month.
Other Belize Entry Requirements
Going to Belize needs more than just a passport. Here is what else you need:
- A Tourist Visa.
- A stay permit if you plan to visit longer than 30 days.
- An okay from health officials if you have HIV/AIDS.
- If your trip involves kids, you may need documents on International Parental Child Abduction rules.
- It is smart to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and help in an emergency.
- A look at the Country Security Report for Belize is also good so you can map out a plan for emergencies.
- Follow the U.S Department of State’s social media to stay up-to-date.
Health Precautions and Recommendations for Belize
For a healthy trip to Belize, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about the various recommended travel health notices, routine and pre-travel vaccinations, safe food and water practices, insect bite prevention strategies, and available medical facilities.
Continue reading for all you need to know about protecting your health while enjoying this tropical paradise.
Relevant Travel Health Notices
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sends out travel health notices. These help people know about any health risks in places they want to visit. Right now, Belize has a Level 2 travel advisory.
This is due to high crime rates in the area. Violent crimes like sexual assault and murder are common there. This is true even in tourist areas where lots of visitors go, but especially true in the south side of Belize City.
Routine Vaccines and Pre-travel Vaccines
Belize does not require any vaccines or shots for you to travel here. However, here are a few items to consider before traveling to Belize.
- Get routine vaccines.
- Pre – travel vaccines are good too.
- There’s no need for yellow fever shot in Belize.
- Typhoid shot is good if you’re going to risky places.
- Mosquitoes carry diseases like chikungunya, avoid their bites! Make sure to bring along mosquito repellent.
Safe Food and Water Precautions
Keeping safe in Belize involves taking care of what you eat and drink. Here are key steps to follow:
- Only drink bottled water.
- Avoid ice as it could be made with tap water.
- Fresh fruits and veggies should be washed with clean water before eating.
- Don’t buy food from street stands or sellers.
- Keep hands clean at all times, especially before meals.
- Use hand sanitizers that kill germs quickly.
- Eat hot foods as they are less likely to carry harmful bugs than cold foods.
- Don’t eat undercooked meats or fish.
- Stick to busy restaurants where turnover of food will be higher.
Insect Bite Prevention
In Belize, mosquitos may carry diseases. These critters may make you sick if they bite you. Here are ways to stay safe:
- Always use bug spray. It can keep mosquitoes and other insects away.
- Wear long clothes when outside. This helps to cover your skin.
- Use netting when sleeping. This puts a barrier between you and the bugs.
- Stay in places with air conditioning or good screens on windows and doors.
- Be extra careful at dusk and dawn. That’s when mosquitoes like to come out.
Medical Services and Facilities
The hospitals in Belize offer basic medical care. If you get very sick, you might need to go to a different country for help. There may not be many doctors or nurses in small towns or the countryside.
Some people choose to buy extra health insurance that will pay if they have to fly to another country for treatment. When packing, always bring enough medicine for your trip. It should stay in its original bottle with a note from your doctor saying it is needed.
If you are hurt and need help, the U.S Embassy can guide you towards good medical care.
Belize Travel Restrictions and Updates
Stay updated with the latest travel restrictions and updates in Belize, including mask mandates, curfew hours, and rules for entry from land borders and seaports. Keep reading to equip yourself with this important information.
Mask and Curfew Restrictions
Belize does not have mask and curfew rules anymore. This change happened on July 12, 2022. Now, people can go out at any time of the day or night. They also do not need to wear a mask unless they want to.
Entry from Land Borders and Seaports
Travelers can enter Belize from land borders and seaports. But note, there may be some travel rules in play. As of July 12, 2022, the country lifted its COVID-19 travel limits.
Keep your valid passport handy because it is needed for the whole time you stay in Belize. Remember not all types of entry points are open at all times so planning your trip well is a must!
Transportation and Flights to Belize
Getting to Belize is easy with several major airlines like United, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and JetBlue offering direct flights to the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. For further details about their schedules and any travel advisories, continue reading the rest of this guide.
United Airlines
United Airlines is a top choice for travel to Belize. They offer many flights from different parts of the United States. This makes it easy for travelers to find a trip that fits their plans.
Their service is known for its comfort and safety.
On board, passengers can enjoy various amenities like meals, drinks, and entertainment options. It’s a good way to start your journey! Plus, if you’re part of their rewards program, you could earn points on your flight to Belize.
American Airlines
American Airlines is one of the airlines that takes you to Belize. It provides easy travel for those who want to visit this country. You can book your flight without trouble and start your exciting journey.
American Airlines cares about safety, making it a good choice for your trip to Belize.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines flies to Belize. This is great for people who like their service. You can earn and use miles on this trip. Check the Delta website for flight times and prices. They may change due to season or demand.
