Frequently Asked Questions - Belize FAQ's

With the exception of cruise ship passengers, all visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country. Please note that driver's licenses and birth certificates are not approved travel documents and cannot be used to enter the country. Passports must be valid up until time of departure.
In cases where a visitor remains in the country for over 30 days, an extension of entry must be requested.
Extensions are available for the cost of:
Up to 6 months for US $25
After 6 months US $50 per month

Nationals of the following countries do not require visas:

• Australia
• Canada
• Hong Kong
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Norway
• United States
• Venezuela
• CARICOM member states

Nationals of European Community countries do not require visas.

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Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The following category of persons may be granted by the Immigration Department extensions of up to three (3) months at a time. These three months would be after the thirty day period given by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

1. Persons living in remote areas away from the Immigration Office
2. Potential Investors
3. Business persons

The above is on the strict understanding that the applicant presents him/herself in person and satisfies the requirement that the necessary funds (US $50.00 per person per day) are available for the duration of the period requested extension. Applicant must also have a ticket to his/her onward destination. Extensions are granted at a cost of US $50.00 per month.

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The Belize Dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of BZ $2 to US $1. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards. When using your credit cards in Belize, most establishments will add a 5% service charge to your bill. Always make sure that you understand which dollar rate is being quoted. Is it Belize Dollars or U.S. Dollars?

English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.

Time observed year round is GMT-6, which is the same as United States Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed in Belize.
 

In order to have mobile cellular service in Belize, an unlocked GSM (Global System Mobile Communication) 1900 MHz cellular phone is required. Phones may be activated at any BTL office or Digicell distributor in the country. Prepaid service works using phone cards that can be bought at various stores around the country.
Cellular phones can also be rented for US $5 a day from the Belize Telecommunications (BTL) office at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). A deposit of US $150 is required.
 

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There are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize. No inoculations are required for entry, but anti-malaria tablets are recommended for extended stays in the jungle.

There is a well staffed hospital and several private doctors in Belize City. Also the district towns and larger villages have hospitals or clinics.

Potable water is available in most areas of Belize, but it is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, drink boiled or bottled water.

Although most of the electricity is provided by Diesel/Generator Sets, the power is stable at 110 Volts A.C., which is the same voltage as in the United States.

Bank Hours :
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 1 pm
Friday - 8 am - 4:30 pm
**Note that hours vary by bank and destination.  
Commerce & Industry :
Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M - 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Some businesses are open on Saturdays
 
Public and bank holidays

• New Years Day - January 1
• Baron Bliss Day- March 9
• Good Friday
• Holy Saturday
• Easter Monday
• Labour Day-May 1
• Commonwealth Day- May 24
• St. George's Caye Day- September 10
• Independence Day- September 21
• Columbus Day- October 12

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For international passengers departing by air from 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 $
All fees apply to non-Belizean citizens and non-Belizean permanent residents.
These fees are sometimes included in the cost of your airfare.

Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognized by their green license plates. Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your arrival at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), taxis are available at the entrance to the main terminal.
Although there are no meters on the taxis, the drivers do charge somewhat standard fares, but it is always important to understand what your fare will be, prior to hiring a taxi.