Belize's Best Airports For International Flights

Belize is a tropical country in Central America, with over 400 islands and the world's second-largest barrier reef. The most popular way to get to Belize is by air, with all international flights landing at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, just outside Belize City. This airport is also known as Belize City Airport or PGIA, and it is the only international airport in Belize. From the United States, American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines offer non-stop direct flights to Belize. From Canada, WestJet and Air Canada offer seasonal direct flights from November to April. From Central America, Tropic Air, TAG, COPA Airlines, and Maya Island Air provide direct flights from neighbouring countries. There are no direct flights from Europe, but the shortest option is a flight from Heathrow with a brief stop in Miami.

Flying into Belize: All international flights land at the Philip Goldson International Airport

Belize is a popular tourist destination, especially for those coming from the United States. The country is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the US, which is its primary market (70%). However, since Belize doesn’t cater to mass tourism, it has limited transportation options. As such, getting to Belize can be a bit expensive.

Flying into Belize

The most popular way to get to Belize is by air, with all international flights landing just outside of Belize City, at the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville. Locally known as PGIA, it is the only international airport in Belize.

The airport is about 10 miles from Belize City. From there, you can fly with one of the two Belizean airlines, Tropic Air or Maya Island Air, to San Pedro, a town on Ambergris Caye, where there is a small airstrip. Alternatively, you can get a taxi from the airport to Belize City and take a flight from the Municipal Airport, or opt for a water taxi (ferry boat).

Airlines that fly to Belize

US airlines that fly to Belize include American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines, which all offer non-stop direct flights from US cities. Flights are available all year long, although more are offered during the winter months, which is Belize's peak tourist season. The main cities these flights depart from are New York, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta. Flights are also sometimes available from Los Angeles and Chicago.

Internationally, Tropic Air offers flights from Cancun, Mexico; Flores, Guatemala; and Roatan, Honduras. COPA Airlines flies directly from Panama City, Panama, and TAG flies from Guatemala City.

Getting to Belize by land or sea

As Belize borders Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west, entering the country through its land borders is another option. In fact, land transportation is the most inexpensive way to arrive in Belize. The ADO company has overnight buses from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to Belize City. From Guatemala, you can take the Maya De Oro bus line, which departs from Guatemala City to Melchor de Menchos, a small town that sits across Belize’s western border.

Belize also receives over a million cruise visitors per year, although they typically only stop for 5 to 6 hours. Some of the primary cruise lines that have stops in Belize include Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.

Getting to Belize by land: One of the most popular ways to enter Belize is through its land borders with Mexico and Guatemala

Belize is a small Central American country that shares its borders with Mexico and Guatemala. Getting to Belize by land is one of the most popular ways to enter the country.

Crossing the Border from Guatemala to Belize

The Guatemala-Belize border crossing is a major artery for tourists visiting the Mayan ruins at Tikal or the world's second-longest barrier reef in Belize. Currently, there is only one land crossing open between the two countries, in the northeast corner of Guatemala and the western border of Belize. The two border towns are Benque Viejo del Carmen on the Belize side and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala.

To cross the border, you will need to present a valid passport. Residents of the US, Canada, UK, and EU do not require a visa to enter Belize (up to 90 days) or Guatemala (up to 30 days). However, it is important to check the latest entry requirements before travelling. You will also need to pay a departure tax when leaving Belize.

The process for crossing the border is straightforward. First, get to the border town of Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, either by shuttle or taxi. Change your money before crossing the border, as Guatemalan quetzals are not accepted in Belize. The Guatemalan immigration office is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Present your passport to get stamped, and then walk across the bridge to Belize.

On the Belize side, you will need to go to the immigration office to get your passport checked and stamped. You may be asked questions about your stay in Belize, such as the duration of your visit and your accommodation. There is no entrance fee for Belize, but you will need to pay a departure tax of BZN$40 (about US$20) when you leave the country. Once you have cleared customs, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or colectivo (shared minivan) to San Ignacio or other destinations in Belize.

