Win our new Asia trip & return flights! >
Traveller sitting in ocean on beach San Pedro, Belize

Belize Travel Guide

A stunning Central American country with its shores along the Caribbean Sea, Belize is a beautiful hidden gem just waiting to be discovered!

Key Facts

Time Zone

GMT-6

Money

Belizean Dollar (BZD)

Dialing Code

+501

  • Central America is a safe and sensational gap-year destination
  • Belize is a beautiful country bursting with beautiful beaches and ancient Mayan culture
  • Belize is an English-speaking former British colony
  • Belize offers the best of both worlds, from the Central American lush jungle to the sunny shores and islands of the Caribbean Sea
  • Belize boasts the world’s second-largest Barrier Reef and is a hotspot for both scuba diving and marine conservation
  • It’s only a hop, skip and jump from the USA

The capital city of Belize is Belmopan.

  • Dive or snorkel at the breathtaking Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world
  • Visit ancient Mayan ruins such as Nim Li Punit (which means ‘the big hat’) or the site of the ‘crystal skull’ discovery, the ruins of Lubantuun
  • Discover the unspoilt indigenous Mayan villages of Southern Belize
  • Take a dip in sensational waterfalls such as those at the gorgeous Rio Blanco National Park
  • Spot wonderful wildlife and unique aquatic life among Belize’s natural wonders
  • Visit one of the idyllic islands in the Caribbean Sea
  • Go caving at the awesome Blue Creek or Tiger Caves
  • Hang out in Punta Gorda on the Caribbean coast
  • Relax at the beach town of Placencia
  • Hop across into neighbouring Guatemala for some more Central American experiences!

The cuisine in Belize is influenced by both Central American and Caribbean flavours. Commonly eaten foods include flour tortillas, cheese, refried beans, rice, corn, coconut milk, chicken, fresh fish, seafood and fresh fruit.

Belize is hot and humid all year round, with temperatures only varying by about 4°C. December to March is the coolest time of year with May to September being the hottest. The wet season runs from May/June to November, with the driest period being between February and April.

Visa

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passport

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip. 

Further Entry Requirements

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.

As a former British colony (it was once known as British Honduras), Belize has retained English as its official language. Belizean Creole and Spanish are also widely spoken.

Belize uses plug sockets B and G, so some UK appliances may need a universal adaptor.

Do not become involved with drugs while in Belize as anti-drug laws can be strict. 

Health

You should contact your GP at least 8 weeks in advance of your trip to Belize to get medical and vaccination advice. Medical facilities in Belize are limited and patients sometimes have to cover costs to be evacuated to the USA. Make sure you have relevant travel insurance in place before you go.

Safety

There have been some incidents of crime, including some violent crime, in Belize, with the majority of reports of theft in Belize City. Always travel with others and keep valuables out of sight.

In some areas of Belize City, there is a risk of gang-related violence, especially on George Street and Kraal Road.

Only use registered and licensed operators if you are taking part in diving or other adventure activities.

Only use official border crossings if travelling between Belize and Guatemala.

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.