Belize
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Belize is a parliamentary democracy and Commonwealth country. Belize has a developing economy based primarily upon agriculture and tourism. Tourist facilities vary in quality, from a limited number of business-class hotels in Belize City and luxury resorts in the offshore cayes (pronounced: "keys") to a range of eco-tourism lodges and very basic accommodations in the countryside. Violent crime, especially in areas of Belize City, remains a serious concern. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Belize for additional information.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Belize are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency. Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.
U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize: Contact information:
U.S. Embassy Belmopan
#4 Floral Park Road
Belmopan, Cayo District
Belize, Central America
Telephone: 011-501-822-4011
Emergency after-hours telephone: 011-501-610-5030
Facsimile: 011-501-822-4050
ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Belize and a proof of return to the U.S. No visas are required for citizens of the United States for tourist visits of up to 30 days, but they must have onward or return air tickets and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Belize. Visitors for purposes other than tourism, or who wish to stay longer than 30 days, must obtain visas. All tourists and non-Belizean citizens are required to pay an exit fee of U.S. $39.25 (payable in U.S. dollars only). Belize allows visitors a maximum of one month’s stay in the country before they require an extension. No specific immunizations are required for visitors to Belize. Visit the Embassy of Belize website for the most current visa information.
Cruise ship passengers: U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (i.e., cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be permitted to depart or enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documentation. U.S. citizen passengers leaving their cruise ship and returning, for any reason, by air to the U.S. will be required to present their valid U.S. passports to airline officials before being permitted to board the aircraft.
Embassy of Belize: Belize maintains the following diplomatic and consular posts in the United States:
Embassy of Belize
2535 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,
Washington DC 20008
Telephone: (202) 332-9636
Facsimile: (202) 332-6888
Consulate General of Belize
4801 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 250
Los Angeles, California 90010
Telephone: 323-634-9900
Facsimile: 323-634-9903
Permanent Mission of Belize
201 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017-5704
Telephone: (212) 986-1240
Facsimile: 212-593-0932
HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Belize.
Special Notice for Dual Nationals: Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
A person who is a citizen of both the U.S. and Belize is able to enter Belize with only a Belizean passport;
SAFETY AND SECURITY:
Terrorism and Security: The potential for domestic terrorist activity such as bombings, kidnappings, or hijackings is considered low in Belize. However, gang members and other criminals have used fragmentation grenades and firearms to settle disputes. At least a dozen hand grenades stolen from a military facility remain unaccounted for. No U.S. citizens or other foreign nationals are known to have been the victims or targets of terrorist activity in Belize, nor are Americans believed to be specifically targeted for robbery or other crimes but are instead targets of opportunity. No areas are closed to travel but visitors should exercise caution, particularly in remote areas along the borders and adjacency zone and in urban areas.
General Safety: Visitors should exercise situational awareness and good judgment while visiting Belize. Crime is a serious and growing problem throughout Belize, particularly in Belize City and remote areas. Road accidents are common (see Traffic Safety and Road Conditions) and traffic fatalities have included Americans. Public buses and taxis are frequently in poor condition and lack basic safety equipment. Many unlicensed taxis are present in Belize and Americans are encouraged to avoid traveling in them; genuine taxis may be identified by their green-colored license plates. Medical care is limited in many areas and emergency response services such as ambulances or paramedics may be either unavailable or limited in capability and equipment (see Medical Facilities and Health Information).
Water Safety: Boats serving the public, especially water taxis, often do not carry sufficient safety equipment. Many carry an excess number of passengers and may sail in inclement weather. Rental diving equipment may not always be properly maintained or inspected, and some local dive masters fail to consider the skill levels of individual tourists when organizing dives to some of Belize’s more challenging sites. Deaths and serious mishaps have occurred as a result of the negligence of dive tour operators and the lack of strict enforcement of tour regulations. The Embassy strongly recommends that anyone interested in scuba diving or snorkeling while in Belize check the references, licenses, and equipment of tour operators before agreeing to or paying for a tour. Safety precautions and emergency response capabilities may not be up to U.S. standards. All tour guides and boat captains are now required to be licensed by the Government of Belize. The only hyperbaric recompression chamber in Belize is located in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye.