Crossing the Border from Belize to Guatemala

If you are crossing from Belize to Guatemala, the process is slightly different. The border going into Guatemala is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get to the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen by taxi or shuttle from San Ignacio. Before entering the immigration office, change your money into Guatemalan quetzals.

At the departure hall, you will need to pay a departure fee of BZN$40 or about US$20, which covers various border, conservation, and development fees. Show your passport to the guard and receive an exit stamp. Then, walk across to the Guatemalan border control, where you will fill out an immigration form and present your passport.

History of the Belize-Guatemala Border Dispute

It is worth noting that the border between Belize and Guatemala has been the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute. Since its independence in the 19th century, Guatemala has claimed, in whole or in part, the territory of Belize. The dispute stems from colonial-era treaties between Britain and Spain, which granted Spanish sovereignty over the territory while allowing British settlers to use the land for specific purposes.

In 1859, the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty was signed, establishing the modern-day boundary lines of Belize and recognising British sovereignty over the region. However, tensions have flared up intermittently, with Guatemala periodically renewing its claims to the area. In 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance back to inheriting claims from the Spanish Empire, and the two countries stationed troops at the border.

In 2008, Belize and Guatemala agreed to hold simultaneous referendums to send the issue to the International Court of Justice. The referendums passed in both countries, and as of 2022, the dispute is being settled at the International Court of Justice.

Getting to Belize by sea: Belize receives over a million cruise visitors per year

Belize is a popular cruise destination, with its lush rainforests, ancient ruins, and diverse marine life. The country welcomes over a million cruise visitors each year, who arrive at the port in Belize City.

Cruise visitors to Belize can enjoy a range of activities, including exploring the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, with over 100 species of coral and 500 species of fish. The Blue Hole, a 407-foot-deep underwater sinkhole, is considered one of the world's best diving sites by the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau.

In addition to underwater adventures, cruise visitors can also trek through rainforests, spotting tropical birds and wildlife, and explore ancient Mayan ruins, such as the site of Xunatunich, which dates back to 1000 B.C. and features 25 Mayan temples and palaces.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the beaches of Belize offer soft sand and beachfront restaurants and bars. Ambergris Caye, in particular, is a popular destination for its warm Caribbean waters and snorkelling opportunities.

Belize City, where the cruise port is located, also offers a range of attractions, including the Museum of Belize, a former prison turned cultural exhibition, and the Tourism Village, with its shops, restaurants, and bars.

US to Belize flights: The main carriers are United, Delta, and American Airlines

When flying from the US to Belize, you will most likely fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. This airport is the main international gateway to the country and is served by several US airlines.

The main carriers operating flights to Belize from the US are United, Delta, and American Airlines. United offers flights to Belize City from over 200 airports across the US, including Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, and San Francisco. American Airlines also provides a popular route from Dallas to Belize City.

In addition to these major airlines, other carriers such as Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and British Airways also offer flights to Belize. Nonstop flights to Belize are available from Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, with the latter serving as the only US city with direct flights to the country.

When planning your trip to Belize, it is important to note that US citizens do not require a tourist visa for entry. However, you will need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry and that you can provide "Proof of Sustenance," equivalent to $75 for each day of your trip.

International airlines: Central America direct flights to Belize include Avianca and Tropic Air

Belize is a small Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. It is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, including Mayan ruins, lush rainforests, and coral reefs brimming with wildlife. The country's only international airport is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, which is served by several airlines offering direct and connecting flights from North America and Europe.

International airlines offering direct flights to Belize include Avianca and Tropic Air. Avianca Airlines offers direct flights to Belize via San Salvador, El Salvador. Meanwhile, Tropic Air provides direct flight connections from Cancun, Mexico, with two daily flights that offer good connecting opportunities.

In addition to Avianca and Tropic Air, several other airlines provide direct flight options to Belize. These include major US carriers such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier Airlines. Some of these airlines offer direct non-stop flights year-round, while others provide seasonal service during the November to April period.

For travellers originating from North America, there are several convenient direct flight options to Belize. Direct flights are available from major hubs such as Toronto and Calgary in Canada, as well as Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, and Denver in the United States. These direct flights are operated by various airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, United Airlines, American Airlines, and others.

Frequently asked questions