Unlocking The Adventure: Navigating Travel From The Usa To Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America, just south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. It's easy to get to from the USA, with direct flights from major US cities to the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, just outside Belize City. However, flights can be expensive, so it may be cheaper to fly to Mexico, Guatemala, or Honduras and travel to Belize by bus, car, or boat.

The easiest way to get to Belize is by air. Major airlines offer daily flights to Belize, and it's a popular destination for tourists. However, it can be more expensive to fly to Belize than to other Central American countries. It's a good idea to plan your trip in advance and avoid peak travel times to find cheaper flights.

Alternatively, you can drive to Belize from the USA. It's about a 1,400-mile trip from Brownsville, Texas, and will take around 3-5 days. If you're crossing into Belize from Mexico, you'll need a letter of permission from the car's owner and proof of insurance.

Belize's immigration process

Belize is a welcoming country for foreigners, especially retirees, with its low cost of living, stunning natural scenery, and friendly people. It is also the only English-speaking country in Central America, making it an attractive option for Americans looking to relocate. Here is a step-by-step guide to Belize's immigration process:

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa

Belize offers a range of visa options, including:

• Tourist Visa: This is a 30-day visa granted upon arrival in the country, which can be extended for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days for an indefinite period. Each extension costs $100 per 30-day period.
• Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit): This visa allows you to stay in Belize for up to one year and work for a specific employer. The application process involves three steps, including submitting various documents and paying a fee of $1,500.
• Qualified Retirement Program (QRP): This program is for individuals over 45 years of age who can demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000. It offers benefits such as zero-duty importation on vehicles and personal items during the first year.
• Permanent Residency: This option is for those who have made Belize their home. It allows individuals to work for themselves or any employer in the country.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The documents required vary depending on the chosen visa type. For example, those applying for a Temporary Employment Permit will need a police report from their local law enforcement agency, while those applying for permanent residency will need a more extensive set of documents, including:

• Medical Certificate and Tests
• Proof of Financial Stability
• Spouse and Child's Documentation (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit Application

For the Tourist Visa, you can obtain the visa stamp upon arrival in Belize. For other visa types, the application process typically starts with an online application at the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government. The application is then submitted at one of the designated migration department offices in the City of Belmopan.

Step 4: Interviews and Approval

For permanent residency, there is an interview process involving the Immigration and Police Departments. Once the application is approved, the applicant is notified and required to pay the relevant fees.

Step 5: Obtain Residency Card

After paying the fees, the applicant can pick up their residency card. For permanent residents, this process can take a year or longer. During this waiting period, it is important to remain up-to-date with any necessary visa renewals.

Step 6: Apply for Citizenship (Optional)

After being a permanent resident for at least five years, individuals may qualify for Citizenship by Registration. This process involves submitting documents, attending an interview, and paying a citizenship fee of $150.

In summary, Belize offers a relatively straightforward immigration process, especially for retirees and US citizens. The main steps involve choosing the appropriate visa, gathering the required documents, submitting the application, and, for permanent residency, undergoing interviews and paying the necessary fees.

The cost of living in Belize

Housing

Belize offers a wide range of housing options, from basic wooden homes to concrete houses. The cost of renting or buying a property will depend on the style and location. For example, a two-bedroom home in San Ignacio, inland Belize, can be as low as $600 per month, while a one-bedroom condo on the coast in Placencia or Ambergris Caye can cost at least $1,200 per month. If you're looking to buy, a 2 or 3-bedroom home with a garden in the Cayo District may cost less than $150,000.

Utilities

Electricity is the most significant utility expense in Belize, with a residential rate of $0.45 per kWh. A couple living in a 2-bedroom home without an air conditioner can expect to pay around $50 per month, while those using air conditioning may see their bill climb to $150 or more. Internet costs range from $25 to $80 for speeds suitable for emailing, streaming, and Netflix. Cable TV is available for $30 per month, and fuel for vehicles is relatively expensive, ranging from $5 to $7 per gallon for gasoline.

Food

The cost of food in Belize can vary depending on your location and dietary preferences. Local shops have limited selections, and buying imported brands can incur additional costs for shipping, customs duties, and taxes. Eating out can also impact your budget, especially in touristy areas. However, local meals like stewed chicken, rice, and beans are cheap and filling, costing around $6 to $8 at roadside stands.

Transportation

Public transportation in Belize is affordable, with bus fares ranging from $1 to $15 depending on the distance travelled. Taxi services are also available but can be costly for longer distances. Owning a vehicle comes with additional expenses, such as third-party insurance ($250 per year), vehicle license ($100 per year), and fuel costs. Repairs and maintenance can be challenging, with hard-to-find parts and unreliable mechanics.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Belize is rapidly improving, with the government investing in new clinics and medical services. However, specialty healthcare is mostly available in Belmopan and Belize City. An "urgent care" visit might cost around $25, while advanced lab work can be around $200. Many expats choose to travel to Mexico for more advanced and affordable medical care.

Overall, a couple from North America can survive on $1,000 per month in Belize if they own their home, but $1,500 would be a more reasonable budget. It's important to note that the cost of living will vary based on individual lifestyles and spending habits.

Healthcare in Belize

Belize's healthcare system has been subjected to several reforms over the years, with a focus on uplifting the standard of healthcare in the country. The system comprises both publicly and privately run healthcare facilities, financed through public and local private health insurance schemes. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the entire health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services in Belize. The MoH offers affordable care to a majority of Belizeans with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions.

