Belize
Capital:
Belmopan
Official Language: English
Religions:
87% Christian, 13% other
Currency:
Belizean Dollar = 100 cents
Placements:
The Lodge, Belize Retreat Lodge, Botanical Trail
& Butterfly Farm, Rum Lodge,
Map
Background
Dabbling its toes in the Caribbean Sea, Belize has more in common with its island neighbours than with the fiery volatility of Central America. Its history is thoroughly coup-free. Spanish and British influences remain: the population are English-speaking. Creole and Mestizos ethnic groups dominate, and this tiny country has an atmosphere so very laid-back it's almost comatose.
Special Events
None
Climate
With such hot and humid weather throughout the year things can be forgiven for slowing down in Belize. February to April serves as a short break from the more serious months of rain and see an extra hour or two of sunshine. But with highs around the 30°C (86°F) mark and humidity still as thick as a Creole accent you might as well spend all day snorkelling.
Travel Info
International flights to Belize City tend to go through Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles or Miami. There are also flights between Belize and Guatemala, as well as other Central American countries. A departure tax of 35.00 is payable by travellers departing by air. There are bus services from Belize City to Chetumal (Mexico) and to Benque Viejo del Carmen on the Guatemalan border and Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). A land exit tax is payable at Belizean land border-crossing points. You can travel by boat from Punta Gorda in southern Belize to Puerto Barrios (Guatemala) and Lívingston (Guatemala), or from Dangriga and Placencia to Puerto Cortés (Honduras).
Visas
Citizens of the US, European Union and Commonwealth countries do not require visas if they have a passport and return ticket. Most other nationalities require a visa. British embassies frequently handle Belize's diplomatic affairs.
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low in
Belize. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist
attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by
foreigners. Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when
Travelling Overseas" pages for further information and advice.
Crime
There have been occasional incidents of violent crime and
physical assaults, including armed robbery and rape, targeted at tourists. Armed
criminal gangs have been known to operate in and around densely forested areas
of Belize and close to a number of remote tourist sites. In November 2005, an
American tourist was murdered in the Toldeo district. In February 2006, armed
robbers attacked a resort popular with foreign tourists near Belmopan – a member
of staff was shot in the hand and guests were robbed of personal possessions.
Mugging is a risk to travellers
especially in Belize City and other urban centres. Muggings can occur at any
time: day or night. Avoid dark alleys, keep valuables out of sight, do not wear
jewellery. Where possible you should travel in groups. You should use a
qualified guide for trips off the beaten track.
When a crime is reported to the police they will take a
statement and investigate the matter. This may take several weeks. You can pay a
fee at any point during the process to receive a copy of the report on
completion. Regardless of where you gave a statement, payment for a copy of the
report can only be made at the main police stations: Corozal, Orange Walk,
Belize City, San Pedro, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Benque Viejo, Dangriga and Punta
Gorda.
Political Situation
There have been demonstrations in Belize City and Belmopan
in 2005 in protest against what is seen by many as financial mismanagement by
the Government of Belize. In April 2005, demonstrations resulted in civil
disorder. You should avoid political gatherings or street demonstrations. Local
Travel
There has been a number of
sports-related incidents recently resulting in injuries to and fatalities of
foreign tourists. Severe weather conditions and inadequate safeguards being
applied by local tour operators have been cited as causes. You should consult
weather forecasts locally and ensure that you use registered and licensed
operators before undertaking sporting activities.
You should exercise particular care when travelling in the
Belize/Guatemala border area because of the ongoing dispute between the two
countries. You are strongly advised to use only the officially recognised border
crossings.
You can find more
information on local travel on the Belize Tourism Board's website at:
http://www.travelbelize.org.
Road Safety
Road traffic accidents are a common
occurrence and local driving standards are poor. You should take great care when
driving.
You can use your UK
Driving Licence or an International Driving Permit to drive in Belize for visits
under 3 months. For longer stays, an International Driving Permit is
required.
Local laws and customs
You should not become involved with drugs of any kind:
possession is still considered a serious crime in Belize and can lead to a fine
and/or imprisonment.
Homosexuality is generally considered to be socially
unacceptable and some homosexual acts are illegal.
Health
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive
travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions,
and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake
Medical facilities throughout Belize
are limited. Serious cases are normally evacuated to the United States at the
expense of the patient. Your insurance policy should cover medical evacuation by
air ambulance.
Several cases of
Dengue fever have recently occurred in Belize. Although there is no preventative
medication, mosquito repellent and clothing, which covers as much skin as
possible, should help.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitisis, Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
