Belize's Ultimate Entry Checklist

Belize is a tropical paradise, full of exciting activities and natural wonders. When packing for your trip, it's important to consider the hot and humid climate, as well as the variety of activities on offer. Here's an introduction to what you can take into Belize to make the most of your trip.

First and foremost, it's essential to have a valid passport and any necessary visas. For US citizens, no visa is required for the first 30 days, but a valid passport is a must. It's also important to have proof of your ability to self-sustain during your stay and an onward or return ticket.

When it comes to clothing, lightweight and breathable fabrics are key. Cotton and linen are ideal. Pack plenty of t-shirts, shorts or skirts, and beachwear. Don't forget a sun hat, sunglasses, and reef-friendly sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Belizean sun. If you plan on hiking in the jungle, be sure to bring sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, and long pants. A light waterproof jacket is also recommended for unexpected rain showers.

In terms of other essentials, a water bottle with a built-in filter is highly recommended, as tap water in many areas is not safe to drink. Insect repellent is a must for jungle hikes, and don't forget your important medicines and vitamins. A small first aid kit can also come in handy.

If you plan on snorkelling or diving, bring a quick-dry travel towel, underwater camera, and reef-safe sunscreen. A waterproof phone case will protect your device from water damage during water sports.

It's also a good idea to bring some cash for street food, transportation, and tipping, as well as a credit or debit card, which are widely accepted.

Lastly, leave your valuables, heavy books, and nice jewellery at home. Belize is a casual and relaxed destination, so pack accordingly and be prepared for some unforgettable adventures!

Food and drink

Belize's food and drink scene is a fusion of Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, Mayan, and Creole influences. Here's what you need to know about the country's unique cuisine and beverages:

Seafood

Belize is a seafood lover's paradise, with an abundance of fresh options. Lobster is a highlight, with a dedicated lobster festival in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia to mark the start of the season (mid-June to mid-February). Other seafood delights include grouper, red snapper, shrimp, conch, and barracuda. Seafood is typically grilled or fried, and often served with a side of rice and beans—the national dish of Belize.

Rice and Beans

Rice and beans is a staple in Belize and is enjoyed at any time of the day. The dish consists of white rice and red beans cooked together in coconut milk or oil and served with stewed chicken or beef, or fried fish. It's a hearty and wholesome meal, providing fuel for a day of exploring Belize's adventures.

Breakfast

Breakfast in Belize is a hearty affair, typically including eggs served scrambled with diced tomatoes, or Maya-style with johnny cakes (hot, biscuit-like rolls) or fry jacks (deep-fried dough puffs). Beans are also a common breakfast item, often refried and served with tortillas, johnny cakes, or fry jacks.

Specialties and Meat Dishes

Belize offers a variety of specialties, reflecting its multicultural influences. The Afro-Creole Garifuna people have traditional dishes such as hudut (fish with coconut milk and mashed ripe and green plantains). In the south, Maya staples include caldo (a spicy meat and root vegetable stew), cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork flavoured with recado spice), and ixpa'cha (fish steamed inside a leaf). Belize also has its fair share of meat dishes, including gibnut (a large rodent sometimes called "The Queen's Rat" due to Queen Elizabeth tasting it on a visit) and iguana, often called "bamboo chicken."

Chocolate and Sweets

Belize has a long history of cacao production, and local producers like Goss, Kakaw, and Cotton Tree create delicious organic chocolate. The annual Chocolate Festival in Punta Gorda in mid-May is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. For something sweet, try traditional desserts like coconut pie, chocolate pie, bread pudding, or flan (an egg-and-condensed-milk custard imported from Mexico).

Drinks

Belize has a variety of unique drinks to offer. Rum punch and Belikin beer are the constants, with Belikin being the national beer available in several varieties, including lager, stout, and premium. Local rum is also a popular choice, with Travellers Liquors in Belize City offering tours and tastings of their rich, dark, and fruity rums. For something non-alcoholic, tropical fruit juices are widely available, with favourites including watermelon, papaya, mango, and lime. Coffee lovers should note that coffee is usually instant, except in the best establishments.

Electronics

When packing for Belize, it's important to consider the types of power outlets available and whether your devices will be compatible. Belize has three types of power outlets: Type G, Type A, and Type B. The voltage is typically 110V, but some areas may have 220V. If your device only operates at 120V, you will need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your electronics.

If you are travelling to Belize from the US, your plug may not fit into Type G outlets, so you will need to bring a Type G power adapter. If your device is dual voltage and your plug fits into a Belizean power outlet, you won't need anything else.

