Travel To Belize: What Americans Need To Know

Belize is a popular tourist destination for Americans, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks when visiting the country. While the US government advises citizens to exercise increased caution due to crime, it's still possible for Americans to travel to Belize. Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.

Entry requirements

COVID-19

As of August 2024, all travellers, vaccinated or unvaccinated, entering Belize from other countries must present a negative COVID-19 test. This can be either a negative PCR test result for all countries or a negative result from any approved Antigen Rapid Test. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 are exempt from testing.

Visas

Australian, Canadian and US citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa from the immigration authorities. Their offices are located in major towns and cities. If you overstay the 30-day period without the required visa, you may face fines, detention or deportation.

Passports

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Belize.

Customs

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• A return or onward ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay

If you are travelling with children, you may also need to provide:

• A notarized consent letter confirming that the child has permission to travel
• Proof of parentage, such as a birth certificate showing the names of the parents

Vaccinations

Although there is no vaccination requirement for entry, the following vaccinations are recommended:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles
• Influenza
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Currency

The local currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD). US dollars are also widely accepted.

Safety advice

COVID-19:

Belize has a number of COVID-19-related restrictions in place for travellers. All travellers, vaccinated or unvaccinated, must present a negative COVID-19 test. This can be a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel, or a negative result from an approved Antigen Rapid Test taken within 48 hours of travel. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 are exempt from testing.

Crime:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Belize due to the threat of violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related. Due to high crime rates, travellers are advised to exercise caution while travelling to the south side of Belize City, particularly the Southside of Belize City (south of Haulover Creek Canal), which is known for its high levels of gang-related violence. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Don't carry more cash than you need.
• Don't travel alone, especially after dark.
• Pay close attention to your surroundings.
• Keep vehicle windows closed, doors locked, and valuables out of sight, including when driving.
• Use only licensed taxis, identified by green number plates.
• Avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings as they can turn violent.

Health:

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high in Belize. Take appropriate precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the risk of infection.

Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases are common. To protect yourself from illness:

• Drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids.
• Avoid raw and undercooked food.
• Check your vaccinations are up to date.

Other insect-borne diseases, including Zika, chikungunya, and malaria, occur in Belize. The risk of contracting insect-borne illnesses increases in the wet season from April to November. To protect yourself from insect-borne diseases:

• Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof.
• Use insect repellent.
• Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing.

Natural Disasters:

Belize experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including hurricanes, landslides, mudslides, and flooding. The hurricane season is from June to November, but tropical storms and hurricanes can occur outside of this period. Monitor local weather reports and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Local Laws:

Before travelling to Belize, research local laws and customs to ensure you do not break any laws unintentionally. For example, it is illegal to carry pre-Columbian artefacts without a permit and to photograph official buildings.

Belize has the death penalty for serious crimes such as treason and murder, and penalties for drug offences are severe.

Health advice

COVID-19

As of May 17, 2021, Belize has lifted the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test for vaccinated travellers. However, it is recommended that you verify the latest entry/exit requirements before travelling, as the situation remains fluid.

Vaccinations

It is recommended that you are vaccinated against the following:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Seasonal Influenza
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• Polio
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Mumps
• Rubella

Food and Water Precautions

Be cautious when consuming food and water, as there is a risk of hepatitis A and travellers' diarrhea in Belize. Wash your hands frequently and ensure that the food and water you consume are safe.

Insect Bites

Mosquitoes in Belize can carry dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites at all times, especially during the day and in urban areas.

Animal Bites

Be cautious around animals, especially dogs, cats, bats, and monkeys, as rabies is present in the country. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the wound and seek medical attention.

Medical Services

The quality of medical services in Belize may not meet the standards you are accustomed to. Medical facilities may lack supplies and adequately trained professionals, especially outside of Belize City. Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription medications may not be available in Belize. Bring enough medication with you and always keep it in its original container.

Crime and Safety

Belize has a high level of violent crime, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. These crimes can occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang-related violence and drug-related activities are prevalent, particularly in Southside Belize City. Exercise caution when visiting banks or ATMs, and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.

Local laws

Belize has a "Go Slow" approach to living, which is a welcome change for those coming from fast-paced lifestyles. The country has been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, with its residents being described as generally happy and cheerful people who love to party and celebrate.

Belize is an English-speaking country, which makes communication easier for Americans. The official language is English, and many residents are bilingual or trilingual, speaking Spanish and English fluently, as well as Belizean Kriol English. This is a result of its colonial past as a British colony, formerly known as British Honduras.

The currency in Belize is the Belizean dollar (BZD), but US dollars are widely accepted. However, it may be difficult to obtain cash advances in US dollars, and change for payments in USD is often given in BZD. Credit cards are usually accepted in large cities, but ATMs may not be available in rural areas. Currency exchanges or purchases on the black market are punishable by law. It is recommended to confirm whether a price is in USD or BZD before making a purchase.

Belize has a range of affordable real estate options, from remote farms to island getaways and expat communities. However, real estate agents are not licensed in Belize, so it is important to choose a reputable and knowledgeable agent.

The legal system in Belize can be cumbersome and lacking in transparency. If arrested, even for a minor incident, Americans should expect lengthy delays in resolving their cases and may not be allowed to leave the country. Additionally, Belizean authorities may apply the death penalty for murder.

Belize is a transit point for illegal drugs between South and North America. The possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs are severely punished, with convicted offenders facing lengthy jail sentences or heavy fines.

Belize is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is illegal to collect, possess, or export plant and animal products without a permit.

The possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition is heavily regulated and can result in heavy fines and jail time, especially for repeat offenses.

The possession of pre-Columbian archaeological and Colonial-period artifacts is also strictly regulated and requires a permit.

When it comes to driving, Americans can use their valid Canadian driver's license for up to three months and should carry an international driving permit.

Belize has a nightly curfew for minors under the age of 18, which is currently active from 6 pm to 6 am.

Belize faces unresolved territorial disputes with Guatemala regarding the land border and Honduras regarding the Sapodilla Cays.

Travel tips

• Belize is a small country, so it's easy to cross the entire country in a one-day road trip. However, it's recommended to spend at least a week there, splitting your time between Northern, Central, and Southern Belize, staying at least three nights in each area.
• You won't need a visa for stays of up to 30 days, but you will need a valid passport. All tourists and non-Belizean citizens travelling by plane must pay an exit fee of $39.25, which is usually included in airfare.
• The official currency is the Belizean dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted at a rate of two to one.
• English is the dominant language, but you'll also hear Spanish, Garifuna, Mayan, and Creole.
• The best time to visit is from late November to mid-May, during the dry season. June to July is hot and humid, and from June to November is the rainy season, when you can expect showers and strong winds.
• The country has a slow, laid-back pace of life, so be prepared to be flexible and patient.
• Petty crime is common, so always keep your valuables secure. Violent crime is prevalent in certain areas, especially Belize City, so take extra precautions and avoid travelling alone at night.
• The food is a vibrant fusion of diverse cultures and fresh, local ingredients. Try the street food, such as coconut milk-infused rice and beans, and meat pies from mobile vendors.
• There is a tipping culture in Belize, but it's not always expected. It's common to tip 10-20% in restaurants, and you can tip your tour guide 20% if the tour is exceptional.
• If you're renting a car, stick to driving during the day as the roads are often dimly lit and lined with speed bumps.
• The diving in Belize is world-class, and the country is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
• Popular attractions include the ancient Mayan sites of Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Caracol; the Belize Zoo; and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Frequently asked questions