JetBlue
JetBlue flies to Belize from multiple locations. These flights make getting to Belize easy. They provide great service and comfy seats for your trip. The airline’s friendly staff is ready to help you have a good flight.
Other Airlines
You can use many other airlines to fly to Belize. Southwest Airlines is one example. This airline often has flights from Seattle, Dallas and Denver. They also make sure you have a good trip with fine service.
Alaska Airlines also flies to Belize, starting from places like Los Angeles.
You might be in Canada or Europe and still want to visit Belize. No worries! Air Canada and WestJet have flights from Canada. British Airways will take you there if you are in the U.K!
Make sure your flight fits your schedule and budget before booking it.
Gold Standard Accommodation Options in Belize
Explore the comfort and safety of Gold Standard accommodations in Belize, catering to all types of travelers. Learn about these government-approved establishments that maintain stringent health protocols without compromising on hospitality excellence.
Stay tuned for our recommendations!
Are Gold Standard Hotels Mandatory?
No need to worry. Gold Standard hotels were once a must in Belize, but not anymore. Since March 4th, 2022, you can pick any hotel you like! But, make sure it is safe and clean.
Recommended Hotels in Belize
Belize boasts many great places to stay. Many are Gold Standard hotels that offer top-notch comfort and safety. Some of the best include:
- Ka’ana Resort in Western Belize: This hotel is well-liked and offers high-quality service.
- Naia Resort and Spa: Located near Placencia, this resort has a peaceful beach scene.
- Turtle Inn by Francis Ford Coppola: This inn provides exclusive beach huts for an intimate getaway.
- Ramon’s Village Resort: A great spot in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye with beautiful sea views.
- Victoria House Resort & Spa: Another San Pedro favorite, known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters.
- Coco Plum Island Resort: An adults-only haven on a private island, perfect for those seeking a quiet break.
Top Things to Do in Belize
Explore the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of Belize with a variety of tours, activities and local interactions on Facebook groups. Dive deeper into this topic in the following sections!
Tours & Activities
Enjoying Belize is about trying new things. Here are some fun activities you can do:
- Tour the Belize Mayan Ruins: There are several Mayan ruins scattered throughout Belize where you can visit and take tours.
- Go snorkeling or diving: Belize has beautiful waters filled with colorful fish and reefs.
- Try zip-lining: This gives a bird’s eye view of the stunning forests in Belize.
- Take part in hiking: The trails may be hard to find but seeing the nature up close makes it worth it.
- Use a water taxi: It’s a great way to get from one place to another! You can see the reef and mainland on your ride.
Connect with Locals on Facebook Groups
Join a Facebook group for Belize. These groups have people living in Belize. They can give you tips about the place. You can learn about hidden spots to visit. They may help with any questions or problems too.
It is good to be friends with locals on your trip.
Travel Insurance for Belize
It’s smart to get travel insurance for Belize. It’s not needed to enter the country, but it is a good idea. You could have an accident or fall ill while you are there. Health care in Belize may cost a lot of money if you don’t have insurance.
There is another way to cover some costs too. Some credit cards will pay for your travel insurance. This happens when you use the card to book your stay or buy your flight tickets.
Check with your credit card company before traveling. Be safe and enjoy your trip!
How Do Belize Medical Services Impact Travel Requirements?
When planning your trip to Belize, it’s essential to consider the Belize hospital services and availability. Ensuring that you have access to medical services while traveling is crucial. Understanding the impact of Belize hospital services and availability on your travel requirements can help you prepare for any medical emergency.
Conclusion
I hope the above Belize travel requirements are clearly enough to help you with your trip. For the most part, Belize makes it very easy for anyone to visit and enjoy the beauty of Belize.
FAQs
1. What are the entry and exit requirements for Belize travel?
For travel to Belize, you need passport validity and may have currency restrictions.
2. Do I need any specific vaccinations recommended by CDC before traveling to Belize?
Yes, you must follow the CDC page for updated vaccinations guidelines before your trip.
3. How safe is it to travel in Belize?
Travel safety in Belize can vary due to crime, road conditions, sexual harassment and credit card fraud cases. You should check the Travel Advisory Levels on the Traveler’s Checklist provided by U.S Embassy in Belmopan.
4. What is required if I get sick while visiting Belize?
You should have medical evacuation insurance as part of your travel plan because assistance for U.S citizens might be limited according to local medical facilities capacities.
5. Are there special safety measures due to Covid-19 while traveling into or out of Belize?
As of July 12, 2022, the country lifted its COVID-19 travel limits.
6. What’s the weather like in Belize?
Belize’s weather can be described as a hot and humid for the majority of the year. During the tourist season, it becomes cooler, making it the perfect time to visit and explore.
7. When is the best time to visit Belize?
The best time to visit is Belize is during the months of December to February. This is the tourist season and when the weather is cooler compared to the rest of the year.