If you are bringing multiple devices that need to be charged, consider bringing a power strip or a USB travel power adapter, which often have multiple USB ports.

If you are bringing valuable electronics, such as a laptop, iPad, or camera, consider investing in a hard-shell case to protect your devices from any potential damage during travel.

It is also recommended to bring a portable power bank, as some areas in Belize may not have access to electricity or may experience power blackouts.

If you plan on going snorkelling, consider purchasing a dry bag to keep your electronics safe and dry.

If you are bringing a phone, it is recommended to get a waterproof phone case and a flotation strap to avoid any water damage.

Other electronics to consider bringing include:

• Portable charger
• Headphones
• Camera
• GoPro and accessories

Clothes

Belize is hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Linen, cotton, and silk are good choices. You'll want to pack casual clothes, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

For women, shorts, sundresses, sarongs, and tank tops are ideal. Local women tend to wear shorts, dresses, and skirts, and loose-fitting clothing will help keep you cool in the humidity. For the beach, a t-shirt or camisole, shorts, and a sarong are perfect. In the evenings, dress is casual, but a pashmina or light scarf can be useful to cover up and keep warm.

For men, casual clothing is also the norm. Shorts and loose-fitting shirts are a good choice, with sandals or hiking sandals for footwear. Synthetic exercise clothing can be a good option, as it wicks away sweat and often offers extra UV protection. In the evenings, long shorts or pants and short-sleeved shirts are fine.

If you plan to do any trekking, light wool is a good choice as it helps regulate body temperature and doesn't retain odours. A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also essential.

Don't forget to pack a sweater or light jacket, as it can get a little cooler in the evenings, especially on the coast or in the jungle. And if you're visiting during the rainy season, a lightweight waterproof jacket and travel umbrella are must-haves.

Finally, leave your fancy clothes and jewellery at home. Belize is very casual, and you'll want to focus on staying cool and comfortable.

Toiletries

When packing toiletries for your trip to Belize, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to know that some items that may seem like standard toiletries are restricted or prohibited. For example, certain medications and pharmaceutical products are restricted or prohibited, so be sure to check the regulations before you travel.

Secondly, it's a good idea to pack only the essentials and leave any valuables at home. This includes leaving behind any expensive jewellery or electronics, as you won't need them during your trip.

Now, here are some recommendations for the types of toiletries you should consider bringing to Belize:

• A hanging toiletry bag is a great way to stay organised while travelling. Look for one with multiple pockets and elastic bands to hold things in place.
• Quick-dry travel towels are perfect for water activities such as snorkelling, diving, and swimming. They're compact, dry quickly, and repel odours and sand.
• A water bottle with a built-in filter is essential, as tap water in some areas of Belize may not be safe to drink.
• Don't forget to pack sunscreen! Choose a reef-safe option to protect both yourself and the delicate reef ecosystem.
• Bug spray or mosquito-repellent wristbands are a must-have to protect yourself from mosquitoes and sand flies, especially during the rainy season.
• If you're prone to motion sickness, consider bringing motion sickness patches or wrist bands. The roads in Belize can be winding and hilly, so it's better to be prepared.
• A universal waterproof phone case will protect your phone from water damage, dust, dirt, and scratches, especially during water sports and adventures.
• To keep yourself fresh and odour-free in the tropical climate, consider bringing travel deodorant wipes that come in single-use packets.
• A small, lipstick-sized portable charger will ensure your phone stays charged on the go without taking up too much space.
• Finally, don't forget to pack any other personal care items you usually use, such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, etc.

Paperwork

To enter Belize, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your arrival date. If you are not travelling in transit to a third country, your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 30 days. If you are travelling in transit to a third country, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. In addition, you must have a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover your stay.

If you are driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, you must secure a temporary importation permit at your point of entry. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days.

If you are a citizen of the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries, you do not need a visa to enter Belize. For visits of up to 30 days, you are granted a tourist visa on arrival. For visits of more than 30 days, you must obtain a visa extension from the Belize Immigration office.

If you are a citizen of another country, you may need a visa or consular permission to enter Belize. Check the Belize Tourism Board website for the most up-to-date information.

If you are travelling with children under 18, they must have a valid passport and a notarized letter of parental consent if they are travelling without one or both parents. If the child is not travelling with both parents, you may be asked to show U.S. birth certificates for each child, and you will need documentation to establish that the child is travelling with the permission of both parents. This may include notarized letters from the parent(s), a custody decree, adoption papers, or death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.

If you are travelling with pets, you must bring an issued import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), a recent veterinary certificate, a valid rabies certificate, and other relevant documentation.

Frequently asked questions