
Belize fact sheet: |
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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. |
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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. Although the best time of year to travel to Belize is definitely through the "dry season", Mother Nature does still give us some rain during this timeframe. 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. This rainfall helps feed the lush jungles and sustain year-round grow season. Similar to other regions in the Caribbean basin, Belize also has a distinct hurricane season that generally starts
in late June and continues into early November. |
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| | 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.
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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.
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| | 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.
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| | 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
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| | 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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