Belize Travel Guide

• 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 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 Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Belize’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Belize set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Belize High Commission in the UK. 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Belize, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ more than 3 months after the date you arrive. Some airlines may refuse boarding if the expiry date is not more than 6 months after the date you arrive.  

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Immigration and customs declaration form

All travellers transiting Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport are required to complete an immigration and customs declaration form. Whilst paper declarations will still be accepted during the phased transition to a fully digital system, the Belizean authorities recommend completing the digital form prior to travel.

Visa requirements 

You can visit Belize without a visa for 30 days.

If you want to extend your stay, it will cost 200 Belize dollars for each additional 30 days. You should go to the nearest office of the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department and request a new stamp.  

Departure tax 

If you leave Belize by land, or by water crossing to Guatemala or Mexico, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Belize dollars or 20 US dollars at the border. If leaving by air, the tax is usually included in the airfare.  

Travelling with children 

Children aged 17 and under who are travelling on their own, or with an adult who is not their parent, must carry a notarised letter to prove parental responsibility, or consent to travel from the parent or guardian. Children travelling with one parent must also have a notarised letter of authority from the other parent giving consent for travel.  

Vaccine requirements  

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Belize guide.  

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Belize. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Items that need to be declared will be listed on the customs declaration form. Contact the Belize Customs and Excise Administration for more information.  

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.