The public healthcare sector in Belize provides free or low-cost healthcare services to citizens and residents, but often results in long waiting queues. A Belize Health Information System card (BHIS) is mandatory for anyone seeking treatment in a public healthcare facility. The public hospitals and clinics are generally underfunded, understaffed, and undersupplied. There are only eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize. Most expat residents say the country needs more healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and better equipment.

The private health sector in Belize provides care to a smaller portion of the population but at a higher cost. Similar to the public sector, private health services are offered with a shared emphasis on quality care and quality improvement. The private sector has grown in recent years, especially in urban areas, and offers a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. Private hospitals and clinics in Belize City cater to expats and global citizens.

There is a shortage of medical professionals in Belize, with many doctors and medical professionals being foreign nationals working as volunteers. The shortage of medical supplies and equipment is particularly evident in rural areas, hindering the delivery of quality health services. Emergency medical services are limited to urban towns and cities, with little or no ambulances in remote areas.

Belize has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics, with a total of 700 public hospital beds, that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. Most of these health clinics suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and a lack of equipment and medicine. As a result, there is reduced access to quality care.

The MoH launched a National Health Plan, "Quest for Equity", in 1996, which included an analysis of the major health conditions and determinants of health impacting Belize. This led to the government-initiated Health Sector Reform Project (HSRP) in 2000, with the primary objectives of increasing access to care, improving quality of care, and ensuring the efficient and equitable delivery of care across both health sectors. The reform project established four health regions (northern, central, western, and southern) to provide health services to distinct geographical areas. All four regions offer primary and secondary care services, while only the Central Health Region offers tertiary care services.

Belize has made significant changes to its healthcare system over the years, resulting in improvements in areas such as vaccine-preventable deaths. However, there are still key areas of national concern, including the high prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, high mortality rates, and limited equity in access to healthcare and distribution of resources.

Belize's real estate market

Belize has seen exponential gains in real estate appreciation, with property still undervalued compared to other destinations. There is no capital gains tax, low corporate tax, and very low property tax, making it a favourable investment destination.

Belize also has no inheritance tax, and foreigners have the same ownership rights as locals. The country is easily accessible from the US, with a two-hour flight from Miami, and the US dollar is widely accepted.

There are a variety of real estate opportunities, from buying an existing home to building from scratch on the beach or in the jungle. Some of the highly-rated places in Belize include Ambergris Caye, Placencia, Caye Caulker, Corozal, and the Cayo District.

The cost of living in Belize is generally low compared to the US, and there is a range of options to suit different budgets. For example, a two-bedroom condo in Placencia is available for $185,000, while a luxury three-bedroom villa in Ambergris Caye is listed at $1,500,000.

It is important to have the support of qualified professionals when buying property in Belize, and to carry out due diligence to ensure the property is in good condition.

The pros and cons of moving to Belize

Pros

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer expats. Here are some of the advantages of moving to Belize:

• Adventure and natural beauty: Belize has pristine cayes (islands) surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise seawater. It also boasts lush jungles, tumbling rivers, mysterious Maya ruins, and awe-inspiring rainforests.
• Low cost of living: The cost of living in Belize is relatively low. Expats can find affordable housing, with rental prices ranging from $1000-$2000 per month. Food, cable TV, and medical expenses are also quite economical.
• English is the official language: As a former British colony, English is the official language of Belize, making it easy for expats to transition and communicate with locals.
• Friendly and welcoming people: Belizean people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Expats often mention the friendliness of the locals and how easy it is to connect with people from different cultures.
• Tax advantages: Belize offers tax advantages for retirees through the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program. Under this program, the first $10,000 of income is tax-exempt, and there are additional benefits for transferring assets or income into a Belizean International Business Corporation (IBC).
• Healthy lifestyle: Belize offers an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as high-quality chicken and meat. The country's clean air and tropical climate can also contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
• Abundance of activities: There is no shortage of things to do in Belize, from canoeing and snorkelling to exploring historical sites and walking on the beach.

Cons

While Belize has many positives, there are also some challenges to consider:

• High crime rate: Belize has a high murder rate, and violent crimes are common, especially in the southern part of Belize City. However, violent crimes against travellers and expats are rare, and tourists are mostly susceptible to petty theft.
• Limited healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is limited in Belize. While there are private hospitals and clinics, more complicated procedures often require travel to neighbouring countries like Mexico.
• Poor infrastructure: Belize's infrastructure, especially roads, is underdeveloped. The country has about 1600 miles of roads, but only 20% of them are paved.
• High utility costs: While food and housing may be affordable, utilities such as internet, mobile service, gas, electricity, and telephone are more expensive than in the US.
• Lengthy residency process: Obtaining permanent residency in Belize can be a lengthy and costly process, and some applicants are turned down for minor details.
• Hurricanes: Belize is prone to hurricanes, which can cause significant damage and add to the cost of living with the need for additional insurance coverage.
• Culture shock: Belize has a unique culture that may take some adjusting to, including different social and political views, a more relaxed attitude towards time, and a less materialistic lifestyle.

Overall, Belize offers a beautiful and affordable place to live, but it is important to carefully consider both the pros and cons before making the move.

Frequently asked questions