Traveling to Belize

Belize Airline Information:

Belize International Carriers

• American Airlines 223.2522
• Continental Airlines 227.8309
• TACA 227.7363
• U.S. Airways 800.622.1015
• Delta Air Lines 225.2010

Belize Local Carriers & Charters

Tropic Air

• Central Reservations  (+501) 226-2012 / 226-2626
• Reservations (WhatsApp Only) (+501) 622-5857
• Toll Free (USA & Canada)  1-800-422-3435
• Toll Free (Belize)  0-800-4-TROPIC

• Belmopan (+501) 822.0919
• Belize City International (+501) 225.2302
• Belize Municipal (+501) 224.5671
• Caye Caulker (+501) 226.0040
• Dangriga (+501) 522.2129
• Orange Walk (+501) 322.2191
• Placencia (+501) 523.3410
• San Ignacio (+501) 833.3950
• San Pedro (+501) 226.2012 / 226.2626

Belize Airport Departure Tax

Currently there is an airport departure fee of USD $55.50  for non-Belizean residents plus a security fee of $0.75 for domestic security screening.

Belize Hospitals & Medical Facilities

Medical care is available at hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Each district is listed below:

• Belize City: Karl Heusner Memorial 223-1548 (public) / Belize Medical Assoc. (Private) 223-0303
• Corozal Hospital 422-2076
• Dangriga Hospital 522-2078
• Cayo La Loma Luz Hospital (private) 824-2087
• San Ignacio Hospital 824-2066
• Orange Walk Hospital 322-2072
• Punta Gorda Hospital 722-2026

Belize Languages

English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish. Maya, Garifuna and Creole are also spoken.

Belize Population

The population of Belize is approximately 374,681 comprising Creoles (African-European), Garinagus (Black Caribs), Mestizos (Spanish-Indian), Maya and Europeans.

Belize Taxes

There is a 9% government/hotel tax. A general sales tax of 12.5% has been implemented and is applicable to goods and services.

Belize Time Zone

Central Standard Time. Belize does not observe daylight-saving time.

Tipping/Gratuity

Tipping is voluntary. Usually 10% is acceptable with 15% for exceptional service. In some cases a gratuity may be added to your check. This practice varies with each establishment. Be sure to ask before paying the bill.

Belize Topography

Belize is an area of only 8,867 square miles. It is situated on the East Coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Mexico borders Belize to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. It possesses the second-largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long).

Water in Belize

Drinking water is potable. 

See Also Our FAQs sheet

Belize Climate

The climate is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees F. The rainy season is between June and August.

What to Wear in Belize

Light, informal clothing is recommended, except for jungle excursions where the thick forest growth and insects should be taken into account. A sweater or jacket for cool inland mornings and evenings is advisable.

Currency Exchange in Belize

Local currency is the Belize Dollar, or BZ. One U.S. dollar is worth $2BZD.

Entry Requirements in Belize

Visitors to Belize are required to be in possession of valid passports and return/onward tickets. Visas are not required for citizens of the U.S., European Union, Commonwealth or Caricom nations, Mexico, Austria and Costa  Rica. Visas are required for all other nationalities and can be obtained from any Belizean Embassy, consulate or British Embassy.  For specific information please contact the Immigration and Nationality Department.

Anyone traveling with an infant must provide proper documentation for the child including a valid passport. In the event a passport is not available, an exception may be made with an original copy of the child's birth certificate, and a visitor's permit may be issued for a fee of $25 USD.

For further information on visa entry requirements to Belize please visit the Belize Tourism Board website by clicking the following link:

www.travelbelize.org/getting-here/visas-and-immigration

Belize Government

Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.