Passport and Visa information

A passport is required to enter Belize along with proof of return. No visas are required for citizens of the United States,Canada, and the UK. Citizens of other countries should check with their local Belizean consulate or embassy. Visitors are allowed a one month visit without requesting an extension.

What to bring?

• Your passport
• For Sightseeing we recommend camera and plenty of film or video equipment
• Batteries, binoculars.
• A flashlight for Caracol and Rio Frio Cave.
• Sun tan lotion (remember you are in the tropics now - protect yourself from a severe sunburn, especially if you are arriving from a sub-zero winter in the northern hemisphere to a 90 degree temperature in the tropics).
• Mosquito repellant (For the jungles or San Pedro) see also health and safety for additional items

How to dress?

• comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots (for visiting temples)
• light casual clothing (for the warm weather)
• long sleeved shirts/pants for the jungles to protect you from scratches and mosquitoes.
• swimsuits, pool towels for swimming/snorkeling
• if hats and sunglasses are your thing by all means bring them.

Credit Cards, Currency, and Exchange Rate

One US dollar = two BZE dollars. Credit cards are accepted in most resorts. US dollars are readily accepted everywhere. You will be in remote areas so have cash on hand rather than depending on credit cards. Traveler's checks can be cashed at Banks.

Taxes

There is a 7% percent hotel tax. A 15% value added tax (VAT) has been recently implemented and is applicable to services.

Departure Tax

Before departing Belize international visitors will have to shell out approximately $40 Bze dollars in fees which include the following: departure tax, security tax and a Protected Area Conservation Trust (PACT) fee. Belizean nationals pay $32.50 Bze Domestic flights pay $1.50 Bze

Tipping

Electricity

Same as US 110 volts AC

Health And Safety concerns

• Your prescription medicine may not be readily available so be sure to bring it with you if so needed.
• The water is safe to drink but if you prefer bottled water is also available.
• If you must travel with young babies, we found that while on tour it is a challenge keeping all those bottles of milk fresh for the baby, while still having room for the soda and snacks. What we did was we got our two year old child use to a powdered formula, which holds up better in warm weather.
• a first aide kit comes in handy for scratches or cuts. In this hot and humid weather you want to cover up any open cuts or scratches quickly.

Travel age

Because of the nature of tours which involve a lot of walking and climbing often in warm to hot humid weather (and there are no paved paths for pushing a stroller) we recommend that the travel age to be six years and older. All age groups be sure that you can handle the walking and climbing involved.

Time Zone

Belize is on Central Standard time. Belize doesn't observe daylight savings time.