Belize | Travel Information
General Info, Travel Info, & FAQs are provided to assist with your vacation.
CUSTOMS Visitors 18 years and older are allowed to bring in duty and tax free one litre of wine or spirits and 250g tobacco or 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes.
Also see the section in General Info: Illegal items.
For more information contact the Belize Customs House at 501/227-7092.
IMPORTING ANIMALS To bring a domestic pet into Belize you must obtain an import permit, for which you'll need an international veterinary certificate (issued seven days prior to departure) and a valid rabies vaccination certificate. A quarantine officer must also inspect the animal.
For complete information call the Permit Unit, Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) at tel 501/822-0197 or 822-0818.
GETTING THERE BY AIR Flights arrive at Philip S W Goldson International Airport (airport code BZE), which is 10 miles from Belize City.
Airlines that service Belize include American Airlines (tel 223-2522), Continental Airlines (tel 0800/266-3822), Delta Airlines (tel 225-2010, Belize City or 0800-225-2010, all other cities), TACA (tel 227-7363), Maya Island Air (tel 226-2435), Tropic Air (tel 226-2012 or in Canada/US, 800/422-3435) and US Airways (tel 800-622-1015 or 225-3589).
Note: The phone numbers listed above are local access numbers unless otherwise stated.
BY CRUISE The main port of call for cruise ships is the port in Belize City.
Cruise lines that call on Belize include American Canadian Caribbean Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, International Expeditions, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Spirit of Adventure, Windstar Cruises and Zegrahm Expeditions.
BY WATER TAXI Small water taxis run regularly scheduled trips between Puerto Barrios in Guatemala and Punta Gorda in the Toledo district. As soon as possible after entering Belizean territory you must report your entry to the police or immigration authorities.
BY PRIVATE YACHT Ports of entry are located in Belize City, Big Creek, Corozal, Dangriga, Punta Gorda and San Pedro. Upon arrival all boats must check in with the Belize Port Authority (VHF 16 or HF 2182) and then with customs and immigration.
BY CAR If you're driving from Guatemala or Mexico, at your point of entry you must obtain a temporary import permit, which is valid for one month, but can be extended by applying to the Belize Customs House (501/227-7092, www.customs.gov.bz). To obtain a permit you will need your travel documents and identification, proof of ownership (vehicle registration), insurance from any of the companies at the borders and rental documents for vehicles rented in Mexico or Guatemala.
BY BUS Regularly scheduled buses run from Guatemala City in Guatemala and from US border cities via Mexico City, Cancun and Chetumal, all in Mexico.
GETTING AROUND BY CAR There are a number of car rental agencies in Belize. Gas stations are predominantly located along major roads with far fewer in rural areas and especially in southern Belize. Road signage is poor and lanes are not clearly marked. Beware of cars passing on your right even though you signal a right-hand turn, as well as cars pulling to the right before making a left-hand turn. At night watch for pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists, and in rural areas watch for wildlife and cattle along roads. As you enter any town or village watch for speed bumps.
To rent a car in Belize you must have an international driver's permit. If you only have your valid driver's license from home you'll need to obtain a temporary Belize driver's license, which can only be obtained at the Traffic Department.
Driving is on the right. Seat belts are mandatory and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol.
CAR RENTALS (country code 501) Philip S W Goldson International Airport: Crystal Auto Rental, 223-1600 or 0800/777-7777; Jabiru Auto Rental, 224-4680; NexGen Auto Rental, 225-3646
Belize City: Budget Rent A Car, 223-2435; Buy Belize Auto Rental, 222-4190; Crystal Auto Rental, 223-1600 or 0800/777-7777; Euphrates Auto Rental & Sales, 227-5752; Jabiru Auto Rental, 224-4680; Pancho's Auto Rental, 224-5554; Hertz/Safari Car Rental, 223-0886; NexGen Auto Rental, 207-0662; Smith and Sons, 207-0159; Vista Auto Rental, 225-2292
Elsewhere in the country: Avis, 225-2629; Barefoot Rentals (Placencia), 607-5125; Discount Car Rental, 225-3019; Tour Belize Auto Rental, 207-1271
BY TAXI You can recognize taxis by their green license plates. They are available in towns and resort areas.
There are no taxi meters. Drivers charge somewhat standard fares. Ensure you confirm the price with the taxi driver before travelling.
BY WATER TAXI Water taxis operate regularly between Belize City, Caye Caulker, Corozal and San Pedro. On request they will go to Caye Chapel and St George's Cay. Most depart from the Belize Marine Terminal, 10 North Front St, at the foot of the historic swing bridge in Belize City.
The Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association (tel 223-5752 or 226-0992) offers regularly scheduled service between Belize City and Caye Caulker (45-minute trip), Belize City and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye (1.5-hour trip), Caye Caulker and San Pedro (25-minute trip) and, upon request, to Caye Chapel and St George's Cay. They make numerous crossings daily between 6:30am and 4:30pm. The fare for all routes is US$7.50 one way and US$15 return, except for the San Pedro-Belize City route, which is US$10 one way and US$20 return. Children ages 5-10 pay US$5 one way and US$10 return. They depart from the Marine Terminal near the Swing Bridge in Belize City.
The Thunderbolt Express (tel 422-0026) operates regularly scheduled service between Corozal and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The two-hour trip costs US$25. They depart from the main pier in Corozal and Buccaneer St in San Pedro.
BY BUS Private bus lines, such as National Transportation Services Limited/Novelos Bus Line (tel 227-4924) and James Bus Line (tel 702-2049), provide service between major districts within Belize. Privately owned smaller buses service local routes.
BY AIR Domestic airlines include Astrum Helicopters (tel 222-9462 or 610-4381), Caribee Air Service (tel 224-4253 or 223-3542), Javier's Flying Service (tel 223-5360 or 223-1029), Maya Island Air (tel 225-2219) and Tropic Air (tel 800/422-3435 or 226-2012).
Disclaimer: Information is provided as a service to visitors and is updated regularly. All
information should be verified prior to travel.
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