• Geography
• Population
• Government
• Currency
• Taxes
• Water
• Health

• Climate
• Language
• Entry Requirements
• Electricity
• Time Zone
• Taxis

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 300,000 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 United Democratic Party forms the government with Honorable Dean Barrow as the Prime Minister, preplacing incumant Said Musa from the Peoples United Party (PUP). The PUP now 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 your passport to be valid for more than six weeks after your arrival. For questions regarding entry requirements, or people from other nationalities please contact our office (1-800-667-1630) 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. ATMs 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

Sales Tax

Belize does have a General Sales Tax (GST) which currently adds 12.5% on top of most goods and services whithin Belize.

Hotel Tax

Belize has a Hotel Tax, which is 9% on top of the cost of most hotel nights in the country. It is fairly customary to see a 5% service charge as well.

Departure Tax

By Air (Many of the Airlines now include these fees in their ticket price)

All passengers are required to pay an international departure tax of $39.25 US. Many of the airlines now include these fees in their ticket price. This departure tax is broken down into the following components:

International Passengers - On Departure - via Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA)
Passenger Service Fee:$15.00
Airport Development Fee: $18.00
Hold Bags: $1.25
Security Fee $1.25
Conservation Fee: $3.75
Total Airport Departure Fees: $39.25 USD

Domestic Flights
User Fee: $2.50US at all airports

By Land

International Passengers
On Departure:
Northern Border, Western Border and Southern Border
Intransit Passengers only - Border Processing Fee - $15.00
Overnight Passengers - Border Processing Fee $15.00 + Conservation Fee $3.75;
Total Fee: $18.75 USD

Guatemalan and Mexican passengers:
less than 24hrs. - NO FEE; more than 24hrs.: $3.75 USD

Mexicans staying more than 72hrs. $18.75 USD

For more information contact the Border Management Authority

By Sea

International Passengers
On Arrival

From Punta Gorda, Dangriga or San Pedro

Belize Port Authority
On Departure
via Punta Gorda, Dangriga or San Pedro

Conservation Fee $3.75 USD

Domestic Air Passenger (flying within Belize)

International Airport (PGIA) to Municipal Airports

Security Fee $0.75 USD

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 large towns, lodges, and hotels. Many Belizeans and travelers also choose to drink bottled water, which is available in most shops. Safe drinking water is provded throughout your Island Expeditions tour. In the field we use Pristine water treatment to make it potable.

Taxis

Taxis are identifiable by their green license plates. They are non-metered and fares are standard. Taxis from the Belize International Airport are a standard rate and the rate is posted. Be sure to negotiate the price before starting your journey.

Health

There are no endemic diseases. No innoculations are required for entry, however we do strongly recommend you consider a Havrix injection for Hepatitis A (or Twinrix for both Hep A & B), anti-malaria tablets (if traveling into the rainforest), and an up-to-date tetanus shot. Contact your doctor or travel clinic prior to traveling to Belize.

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