Travel Freedom: Taiwan To Belize

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America with a lot to offer tourists, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks when travelling there. The country has a high level of violent crime, including gang and drug-related violence, and tourists need to take precautions to stay safe. Taiwan, on the other hand, is a safe country with no COVID restrictions and a straightforward visa process for Belizean citizens. So, can Taiwanese citizens travel to Belize? The answer is yes, but with some considerations. Taiwanese citizens can enter Belize without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, and they should be aware of the safety precautions and potential visa requirements for longer stays.

Travel time from Taipei to Belize City

The flight time from Taipei, Taiwan, to Belize City, Belize, is 21 hours and 25 minutes. The distance between the two cities is approximately 14,300 kilometres. Taipei is 14 hours ahead of Belize City.

There are no direct flights from Taipei to Belize City, so you will have to take a connecting flight. The price of flights varies depending on the airline and the date of departure. For example, a round trip with Japan Airlines from Taipei to Belize City, departing on 29 June and returning on 29 August, costs $1,892. On the other hand, a round trip with the same airline, departing and returning on the same dates but a year later, costs $2,258.

The nearest airport to Taipei is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), and the nearest airport to Belize City is Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE).

Transport options from Taiwan to Belize City

The quickest way to get from Taiwan to Belize City is by plane, which takes around 23 hours and costs between $1,000 and $2,400. There are no direct flights from Taiwan to Belize City, so travellers will need to factor in at least one layover. Airlines that operate flights between the two locations include Japan Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

One option is to fly from Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Belize City Goldson International Airport (BZE), with a layover in a city such as Los Angeles, Houston, or Toronto. Another option is to fly from Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) to Belize City Goldson International Airport (BZE), with a layover in Tokyo Haneda and Los Angeles.

It is also possible to get from Taiwan to Belize City by taking a combination of flights, taxis, shuttles, buses, and/or ferries. This option will take significantly longer and may be more complicated in terms of logistics. Here is one example of such an itinerary:

• Fly from Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) to San Pedro Sula (SAP)
• Take a taxi from San Pedro Sula to Puerto Cortes
• Take a ferry from Puerto Cortes to Belize City

Please note that these transport options may be subject to change and could be impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions. It is always a good idea to check government recommendations and travel advisories before planning your trip.

Taiwan-Belize relations

Belize and Taiwan have maintained bilateral relations since 1989. Belize is one of the few countries that recognise the Republic of China (ROC) government as the sole legitimate government of "China", instead of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland.

Belize gained independence in 1981. In the 1980s, Belizean businessman William Quinto lobbied then-Prime Minister George Price for Belize to establish relations with Taiwan. In May 1984, Taiwanese ambassador to Guatemala Gene Loh met with Quinto and Price to discuss the possibility, but Guatemalan leader Rodolfo Lobos Zamora objected, and the plans were put aside. In 1989, when the People's United Party (PUP) regained power, Belize and Taiwan established relations. Belize hoped to attract foreign capital and explore new market opportunities.

Since opening diplomatic relations, Belize has received significant economic aid and development assistance from Taiwan's International Cooperation and Development Fund. Taiwan owns 10% of Belize's external debt and has signed a $60 million cooperation agreement. In 2021, the two countries signed a mutual assistance treaty to serve as a framework for legal cooperation.

In April 2023, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen made an official three-day visit to Belize, reaffirming the countries' diplomatic ties. During her visit, Tsai spoke of "expansionist threats from authoritarian regimes" and the "constant threats" posed by China. Belize's Prime Minister Johnny Briceno expressed support for Taiwan, listing various development projects funded by Taiwan, including scholarships, farming programs, and a $16.5 million grant to build a hospital.

Belizean citizens can travel to Taiwan without a visa and can stay for up to 30 days. Similarly, Taiwanese citizens can visit Belize visa-free.

Taiwan's embassy in Belize

The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize is located at No.20 North Park Street, Belize City, Belize. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The telephone numbers are (002-501) 227-8744 and (002-501) 223-1862, and the emergency contact number is (002-501) 601-1493.

The Taiwanese Embassy in Belize City offers a range of consular services to local, Taiwanese, and international citizens in Belize. These services include providing information on the Taiwanese economy, culture, sports, and education, as well as assisting with visa and passport applications. The website for the embassy is http://www.taiwanembassy.org/BZ, and the email address is [email protected]

The current Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize is Lily Li-Wen Hsu. She has represented Taiwan at various events and meetings in Belize, including the Belize Investment Summit 2023 and the Closing Ceremony for the "Culture of Peace Program; Women's Economic Empowerment in the Adjacency Zone of Belize."

The Taiwanese Embassy in Belize City is the only Taiwanese diplomatic mission in Belize. However, Taiwan also has representations in neighbouring countries, including the Embassy of the Republic of Taiwan in Guatemala City, the Consulate General of Taiwan in San Pedro Sula, and the Embassy of Taiwan in Tegucigalpa.

Travel restrictions for Belize

Belize is a small Central American country with a population of around 400,000 people. It has maintained bilateral relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) since 1989, and it is one of the few countries that recognise the ROC government as the sole legitimate government of "China".

Entry requirements

Most visitors to Belize won't need a visa, but it's always best to check the Immigration Department's website for your specific country's requirements. All visitors, even those who don't need a visa, will need to apply for an extension if they wish to stay in the country for longer than 30 days.

Transportation

Belize is easily accessible by air, with daily flights from many cities across North America. The country's five major highways are easy to navigate by rental car, which can be hired for as little as $50 per day. However, these roads are often dimly lit, and the single-lane roads often have unpainted speed bumps, so it's best to stick to driving during the day.

Health and safety

The main safety concern for travellers to Belize is petty crime. It's best to avoid isolated areas, not be too flashy with money or jewellery, and avoid public transport after dark. Taxis are a safer option and are easily recognisable by their green licence plates.

Belize has decriminalised the use of marijuana on private property for adults in possession of up to 10g, but selling, growing, or smoking weed in public remains a federal offence.

Weather

Belize's rainy season lasts from June to November, coinciding with the Atlantic hurricane season. This can be a good time to visit, as hotel rates are cheaper and attractions are less busy. However, some hotels and restaurants may be closed during this period, so it's worth checking ahead.

Food and water

It's safe to drink tap water in Belize, but filtered water is more commonly consumed and can be found in small bottles or from a five-gallon dispenser. Since Belize's single-use plastic ban came into effect in 2019, carrying a reusable water bottle is encouraged.

Belizean street food is relatively cheap and includes dishes such as coconut milk-infused rice and beans, fried plantain, gravy-filled meat pies, and "johnny cakes" (coconut-based baked biscuits).

Culture

Belize has a very slow, laid-back pace of life, so it's best to be flexible and patient with your plans. Locals are friendly and like to chat, so expect to make small talk while waiting in queues. It's considered polite to greet people with a "good morning" when entering a room, and a simple nod of acknowledgment is usually returned with a smile.

Money

US dollars are accepted across Belize at a rate of two-to-one, but it's best to carry smaller denominations of $10 and $20 notes, as it can be easier to get change.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Belize, but it is expected for good service. Some restaurants automatically charge a 20% service charge, so it's worth checking your bill before adding a gratuity. For exceptional service, a 20% tip is recommended.

Frequently asked questions