Belize Packing List: Essentials For A Tropical Adventure

Belize is a beach and jungle destination, so your packing will be activity-oriented. The weather is warm and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. You'll need good footwear and gear for day trips, as well as protection from the sun and insects. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you pack for your trip to Belize.

Clothing for activities

Belize is a beach and jungle destination, so most of your packing will be activity-oriented. Here is a list of clothing items to pack for various activities in Belize:

Hiking in the Jungle

• A long-sleeve shirt for sun protection and jungle hiking.
• Two pairs of long pants. One pair can be dressy, and the other can be for hiking in the jungle.
• Hiking boots if you plan to visit the jungle; waterproof boots are best.
• A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain showers or cooler temperatures at night.
• A sun hat or baseball cap.
• Socks, preferably hiking socks.

Snorkelling

• A long-sleeve rash guard is recommended to protect you from the intense sun.
• Water shoes or water-resistant hiking shoes.
• Biker shorts for sun protection while snorkelling.

Running

• Running sports bra.
• Tall socks for bug protection in the jungle.

Swimming

• Swimsuits.
• Water shoes or water-resistant hiking shoes.
• A waterproof dry bag to protect your belongings.
• A Turkish towel, as most places do not offer towels.

Toiletries and medication

When packing toiletries and medications for a trip to Belize, there are several important items to remember.

Firstly, it is recommended that you bring any prescription medications you may need, along with copies of all prescriptions, including generic names. It is also a good idea to bring extra supplies in case of travel delays. Some medications that require a prescription in your home country may not require one in Belize, and can be purchased at drugstores, but it is best to be prepared.

Secondly, insect repellent is a must-have. The CDC recommends selecting an insect repellent based on their guidelines, and you may also want to treat your clothing with permethrin, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. A bed net is also recommended for protection against insect bites while sleeping.

Thirdly, sunscreen is essential. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that provides both UVA and UVB protection. You may also want to bring aloe gel in case you do get sunburnt.

Other recommended items include:

• Hand sanitiser or antibacterial wipes (containing at least 60% alcohol)
• Water purification tablets (if camping or visiting remote areas)
• Motion sickness medicine
• Painkillers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
• Mild sedative or other sleep aid
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antifungal and antibacterial ointments
• Insect bite treatment cream
• Bandages in various sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
• Elastic/compression bandages for sprains and strains
• Scissors and safety pins
• Oral rehydration salts
• Health insurance documents and cards
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination, if required
• Contact information for family or close contacts, as well as local emergency services and the US embassy or consulate

It is also recommended that you consult the CDC website for the latest travel health information and speak to your doctor about any specific concerns or requirements you may have.

Sun protection

The sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has three bands: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVB is the strongest and the cause of most sunburns, while UVA is weaker but still significant as around 100 times more UVA than UVB rays reach the earth's surface. Combined, UVA and UVB rays are responsible for most skin cancers, cataracts, and other sun-related damage.

To protect yourself from the sun in Belize, consider the following:

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck from the sun. A baseball cap will also offer some protection, shielding your eyes from about 50% of the sun's rays.
• Wear good quality sunglasses. For tropical use, look for sunglasses rated "Special Purpose Intense Sunlight", which block 99% of UVB rays and 98% of UVA rays. Ensure they fit tightly to block UVR from the sides and have large enough lenses to cover the entire eye area, including eyelids.
• Wear clothing that provides sun protection. In very hot weather, wear loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing. The folds of loose-fitting clothing provide a sort of "double layer" of fabric, increasing the sun protection. When snorkelling or swimming for long periods, wear a dark-coloured t-shirt for extra protection. Bicycle shorts are also recommended for snorkelling.
• Put on dry clothes after swimming and snorkelling, and wear a cover-up on the beach to protect against UVR rays intensified by the sand.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. For very fair skin, consider using a sunscreen with an SPF of 40-60. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming. Waterproof sunscreen is a good option if you will be spending time in the water or participating in sports or other physical activities.
• Avoid being in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its strongest and the ozone layer is weakest.

Electronics

When packing for Belize, it is important to consider the types of electronics and accessories that will be needed for the trip. Here is a list of electronics and some helpful tips to make the most of your time in Belize:

• Cell Phone: It is recommended to have a good international roaming plan to stay connected and share your experiences on social media.
• Chargers: Don't forget to pack chargers for all your electronic devices, including phones, cameras, and other gadgets.
• Portable Charger: A portable charger, preferably lipstick-sized, is a handy accessory to keep your phone charged on the go.
• Camera: If you plan on capturing high-quality images and videos, consider bringing a mirrorless camera or a GoPro with its accessories. Don't forget their respective chargers as well.
• Waterproof Phone Case: To protect your phone from water damage and scratches, invest in a universal waterproof phone case.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): Consider downloading a VPN like NordVPN to protect your online privacy and access content without regional restrictions.
• E-SIM: Look into getting an E-SIM for your phone, which can be easily managed through apps without the hassle of physical SIM cards.
• Headphones: Bring a pair of headphones for entertainment and to use during flights.
• Other Accessories: Depending on your specific needs, you may also want to bring a wall charging outlet, charging cables for various devices, and even a small tripod for your camera.

Travel documents

When packing for a trip to Belize, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents in order. Here is a detailed list of the essential travel documents you will need:

• Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 30 days after your arrival in Belize. It is recommended to have photocopies of your passport (both paper and digital) and to keep the original in a waterproof passport cover.
• Visa: Citizens of most countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, EU countries, Caribbean countries, and Central American countries, do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, citizens of certain countries, such as Bangladesh, Cameroon, Chad, India, Mozambique, and Pakistan, must obtain a visa. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an extension and pay additional fees.
• Proof of Onward Travel: When entering Belize, you must provide proof of your intention to leave the country, such as a return ticket or an onward ticket to another destination.
• Driver's License: If you plan to rent a car, scooter, or golf cart, bring your driver's license as proof of identification and to drive legally in Belize.
• Travel Insurance Policy: Although not mandatory, purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended. It provides coverage for unexpected events, such as accidents, illness, or loss of personal items.
• Credit Cards: Bring at least two credit cards for accessing funds and making payments. Credit cards offer more protection than debit cards, and ATMs are readily available in Belize.
• Health Insurance Card: Ensure you have your health insurance card or policy details with you, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. It is also recommended to purchase supplemental insurance for medical evacuation if needed.
• Prescription Medications: Bring any prescription medications you need, along with the original packaging and a copy of your doctor's prescription.
• Vaccination Certificates: While there are currently no specific vaccination requirements for entry into Belize, it is always a good idea to carry vaccination certificates, especially for COVID-19, as requirements can change.
• Travel Alerts and Advisories: Before your trip, enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about travel alerts and make it easier for authorities to locate you in case of an emergency.
• Other Important Documents: Make photocopies of other important documents, such as your identification card, insurance card, and emergency contact information. Keep one set of copies with you and leave another set with a trusted friend or relative.

Remember to review the latest travel advisories and recommendations from official sources, such as your country's State Department or Foreign Affairs website, for the most up-to-date information on travel documents and requirements for Belize.

Frequently asked questions