Belize lies on the Eastern or Caribbean coast of Central
America, bordered on the North by Mexico, on the West and South by Guatemala and on the East by the Caribbean Sea. It is separated by sea from it's
neighbour to the South-West, Honduras.
The inner coastal waters are shallow and are sheltered by a line of
coral reefs, dotted with over 200 'cayes' (islands, pronounced "keys"),
extending the entire length of the country. The cayes range in size from
a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and 4 miles wide.
The spectacular Belize Barrier Reef offers scuba diving which
cannot be rivalled anywhere else in the World. It runs for 187 miles
parallel with the coastline. There are only 4 Atolls in the entire
Atlantic region and 3 of them are off the coast of Belize. These immense
Atolls (Lighthouse, Turneffe and Glovers) account for another 140 miles of
reef making a total of some 337 miles of coral reef to explore in Belize.
The area of the mainland and cayes is 8,867 square miles. The country's
greatest length from north to south is 174 miles and its greatest width
is 68 miles.
Time Zone
Belize is in the Central Standard Time zone, and does not utilize daylight saving time.
Government
Belize has been an Independent nation since 1981 and is a Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State.
Belize is a parliamentary democracy with two major political parties, the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People's United Party (PUP). In the
last General Elections, the UDP won an overwhelming majority and
currently holds power, led by Prime Minister Mr. Manuel Esquive.
The Leader of the Opposition is Mr. Said Musa. Belize has a
Constitution, which includes a Bill of Rights.
Entry Requirements - Visas
Visas are not required for most nationalities, including citizens of the United States,
the United Kingdom and British Commonwealth countries, as well as most
members of the European Union. All people from these countries need are
a valid passport and an onward or round-trip ticket. A Visitor Permit is
required of nationals of China and India. Check with the local Belizean
Consulate, Belize Embassy, British Counsel, or contact the Department of
Immigration and Nationality, Belmopan, Belize, Central America. Telephone: (501-822-2423).
To apply for an extension contact the Immigration
Office Mahogany Street, Belize, Central America Telephone :
(501) 522-3412, Fax (501) 522-3461. A moderate fee is charged and
applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for the remainder of their
stay, as well as an ongoing ticket. If crossing into Belize from
Mexico by land, visas to enter Belize can be obtained from the Belizean
Consulate in Chetumal, Avenida Alvaro Obregon #226A, Chetumal Q.R.,
Tel: (52)983-22871.
Firearms:
It is illegal to take firearms and ammunition into or out of Belize.
Animals:
Animals must be accompanied by a certificate of freedom from infection/contagious disease by a veterinarian
following examination not more than 48 hours prior to shipment; animals must also be certified as having been vaccinated
against rabies not less than one month nor more than six months prior to departure; and must be free of open wounds. Dogs
must have a valid certification of vaccination against distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. Animals
may be required to be re-vaccinated against rabies on arrival if certifications are deemed unsatisfactory.
Getting to Belize
From the United States:
- Miami, Florida.- American Airlines
- Dallas/Fort Worth - American Airlines.
- Houston, Texas - Continental Airlines or TACA
- All flights are less than 2 hours and cost approximately $300-450 plus tax.
From Mexico:
- Fly from Cancun to Belize. 1 hr flight, approximately $200.00 return
- First class bus to Chetumal, Mexico (Mexico-Belize border). Connect
with a Batty Bus from Chetumal to Belize City . Total traveling time:
8 hours. Bus tickets are approx. $50.00 return.
From Guatemala:
- Maya Island Air and Tropic Air from Tikal/Flores, Guatemala to Belize
City. Each airline has 2 flights daily. $90.00 one way.
- Southern Guatemala-Ferry or boat from Puerto Barrios or Livingston,
Guatemala to Punta Gorda, Belize. Daily shuttle boat run by
Requena's Charter Services Telephone: (501) 722-2070 or e-mail
watertaxi@btl.net departs Puerto Barrios daily at 2.00 pm.
Cost $15.00 each way. (Return boats each morning at 09.00 am.)
From Punta Gorda airstrip there are regular flights to most Belizean
destinations.
From Honduras:
- San Pedro Sula-TACA approx $180.00 return.
From Europe:
- There are currently no direct or same-day connecting flights from Europe to Belize (and
none that are planned at present). The
most convenient route is via Miami or Houston with an overnight stay on the
outbound leg only. Return
flights from Belize connect with overnight flights from Miami and Houston
to London and other European destinations.
- Depending on the season, day of the week and airline chosen, round trip
tickets from London to Belize range from £500 - £1,000 plus taxes. These are the UK and USA departure taxes but do not include
the Belize Departure Tax which can only be paid in Belize (see below).
Private Aircraft:
Private aircraft must enter Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City.
Ports of Entry By Sea:
Boats may clear customs and entry at Belize City, Dangriga, Big Creek, Punta Gorda and San
Pedro, on Ambergris Caye. There is no customs officer in San Pedro; boats wishing to enter must pay the cost of transport for
the customs officer to and from San Pedro from Belize City.
