Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[011] (501) 822-4011; US Embassy, Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo, Belize; https://bz.usembassy.gov/; ACSBelize@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
501
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Belize: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
Currency (Code)
Dollars (BZD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
English, Spanish, Belize Creole, Maya, German, Garifuna
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness, other, none
Time Difference
UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water outside the cities
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Ambergris Caye; Lighthouse Reef Atoll & the Blue Hole; Turneffe Islands Atoll; Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary; Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, sailing
Cultural Practices
Greet folks with a "Good morning" before asking for directions, for a table in a restaurant, or when entering a store or museum. Don't take pictures inside churches.
Tipping Guidelines
A tip between 15-20% is appropriate in restaurants and bars. Tipping taxi drivers is typically rare because metropolitan prices are low. A tip somewhere between 5-15% of the total bill is appropriate for hotel staff.
Souvenirs
Mayan woven baskets and textiles, conch jewelry, wood-carved kitchenware and decorative items, handmade hammocks, native dolls, rum
Traditional Cuisine
Belizean Rice and Beans — red kidney beans and rice stewed in coconut milk; typically served with meat and potato salad and/or plantains
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
