Welcome to Belize

In Belize, you can fall asleep in a jungle lodge, listening to the nocturnal trill of birds, monkeys and tree frogs.

You can snorkel and dive the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, and home to 500 species of tropical fish. You can paddleboard, kayak, windsurf and go tubing through a subterranean network of rivers and caves. You can zipline, rappel and spelunk.

With Central American jungles to one side and the Caribbean Sea to the other, Belize is heaven for the nature lover. Bird watch for days, looking for as many of the 570 resident species as you can. Spot green iguanas, spider monkeys, shy jaguars and the keel-billed toucan, the country’s national bird.

Don’t overlook Belize’s rich mosaic of culture, from the archaeological sites of the Cayo District and Toledo’s Deep South, to the spectacular site Caracol Maya site, to excavated tombs and ancient hieroglyphs.

Unique Facts

• You’ll have plenty of room to spread out in Belize – it’s one of the least populated countries in the world.
• Belize’s 185-mile long Barrier Reef is home to more than 400 species of fish.
• Belize is home to the world’s only jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve.
• Belize is the only Central American nation where English is the official language.
• Listen for the black howler monkey, locally known as baboons and one of the top ten loudest animals in the world.

Language

Belize’s official language is English. Much of the population is multilingual, with some speaking a creole patois. The Maya in Belize speak Yucatec, Mopán and Kekchí.

When To Go

The dry season, and best time to visit, in Belize is from late November to mid-April.

Airports

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, Belize City

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry and for length of stay.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Not required for stays of 30 days or less.

Vaccinations

None

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A, B and G. Standard voltage: 110/220V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Belize’s official currency is the Belize Dollar.

Getting Around

Be prepared for varying road conditions, ranging from two-lane paved roads to dirt tracks. Roads often lack appropriate markings, reflectors and shoulders, even in urban areas. Bridges are typically a single lane. Driving at night is strongly discouraged. Taxis may be identified by green license plates and are numerous in cities, but less numerous in rural areas. Bus service is available between cities. There is no Lyft or Uber service.

Driver’s License

You may can drive with an international driver’s license and/or a license from your country of residence.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Belmopan
4 Floral Park Road
Belmopan, Belize
Telephone: +(501) 822-4011
Emergency After-Hours telephone:+(501) 610-5030
Fax: +(501) 822-4012
ACSBelize@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Belize Tourism Board
Regent St.
Belize City
Tel: +501 227-2420
www.belizetourismboard.org

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Fire: 90
General Emergency: 911
Ambulance: 90

Safety and Security

Belize has a high crime rate and one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Exercise caution throughout Belize, especially on the south side of Belize City and in remote areas along the borders. Cash and credit card theft is frequent in some areas. Scams occur in resort areas.