Departure Tax:
Airport Departure Fees are generally included in the airline ticket. Where it is not included in the ticket price, passengers must pay upon departing Departure Fees of US $35.50, payable in US dollars by Non Belizean Residents. For Belizean Residents the fee is BZ$35.00. A Security Fee of US$0.75 is charged for Domestic Security Screening. There is also "visa" charge to enter Guatemala at the
Western Border is $5.00 (irrespective of whether you need one or not!)
Accommodations
There is a wide choice of lodgings in Belize from luxury hotels to simple
island cabins and everything in between. Whether you are looking for a
romantic beach hideaway for your honeymoon or a comfortable rainforest
lodge for some exciting eco-adventures, there are many to choose from.
Depending on your interests, and if you can spare the time, the ideal
trip to Belize should combine both the rainforest and the reef.
Hotels List
Domestic Transportation
Getting Around Belize by Air
The easiest method of travelling around Belize is by air.
International travelers fly into the newly renovated and expanded Philip Goldson
International Airport in Belize City. From there, connections can be made to various destinations within Belize, including:
Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Corozal, Dangriga, Big Creek, Placencia and Punta Gorda; as well as to
Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. Travellers already in Belize City
should utilize the smaller Municipal Airport for in-country
flights, as costs are much lower. Charter flights
can also be arranged to off-the-beaten track destinations as there are many
private airstrips throughout the country. We can book all domestic flights
for you.
Belizean Airlines Offering In-Country Service:
- Maya Island Air: (501) 223-1403. Scheduled flights and private charters.
- Tropic Air: (501) 226-2012. Scheduled flights and private charters.
- Caribee Air Service: (501) 224-4253. Private charters only.
- Javier's Flying Service Ltd: (501) 223-5360. Private charters only.
Getting Around Belize by Road
Driving around Belize is straightforward as there are only 4 main roads
in Belize - going North, West, South and even further South! These are easily
remembered as:
- The Northern Highway - Belize City to Corozal and the Mexican Border
- The Western Highway - Belize City to San Ignacio and the Guatemalan Border
- The Hummingbird Highway - Belmopan to Dangriga
- The Southern Highway - Dangriga to Punta Gorda
There - you know your way around the country already!
Car Hire:
Although the roads have been significantly improved during the last
few years, some are still pot-holed and can make driving for any distance
very uncomfortable (especially the Southern Highway from Placencia down to
Punta Gorda (take a tip - fly!). Car hire is quite expensive and it is very
important to check the small print in the insurance as most companies do
not offer fully comprehensive cover. A four wheel drive vehicle booked through
a reputable company is essential. No rental companies will not allow you to cross the
border into Guatemala or Mexico.
Private Transfers and Taxis:
We can arrange private transfers and tours throughout Belize. Although this is
a fairly expensive option (approximately $200 per day for up to 4 people depending
on the distances involved) it has the advantage of going at your own pace,
stopping when you want and travelling in comfort. A friendly and knowledgeable
licensed tour guide/driver will add considerably to your enjoyment as he
cheerfully and proudly tells you all about his wonderful country.
You can also
make your own arrangements on arrival with the licensed taxis which vary
in standard from superb sedans to a vehicle that would not look out of place
on a banger race track - after the race! Agree on the price before you depart and
check whether they are quoting US or Belize dollars.
Bus Services:
Public buses (mostly ex-USA school buses) are an inexpensive way of getting
around. It helps if you have plenty of time as buses stop on demand
so this can add considerably to the journey time. Buses depart out of
Belize City for most of the major towns (Corozal, Orange Walk, San
Ignacio, Belmopan, Dangriga, Punta Gorda) and border towns in Mexico and
Guatemala.
- Novelos: (501) 027-2025
- Venus: (501) 207-3354
- Z-Line: (501) 522-2224 (operates out of Dangriga)
Climate
The climate is sub-tropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the
Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees.
Winter storms may bring the temperature down to the low 60's and it can
reach the mid-90's on the mainland in the
hottest part of summer. Trade winds blow along the
coast and on the cayes most of the year, keeping temperatures pleasant
even in the hottest months, except for a few weeks,
generally around mid-August. The dry season generally lasts from November
through May; the rainy season is typically June-November. Hurricanes
occasionally occur; they are most likely to hit in August and September.
Rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas, lightest in the
north and on the Cayes. Water temperature averages between 79 and 83 degrees F.
Language
English is the official language and the language of instruction in
schools but almost everyone speaks an English dialect, or Creole patios,
the vernacular of the country. Spanish is also widely spoken. It is
taught in primary and secondary schools in order to further develop
bi-lingualism. In certain areas of the country, such as Orange Walk and
Corozal District in the north and the Cayo district in the west, Spanish
is spoken as a mother tongue by the majority of the people. In the southern
districts of Stann Creek and Toledo, there are people whose first
language is Garifuna or Maya.
