Belize Travel Guide

Full Name

none

Former Name

British Honduras

Capital City

Belmopan

Government Type

parliamentary democracy

Area Size

total: 22,966 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT -6 hours

Climate

The climate is tropical and generally very hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from May to November and hurricanes and floods are frequent natural hazards.

Geography

Belize is located between the Hondo and Sarstoon Rivers, with the Belize River flowing down in the centre of the country. The highest point in Belize is Doyle's Delight at 1,124 m. The Caribbean coast is lined with a coral reef and some 450 islets and islands known locally as cayes (pronounced "keys"), forming the approximately 322 km long Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the western hemisphere and the second longest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. Three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere are also located off the coast of Belize. Belize is also the only Central American country without a coast on the Pacific Ocean.

Languages

English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole

Culture

Colonization, slavery, and immigration have played major roles in affecting the ethnic composition of the population and as a result, Belize is a country of various cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. Belize consist of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian. Due to racial harmony and the religious tolerance of its various Christian peoples, all of these different elements have mixed and blended successfully, and Belize has gained a widespread reputation for its friendly peoples.

History

Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increasing urban crime.

Travel Information

American Airlines flies from Miami to Belize City. Continental Airlines flies from Houston. There are no direct flights from London to Belize; passengers can fly non-stop to Miami or Houston and join a connecting flight. The Philip S W Goldson International Airport (BZE) is 16km northwest of Belize City. Taxis are available to the city (journey time – 20 minutes); prices should be agreed with the driver beforehand. Taxi drivers are not tipped. There is an airport bus to the city centre, but it runs infrequently and should not be relied upon (journey time – 30 minutes). Airport facilities are Duty-free shops, bank, shops, restaurant and bar. Main ports: Belize City, Corozal, Dangriga, Punta Gorda and San Pedro. Belize City is the primary port of call for most cruise ship lines. Regular scheduled boats carry passengers ashore to taste a bit of Belize at the Fort Street Tourism Village. There are regular water taxi services between Punta Gorda and Puerto Barrios, Guatemala and a direct twice-weekly service from Livingston. There is a US$3.75/BZ$7.50 departure tax for passengers leaving by sea, payable in US or BZ Dollars. There are road links with Chetumal on the Mexican border and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. Regular scheduled buses serve these routes, leaving every half hour or hour for Belize City. It is easy to enter Belize by bus from US border cities via Cancun, Mexico City and Chetumal. Travellers entering Belize by car from Mexico or Guatemala must obtain a temporary importation permit at the border, valid for one month; drivers need to show all travel documents, insurance papers and proof of car ownership or rental documents.

Accommodation

Belize has few first-class hotels, but smaller establishments give good value. There are mountain lodges in the interior and resort hotels on the Caribbean coast. Budget options range from simple guest houses to basic beach cabins.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA and nationals of their overseas territories for stays of up to 30 days. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements. Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to above. All travellers are required to show evidence of sufficient funds (minimum £50 per day) and proof of return or onward ticket at the point of entry.

Getting Around

Local airlines connect Belize City with the main towns and cayes. Flights leave from both the international airport and the municipal airstrip. The main carriers are Maya Island Air, Tropic Air, Caribee Air Service and Javier's Flying Service. There is a scheduled boat service from Belize City to Ambergris Caye, Caye Chapel and Caye Caulker. Boats also run from Corozal Town to San Pedro. All-weather roads link Belize's main towns, though torrential rain seasonally severs these links, particularly at ferry points. The Manatee Highway, running from the Western Highway to Dangriga, is unpaved and floods easily. The Southern Highway from Dangriga to Punta Gorda, the Northern Highway to Mexico and the Belize to Belmopan road are in generally good condition. However, road traffic accidents are still a common occurrence and local driving standards are poor. Traffic drives on the right.There are inexpensive daily bus services to most towns and villages, and to the Mexican and Guatemalan borders. Travel is usually in hot and overcrowded old US school buses. Many international and local car hire firms operate in Belize City as well as in Ladyville, Dangriga and San Ignacio. Visitors usually need to be 25 years old to hire a car. 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for excursions south of Belize City.

Health & Safety

No vaccinations are required for entry to Belize although Hepatitis A and typhoid immunisation is recommended. Travellers arriving from a yellow-fever infected area require a vaccination certificate. Cases of dengue fever have occurred, and seem to be on the increase, so insect repellent is strongly advised. Malaria prevention is recommended for those travelling outside Belize City. Potable water is available in most areas of Belize but it is advisable to drink bottled or boiled water. Medical facilities are poor in the city, and almost non-existent elsewhere. Cases of severe illness or injury usually require expensive medical evacuation. Adequate medical insurance is there fore vital. For divers there is a hyperbaric chamber at Ambergris Caye. Although most visits to Belize are trouble-free, there have been incidents of tourists falling victim to violent crime. Mugging is frequent in Belize City. Visitors should take sensible precautions to minimise the risks. These would include not wearing expensive jewellery, keeping valuables out of sight, staying in groups, avoiding dark alleys and not walking alone on the beach at night. It is also advisable to use qualified guides for exploratory trips off the beaten track. The country is prone to hurricanes between June and November. Driving standards are poor.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 9 Mar - Baron Bliss Day. 6-9 Apr - Easter. 1 May - Labour Day. 24 May - Commonwealth Day. 10 Sep - St George’s Caye Day. 21 Sep - Independence Day. 12 Oct - Columbus Day. 19 Nov - Garifuna Settlement Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Boxing Day.

Currency

Belize Dollar (BZD)

Electricity

110 volts AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am - 12.00noon and 1.00pm - 5.00pm. Some businesses are open Saturdays.

Emergency Numbers

911