St. Lucia To Belize: A Journey Through The Heart Of The Caribbean

Belize and St Lucia are two Central American/Caribbean countries with a lot of differences. The distance between the two countries is 2,972 kilometres or 1,847 miles. This distance can be covered by air travel in approximately 3.3 hours. While Belize is better known for its spectacular snorkelling and friendly locals, St Lucia boasts dramatic tropical, mountainous scenery.

Travel time and costs:

The distance between St Lucia and Belize is approximately 1,850 miles or 2,972 kilometres. There are no direct flights between the two countries, and flights with one or more layovers take between 11 and 21 hours. The cost of these flights ranges from $312 to $1,200.

The cheapest flights from St Lucia to Belize depart from Newark (EWR) and start at $108 for a one-way ticket. Flights departing from other locations within the United States range from $343 to $496 for a round trip.

Flights from St Lucia to Belize depart from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and arrive at Belize City Goldson International Airport (BZE). These flights are operated by American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue Airways, and include layovers in Charlotte, Miami, Atlanta, or New York JFK.

While it may be possible to travel by bus or car from St Lucia to Belize, specific information on these options is not readily available.

Belize's advantages

The distance between Belize and St Lucia is approximately 1,847 miles (2,972 kilometres). A flight between the two countries would take around 3.3 hours.

Now, here are some advantages of Belize:

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Belize is known for its stunning natural scenery, including pristine cayes (islands) surrounded by turquoise seawater, vibrant coral reefs, and golden sand beaches. The country offers a range of outdoor activities such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing. The mainland also provides opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and zip-lining.

Affordable Cost of Living

Belize offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other coastal areas, especially in terms of food, medical expenses, and household help. While utilities and imported goods can be more expensive, expats often find that overall, their expenses are lower than in their home countries.

English as the Official Language

As a former British colony, Belize has English as its official language, making it easier for expats from English-speaking countries to transition and communicate with locals.

Friendly People and Multicultural Community

Belize is known for its warm and welcoming locals, who are described as friendly and accepting of differences. The country also attracts expats from a variety of countries, creating a diverse and multicultural community.

Tax Advantages

Belize offers tax advantages through its Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program. Under this program, residents can enjoy tax exemptions on their first $10,000 of income, and there are also opportunities to avoid taxes by transferring assets or income into a Belizean International Business Corporation (IBC).

St Lucia's advantages

The distance between Belize and St Lucia is approximately 1,847 miles (2,972 kilometres). It takes around 3.3 hours to fly between the two countries.

Now, here are some advantages of St Lucia:

Visa-free travel

A St Lucian passport allows visa-free travel to over 100 countries, including the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Schengen States. This is a significant advantage for those seeking to obtain St Lucian citizenship, as it provides easy access to a wide range of destinations for business or leisure.

Efficient citizenship process

St Lucia offers a relatively quick and efficient process for obtaining citizenship through its Citizenship by Investment Program. The process can be completed remotely, and the minimum investment requirement is $100,000, with some options allowing investors to recoup their investment in as little as five years. The program also offers soft requirements for family members, making it an attractive option for those seeking to relocate with their families.

Low taxes

St Lucia has a favourable tax regime, with no taxes on income earned in other countries, inheritance, or capital gains. This makes it an attractive destination for investors and businesses looking to optimise their tax obligations. Additionally, companies are only taxed on income earned in St Lucia, and there is no tax on dividends.

Access to education

St Lucia citizenship provides access to preferential education in the UK. Citizens of St Lucia can apply for various scholarships, such as the Chevening Scholarships and those offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. This makes St Lucia an attractive option for those seeking to pursue educational opportunities in the UK.

Attractive place to live and own property

St Lucia is known for its gorgeous scenery, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and tropical foliage. It offers excellent air and travel connections to North America, Canada, and Europe. It is also a safe and relaxing destination, although it may be relatively expensive compared to other Caribbean islands.