Cave Tubing: Following a fatal accident at the Cave’s Branch Archeological Park in September 2008, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) implemented new regulations, effective as of October 15, 2008. Designed to improve safety at cave tubing attractions, those policies include an enhanced, mandatory guest-to-guide ratio of eight-to-one for all cave tubing tour companies operating in Belize. Signage is required at each cave tubing excursion site to inform participants of park rules, current water conditions, and/or warnings. Mandatory specialty training for each cave tubing guide continues and includes education on new regulations. Helmets are required for each cave tubing participant as of January 1, 2009. Additionally, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), which manages the Cave’s Branch Archeological Park, has installed additional monitoring equipment for cave tubing excursions which measure currents and other factors.
Border Areas: Borders between Belize and Guatemala are in dispute, but the dispute thus far has not affected travel. Visitors should avoid trekking or other activities near the Belize-Guatemala border to ensure that they do not inadvertently cross the border into Guatemala. As illegal cross-border activities increase after nightfall, visitors to the border areas should travel only during daylight areas.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Organized crime above the street gang level is primarly connected to drug trafficking or trafficking in persons. The incidence of crime, including violent crimes such as armed robbery, shooting, stabbing, murder, and rape, remains high. Although Americans are not specifically targeted because of their nationality, in recent years the Embassy has noted an increase in crimes against tourists at resorts and on the roads and river ways. The incidence of crimes such as theft, burglary, purse-snatching, and pick-pocketing increases around the winter holidays and during spring break. Several victims who resisted when confronted by criminals have received serious injuries, including gunshot wounds. Although the majority of reported incidents occur in Belize City, crime may occur anywhere including tourist destinations such as San Pedro Town (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker, and Placencia.
While increased police patrols, coordinated tours among resort security managers, and the arrest of perpetrators may reduce the frequency of crimes, these measures do not guarantee safety. Armed robberies of tourists remain a possibility at archeological sites, national parks, and other areas frequented by visitors. On February10, 2009, four American and two Canadian tourists accompanied by two Belizean tour guides were the victims of a robbery outside Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. On September 15, 2009, two tourists at the Blue Hole National Park were robbed by two men wearing masks and carrying knives. In both instances, there is no information suggesting the perpetrators were targeting tourists of any specific nationality; rather, the victims appear to have been targets of opportunity.
American citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and good situational awareness in all their travel activities. Visitors to tourist attractions should travel in groups and stick to the main plazas at Maya ruins and the central areas. Although there are armed guards stationed at many of the archeological sites, armed criminals have been known to prey on persons walking alone or in small groups from one site to another. While many theft victims are unharmed and only robbed of personal belongings and cash, victims who resist assailants have suffered injury. U.S. citizens who become victims of a robbery should report it immediately at the nearest police station as well as notifying the Embassy.
The Embassy recommends that visitors travel in groups and only during daylight hours. Avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuable or expensive items. As a general rule, valuables should not be left unattended, including in hotel rooms and on the beach. Care should be taken when carrying high value items such as cameras, or when wearing expensive jewelry on the street. Women’s handbags should be zipped and held close to the body. Men should carry wallets in their front pants pocket. Large amounts of cash should always be handled descreetly.
Sexual harrassmant and/or assault of persons traveling alone or in small groups have occurred in recent years. One rape occurred after the victim accepted a ride from an acquaintance, while others have occurred during armed robberies in resort areas or after an evening of nightclubbing. One of these assaults resulted in the death of the victim.
Specific groups such as the elderly, women, or gays are not singled out for victimization, however neither are they immune from being targeted for robbery or assault. Homosexuality is not widely accepted in Belize culture and homosexual behavior may be subject to prosecution as an “Unnatural crime” under Section 53 of the Belize Criminal Code.
A lack of resources and training impedes the ability of the police to effectively investigate crime and apprehend serious offenders. As a result, a number of crimes against Americans in Belize remain unresolved.
The Embassy has also become aware of “confidence scams” occurring in Belize, especially in resort areas. While there no indication U.S. citizens are specifically singled out because of their nationality, tourists in general are particularly vulnerable to these crimes, resulting in visitors being pick-pocketed or robbed. More serious crimes have included armed robbery, physical assault, and being swindled out of large sums of money from fake real estate and other business deals.