Population
The population is approximately 250,000. The average annual growth rate is 2.6%.
The main ethnic groups are Creole (African Descent), Mestizo (Spanish-Maya), and Garifuna
(African Descent). There is also a number of people of Spanish and East
Indian descent. The ethnic groups, however are heavily intermixed. There
is also a small Mennonite community of European origin. The multi-racial
make-up of the Belizean society includes Chinese, Arabs and other ethnic
groups.
Banking
There are
four commercial banks that serve the country of Belize. Banks are open
Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 1:00pm and on Friday until 4:30pm. Most
banks have branches in the six districts but services are more limited.
The Belize Bank Limited
Market Square, Belize City
Telephone: 227-7132
Atlantic Bank Limited
Albert Street, Belize City Telephone: 227-1225
Bank of Nova Scotia
Albert Street, Belize City
Telephone: 227-7027
Barclays Bank PLC
Albert Street, Belize City
Telephone: 227-7211
Currency
Local currency is the Belize Dollar. One U.S. dollar is worth BZ$2. U.S. dollars should be exchanged directly in
purchasing goods and services, as banks will charge a fee (currently is at .0125) to exchange U.S. to Belize dollars. U.S.
dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize.
Credit Cards/Travellers' Checks
Nearly all hotels, restaurants and shops in the major towns and tourist areas take all
major credit cards. Street vendors and smaller establishments in remote areas may accept only cash or travellers' checks. It's
important to keep travellers' checks in a waterproof pouch, as they are considered void if they get wet. Representatives of
VISA, MasterCard and American Express can be contacted at the four
commercial banks in Belize City (see above). American Express also has a representative
at Belize Global Travel Services, Inc. Telephone: 227-7158.
Shopping
Everybody goes home with something from Belize. Shopping is as
diverse as the country but don't expect glitz and glitter. Do expect an
incredible array of hand-carved slate, woodcarvings, baskets, world-class
hot sauces and jungle healing potions. Many depart wearing their new
"You Better Belize It" T-shirts. When you leave Belize,
there are duty-free shops in the airport departure lounge. The biggest
assortment of gifts, souvenirs and luxury items is in Belize City.
Ambergris Caye has a wealth of gift buying opportunities. Strolling
down the main street with sand between your toes you will be surprised at
the range of small shops and boutiques.
A word of caution.
One is not allowed to leave Belize with certain items. These include
pre-Columbian articles, marine products (unless permitted by the Fisheries
Department), unprocessed coral or turtle shells.
Sales Taxes:
Belize has a Sales Tax (10%) which has replaced the old VAT (15%) which
is applied to all goods and services except hotel accommodations. The hotel
tax on the room rate is 9%. Some hotels also add a 10 -15%
service charge to the bill so it always pays to check exactly what you will be
paying for your hotel room rather than just asking about nightly rates.
If purchasing a package it is very important to find out what is
included as some tour operators do not include the above charges in
order to make their rates appear attractive and very competitive.
Electricity
The electrical system is the same as
in the United States: 110 Volts A.C. Power is provided to the country
by Belize Electricity Limited which supplies both
households and businesses. Service is fair and it is
necessary for hotels wanting to deliver luxury class service to install
backup generators. Continuity of electricity is between 90% and 95%. The
electricity rate is approximately US$0.19 per KWH.
Telecommunications
The Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL) owns the automatic telephone
services which covers the entire country. A recent expansion programme
has doubled the capacity of the telephone system. A satellite earth station
in Belmopan provides high quality telecommunications with the outside
world and a cellular network has now been introduced.
International Direct Dialing
The international dialing code for Belize is 501 and there are currently 17 area
codes within Belize (i.e. Belize City is 02). When dialling from outside
Belize the zero in the area codes is not required (i.e. to call somewhere
in Belize City would be 501 2 followed by the number). Hotels have fixed
rates for local and international calls. All telecommunications services
(direct dial phones, fax, telex, cable) are available; but calls from
Belize are much higher than an equivalent call to Belize. Remote jungle
lodges usually have short wave radio communications linked to cellular
service. If you are a business visitor planning to spend some time in
Belize and want a temporary internet account, you can make arrangements
by contacting Belize Telecommunications, Inc. ("BTL"), Belize's
sole internet access provider (email them at: sales@btl.net).
Weddings
For fuller information please take a look at
Getting Married in Belize and Tropical Weddings for
details of our Wedding Packages.
You must reside in
Belize for three days before you can apply for a minister's license to
marry. One day's prior notice is needed. You will need proof of
citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate, signed by a public
notary, which includes father's name) ; proof of divorce if applicable
(certified copy or original certificate of divorce); copy of death
certificate for widow or widower. You don't need a blood test or parents
consent if over 18. The ceremony is performed by the Registrar
General in Belize City or by a Justice of the Peace in other areas.
The General Registry can be contacted at Telephone 501-227-7377, Supreme
Court Building, Belize City.
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