Belize In A Blink: Calculating The Quickest Flight Path

The flight time to Belize varies depending on your departure point. An average non-stop flight from the United States to Belize takes 6 hours and 14 minutes, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your US departure city. For example, a flight from New York to Belize City takes around 4 hours and 37 minutes, while a flight from Los Angeles takes around 4 hours and 51 minutes. If you're flying from Toronto, you're looking at a flight time of around 7 hours and 5 minutes.

Flight duration from the US

The flight duration from the US to Belize varies depending on the departure city and the number of layovers. An average non-stop flight from the US to Belize takes 6 hours and 14 minutes, covering a distance of 1,649 miles. However, the total flight time, including takeoff and landing, is approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes.

For instance, the flight time from New York to Belize City is around 4 hours and 37 minutes. On the other hand, the most popular route, from Newark to Belize City, has an average flight time of 4 hours and 38 minutes.

It is important to note that these flight times may not include layovers or stops. When planning your trip, it is advisable to consider possible equipment or weather delays and factor in airport wait times. Additionally, remember to check the time difference between the US and Belize to estimate your arrival time accurately.

Flight times from major US cities

The flight time from the US to Belize varies depending on the departure city. Here are the average flight times from some major US cities to Belize:

• New York to Belize: 4 hours 37 minutes on average. The average non-stop flight time is 4 hours 38 minutes.
• Los Angeles to Belize: 4 hours 51 minutes on average.
• Miami to Belize: Miami is the only US city that offers non-stop flights to Belize.
• Chicago O'Hare International to Belize: 4 hours 30 minutes.
• Houston George Bush International to Belize: 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Belize: 3 hours.
• Dallas Fort Worth International to Belize: 3 hours.
• Washington, D.C: Flights from Washington Dulles to Belize take around 4 hours 30 minutes.

The average non-stop flight time from the US to Belize is 6 hours 14 minutes, and the total distance covered is approximately 1,514 miles. It's important to note that flight times may vary depending on factors such as aircraft speed, wind speeds, and airport wait times.

Airports in Belize City

Belize has one international airport and several domestic airports. The airports in Belize are mainly used by tourists from the USA and Canada.

The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is the only international airport in Belize. It is often referred to as the Belize International Airport or PGIA. The airport is located in Ladyville, a village 10 miles outside of Belize City. It was established in 1943 and is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a popular Belizean activist and politician who died in 2001.

Belize City has two domestic airports: the Belize City Municipal Airport and the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport, also known as the Belize Municipal Airport.

The five most popular airports in Belize are:

• Belize City Municipal Airport
• San Pedro Airport
• Caye Caulker Airport
• Placencia Airport
• San Ignacio Airport

Other domestic airports in Belize include:

• Corozal Town Airport
• Hector Silva Airstrip – Belmopan Airport
• John Greif II Airport — San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Airport
• Maya Flats Airstrip – San Ignacio Town Airport
• Johnny Chan Chen Airstrip
• Independence Airport
• Orange Walk Airstrip
• Matthew Spain Airport
• Silver Creek Airport
• Blackbird Caye Airstrip

Belize has two domestic airlines: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. These airlines primarily use Cessna Caravan planes, known locally as "puddle jumpers", and operate from both the international airport and domestic airports across Belize.

Airlines that fly direct

There are a number of airlines that offer direct flights to Belize. If you are travelling from the USA, direct non-stop flights are available with United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Direct non-stop seasonal flights (from November to April) are also available with Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue, and Frontier Airlines.

If you are travelling from Canada, direct non-stop seasonal flights (from November to April) are available from Toronto with Air Canada and from Toronto and Calgary with WestJet.

From Europe, you can fly from London Heathrow to Belize with a short connection in Miami.

If you are travelling from Cancun, Tropic Air offers 2 daily flights with good connecting opportunities.

Travel requirements

Passports and Visas

All visitors to Belize must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. US citizens do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 30 days, but they must have proof of their intent to depart Belize (such as an onward or return ticket) and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors from the US, Canada, the UK, EU, Caribbean and Central American countries are also exempt from visa requirements. However, visitors for purposes other than tourism, or who wish to stay longer than 30 days, must obtain a visa.

Entry and Exit Fees

All tourists and non-Belizean citizens are required to pay an exit fee of approximately US$40, which may be included in the airline ticket. Visitors are allowed a maximum of one month's stay in the country before an extension is required. This can be obtained from Belize Immigration offices in one-month increments. If entering Belize by land, different fees apply depending on whether your stay is less than or more than 24 hours.

Travelling with Children

US citizens travelling with minor children may be asked by immigration officials to show US birth certificates for each child. When children are not travelling with both parents, a signed letter of consent from the other parent is required. This must be notarised.

Travelling with Pets

Travelling with pets requires an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), a recent veterinary certificate, a valid rabies certificate, and other conditions that apply.

Health and Safety

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime is common, even in daylight and in tourist areas. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night, and avoid displaying signs of wealth. Local police may lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Driving

Road conditions in Belize vary, and roads often lack markings, reflectors and shoulders. Driving at night is strongly discouraged. Traffic laws are similar to those in the US, with drivers operating on the right side of the road. A US or international driving permit is accepted for up to three months after initial entry.

Frequently asked questions