Geography

Approximately 9,000 square miles, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize has the second longest barrier reef in the world (165 miles long). The land is flat at the coast and rises to 3,600 feet inland at the height of the Maya Mountains. Jungle and rainforest cover the central and southern regions with predominantly dry pine savannah, Caribbean pine forests and extensive wetlands in the north and west.

Climate

Subtropical, with prevailing north-easterly Trade winds from the sea. Temperatures range from 60 degrees Farenheit (16 Celsius) to 95 degrees Farenheit (32 celsius). Belize is marked by a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. Northern Belize which may receive as little as 50 inches of rainfall is considerably drier than the far south, which can receive upwards of 180 inches of rainfall annually. There is also a distinct hurricane season that generally starts in late June and continues into early November.

Population

Most of the major towns and villages of Belize lie on the coast or along major rivers. In recent times however, new settlements have formed, mostly in the Cayo District of Western Belize and the Toledo District in Southern Belize. The latest census in Belize shows a population of over 250,000 made up of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya and Europeans. Belize in general has very young population with over 50% under 18 years old.

Language

English is the official language and is widely spoken throughout the country. Other languages spoken: Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, Maya and German.

Government

Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth, with a stable democratic government established along the model of the British Parlimentary system. The country is divided into six districts, with each district electing members to the House of Representatives. Presently, the People's United Party forms the government with Said Musa as the Prime Minister of Belize. The United Democratic Party sits as the official opposition.

Entry Requirements

Passports are required for entry into Belize.

United States and Canadian citizens, nationals of Caricom countries and of the European Community member nations (Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, UK, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden) do not require visas.

Visas are required for nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Columbia, Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Japan, Korea (North and South), Libya, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, and Zaire.

Also, please note that the Government of Belize does require that your passport is valid for more than six weeks after your arrival. For questions regarding entry requirements, or people from other nationalities please contact our office (800 667 1630) or the nearest Belize Embassy. A list of Belize Embassies, worldwide, can be found by clicking here.

Currency

The Belize Dollar has a fixed rate of $2BZ = $1US. US currency and travelers cheques in US currency are widely accepted. Credit cards can be used in most tourist facilities. ATM's are becoming more common in Belize but should not be part of your planned travel budget as they are not yet connected with North American systems.

Electricity

The current is the same as Canada and the US - 110V AC.

Taxes

All passengers are required to pay an international departure tax of $35 US ($70 BZ). This departure tax is broken down into the following components:

DEPARTURE FEES

International Passengers by Air

Philip Goldson International Airport
Passenger Service Fee $15.00
Airport Development Fee $15.00
Conservation Fee $3.75
Security Fee $1.25
Total Airport Departure Fees: US $35.00
Payable ONLY in US currency.
All fees apply to non-Belizean citizens and non-Belizean permanent residents.

International Passengers by Land

Santa Elena: Northern border with Mexico
Benque Viejo del Carmen: Western adjacency zone with Guatemala
Border Processing Fee $15.00
Conservation Fee $3.75
Total Border Departure Fees: US $18.75 or BZ $37.50
Payable in US or Belize currency.
All fees apply to non-Belizean citizens
Exemptions: children under 12; permanent residents of Belize; visitors from border towns for first 24 hours.

** Charged upon departure via Santa Elena, the northern border with Mexico and, Benque Viejo del Carmen, the western border with Guatemala the border fee is applicable to tourists 12 years and older. Visitors from border towns, Melchor & Chetumal, are exempted from these fees if they remain in the country for less than 24 hours.

International Passengers by Sea

Departure by boat from Punta Gorda, Dangriga or San Pedro
Conservation Fee $3.75
Total Sea Departure Fees: US $3.75 or BZ $7.50
Payable in US or Belize currency.

Domestic Air Passengers

International Airport to Domestic Airport
Security Fee $0.75
Total Fee for Domestic Air Passengers: US $0.75 or BZ $1.50

Time Zone

Belize is located within the Central Time Zone and does not observe daylight savings time.

Water

Generally the water is drinkable right from the taps in most towns, lodges and hotels. Bottled water is available in most shops.

Taxis

Taxis are identifiable by their green license plates. They are non-metered, and fares are standard. Be sure to negotiate the price before starting your journey.

Health

There are no endemic diseases. No inoculations are required for entry, however, gamma globulin or Havrix injection for hepatitis, anti-malaria tablets (if traveling into the rainforest) and an up-to-date tetanus are recommended. Contact your doctor or travel clinic prior to traveling to Belize.