With regard to business investments and contractual relationships, U.S. citizens should always conduct their own due diligence before entering into business ventures or other commercial arrangements. Local business and trade associations, including the American Chamber of Commerce and British chamber of commerce,as well as government offices, may be able to provide information regarding Belize commercial requirements, validity of businesses, and reputable vendors and business agents. There have also been recent cases where investors have disputed commercial agreements with the Government of Belize through formal commercial dispute resolution procedures and the Government of Belize has failed to honor its agreements.
Drug use is common in some tourist areas. American citizens should not buy, sell, hold, or take illegal drugs under any circumstances. Penalties for possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia are generally more severe than in the U.S. Visitors are cautioned that Belize classifies marijuana or ganja (i.e., cannabis) as an illegal drug for which a conviction of possession of even small amounts could result in heavy fines or imprisonment.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see end of this sheet or see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Belize is 911. Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Belize laws may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Belize are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Belize has strict laws making possession of a firearm, ammunition, or anti-ballistic body armor illegal unless a valid permit is obtained. Penalties for firearms violations are severe. U.S. gun licenses or permits have no validity in Belize. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Visitors entering Belize must make a customs declaration of any currency or financial instruments exceeding a total value of $10,000 U.S. dollars.
U.S. citizens visiting Belize for vacation, transit, or business purposes do not ordinarily require a Belize visa in advance of their arrival. Belize’s Department of Immigration routinely issues visitor’s permits at border crossings and at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport for stays of up to 30 days. Visitor’s permits may be renewed or extended by application to the Department of Immigration while in Belize.
According to the Embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C., all visitors to Belize must be in a possession of a valid passport, an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds (US $ 60.00 per day) to cover the cost of the length of stay. U.S. citizens wishing to obtain visas in advance of their arrival may apply at the Embassy of Belize or one of its constituent consulates.
Cruise ship passengers debarking and reembarking the same day may do so while in possession of valid, government-issued identification and an original copy of their birth certificate.
U.S. citizens traveling with their children may be asked by immigration officials to show birth certificates for each child. When children are not traveling with both parents, immigration officials often request documentation to establish the children are traveling with the permission of both parents. Such documentation may include notarized letters from the parent(s), custody or adoption papers, and even death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.
Persons who are citizens of both the U.S. and Belize are able to enter Belize with only a Belizean passport; such dual nationals should be aware, however, that a valid U.S. passport will be required in order to board a U.S.-bound flight from Belize and that the average processing time for a passport at the Embassy is approximately 10 working days.
Persons illegally present in Belize may face a sentence of imprisonment of up to six months if they are unable to pay the fine imposed by a court. Persons violating Belize’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Consular access for Americans who are detained or arrested is uniformly good, but U.S. citizens under arrest should politely request that police notify the Embassy or that they be permitted to call the Embassy themselves. U.S. citizens requiring consular access or notification on weekdays during business hours should ask to speak to the American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit (tel. 822-4011; fax 822-4050). After business hours and during weekends or holidays the Embassy maintains a duty officer who can be reached at tel. 610-5030.
Incidents of official corruption involving U.S. visitors to Belize have only rarely reported, however longer-term residents have reported less fortunate experiences.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care for minor ailments is generally available in urban areas. Trauma care or advanced medical treatment is limited, even in Belize City, and may be extremely limited or unavailable in rural and remote areas. Pharmacy services are generally good in larger towns; many medications such as antibiotics which are available only by prescription in the U.S. can be obtained over-the-counter from licensed pharmacists. More specialized prescription medications may be completely unavailable. U.S. citizens bringing their own prescription medications with them must ensure they carry a current doctor’s prescription for each medication.
In much of the country, emergency services will be either unavailable or delayed. Serious injuries or illnesses often require evacuation to another country. The Embassy strongly suggests visitors consider obtaining traveler’s insurance in advance of their travel to cover unexpected medical emergencies.
The Government of Belize reported an outbreak of dengue fever in July 2009 and of H1N1 influenza in May and September 2009.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.