Alternative destinations

Belize is an attractive destination for travellers seeking an alternative to overcrowded spots in Mexico and the Caribbean. The country boasts hundreds of miles of pristine beaches and offshore islands, as well as a diverse range of cultures and natural landscapes.

Mexico

Belize is located just south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, which was also left untouched by the 2017 hurricanes. The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It offers vibrant colonial cities like Merida, picturesque coastal towns such as Tulum, and ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza. The region also boasts stunning natural attractions, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and unique geological features like the cenotes (natural sinkholes).

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American country known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. It offers travellers a range of natural attractions, including tropical rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches. Costa Rica is also a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure activities such as zip-lining, white water rafting, and hiking. The country has a strong focus on sustainability and conservation, with a significant portion of its land dedicated to national parks and protected areas.

The Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean region is known for its tropical climate, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cultures. Each island has its unique charm, offering a variety of experiences. For instance, Jamaica is famous for its vibrant music scene and lush mountains; the Dominican Republic boasts stunning beaches and colonial architecture; and Aruba is known for its windswept deserts and Dutch colonial influence. The Caribbean also offers a range of activities, including snorkelling, sailing, and exploring historic sites.

Ecuador

Ecuador, located in northwestern South America, offers a diverse range of natural wonders and cultural experiences. The Galapagos Islands, located off the country's coast, are a nature lover's paradise, made famous by Charles Darwin's studies of its unique flora and fauna. On the mainland, Ecuador boasts lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, and indigenous communities. Quito, the capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cultural attractions.

Honduras

Honduras, Belize's neighbouring country in Central America, offers a similar blend of natural and cultural attractions. It boasts pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush rainforests. Honduras is also home to ancient Mayan ruins, colonial cities, and vibrant local cultures. The Bay Islands, located off the northern coast, are a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, offering diverse marine life and healthy coral reefs.

These alternative destinations offer similar attractions to Belize, including beautiful beaches, vibrant cultures, and abundant natural wonders, making them ideal choices for travellers seeking new experiences in the region.

Health and safety

The distance between Belize and St Lucia is approximately 1,847 miles (2,972 kilometres). The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, which takes 3.3 hours.

Belize has been categorised as a Level 2 country, which means that travellers should exercise increased caution due to high levels of violent crime throughout the country. Southside Belize City, in particular, has been flagged as an area to avoid non-essential travel to due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. The US State Department advises travellers to exercise caution while travelling to the south side of Belize City, as violent crime—including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder—is common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize:

• Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid travelling after dark.
• Keep your cellphone charged.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempts; hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Be wary of strangers approaching you or recent acquaintances.
• Avoid accepting rides or similar invitations.
• Stay informed about ongoing demonstrations and avoid areas where they are taking place.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Cases of sexual assault, including against foreigners, have been reported. LGBTQI+ travellers have also experienced harassment and verbal or physical abuse. Public displays of affection are not recommended.

Belize's coastal waters can be dangerous, as riptides are common. Rescue services may not meet international standards, and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas.

Medical services and facilities in Belize are limited and underequipped. Private hospitals, mostly located in Belize City, may be better equipped and provide better healthcare. Make sure you have travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

St Lucia has been categorised as a Level 1 country, which means that travellers should exercise normal precautions. However, violent crime, including gun violence, has increased over the past year, particularly in Vieux Fort. Incidents of murders, sexual assaults, robberies, and gang-related violence have occurred. To stay safe in St Lucia:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid walking alone after dark.
• Avoid isolated areas.
• Avoid displaying signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables.
• Stay in accommodations with adequate security measures.
• Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.
• Keep your personal belongings, passport, and travel documents secure at all times.
• Be cautious when using your bank or credit card, and use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment, verbal abuse, and sexual assault. LGBTQI+ travellers have been verbally harassed, and public displays of affection are not socially acceptable.

Coastal waters in St Lucia can also be dangerous, as riptides are common and beaches are unsupervised. Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas.

Medical services and facilities in St Lucia are limited, with only two public hospitals and one private hospital. Emergency services are underequipped and can be slow to respond. Make sure you have travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Frequently asked questions