Valid U.S. or international driver’s permits are accepted in Belize for a period of three months after entry.
Buses and private vehicles are the main mode of transportation in Belize; no railways currently operate in the country. Driving is on the right side of the road and road signs are in English with distances demoninated in miles rather than kilometers.
Roadside assistance can be difficult to summon as there are very few public telephones along the road and emergency telephone numbers do not always function properly. While cell phone service is fairly reliable, reception in remote areas is spotty or non-existant. The Belizean Department of Transportation is responsible for road safety.
Roads in Belize vary from two-lane paved roads to dirt or gravel tracks. The few paved roads are high-crowned, which can contribute to cars overturning. There are few markings or reflectors. Even in urban areas, most streets lack lane markings, leading many motorists to create as many lanes as possible in any given stretch of street or road. Bridges on the major highways are often of only a single lane. The Manatee Road, leading from the Western Highway east of Belmopan to Dangriga, is mostly unpaved, easily flooded after storms and without services. The Southern Highway from Dangriga to Punta Gorda is now complete and in good condition. Service stations are available along the major roads although there are some significant gaps in the rural areas.
During Tropical Storm Alma/Arthur in lat May 2008, the Southern Highway bridge over the Sittee River, northe of Kendall (Stann Creek District), was destroyed. In the interim, a temporary causeway has been constructed pending permanent replacement of the Kendall bridge. At times the causeway may be impassable due to high water on the Sittee River. The causeway itself has had to be replaced several times following major rainfall and flooding. Motorists should not attempt to cross any low bridge with water flowing over it as both the strength and depth of the current may be stronger than is apparent.
Poor road and/or vehicle maintenance cause many fatal accidents on Belize’s roads. Speed limits are a maximum of 55 miles per hour on highways and 25 miles per hour on most other roads, but they are seldom obeyed or even posted. Drivers should particularly watch for speed bumps and rumble strips as they pass through villages on the major highways; these usually denote pedestrian crossings and are sometimes marked by signage or reflective yellow paint.
Many vehicles on the road do not have functioning safety equipment such as turn signals, flashers, or brake lights. Seatbelts for drivers and front-seat passengers are mandatory, but children’s car seats are not required and are not widely available for purchase.
Driving while intoxicated is punishable by a fine; if an alcohol-related accident results in a fatality, the driver may face manslaughter charges. Americans can and have been imprisoned in Belize as a result of road accidents, even where alchohol is not a factor.
Unusual local traffic customs include: pulling to the right before making a left turn; passing on the right of someone who is signaling a right-hand turn; stopping in the middle of the road to talk to someone while blocking traffic, carrying passengers, including small children, in the open beds of trucks; and tailgating at high speeds.
Bicycles are numerous and constitute a traffic hazard at all times. Bicyclists often ride against traffic and do not obey even basic traffic laws such as stopping at red lights or stop signs. Although commonly encountered after nightfall, few bicycles have lights or reflectors. It is common to see bicyclists carrying heavy loads or passengers, including balancing small children in their laps or across the handlebars.
During daylight hours, particularly during weekends, highway drivers may encounter cross-country racing bicyclists, engaged in either training or in organized competitions. These may be accompanied by slow-moving vehicles such as pickup trucks or even motor cycles. Exercise caution when passing such persons as their attention may be on each other rather than passing motorists.
The driver of a vehicle that strikes a bicyclist or pedestrian is almost always considered to be at fault, regardless of circumstances. Americans who have struck bicyclists in Belize have faced significant financial penalties or even prison sentences.
Driving at night is not recommended even in populated areas. Poor signage and road markings, a tendancy by drivers to not dim their lights when approaching other vehicles, drunk driving, and poor or unfamiliar road conditions present considerable hazards. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists without lights, reflectors, or reflective clothing also constitute very serious after-dark hazards. Local wildlife and cattle are also road hazards even outside of rural areas. For safety reasons, travelers should not stop to offer assistance to others whose vehicles have apparently broken down.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Belize’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Belize’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
There is no direct commercial air service to the United States by air carriers registered in Belize.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Belize dated November 2008, with updates to all sections.
