Belize sits on the Caribbean coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, Honduras to the south and the Caribbean Sea stretching it’s vastness in the east. Occupying some 8,867 square miles of land with over 200 offshore cayes, Belize is a relatively small country. Mainland Belize is 180 miles in length from the north Mexican border to the south Guatemalan border. At it’s widest point Belize stretches 68 miles across.

All coastal cayes and most of the northern country are relatively flat with green mangrove forests being the primary vegetation. The majestic Maya Mountains elevate in southern Belize and are over 3000 feet above sea level with Victoria Peak being Belize's highest peak, soaring some 3,675 feet.

Belize is divided into six districts: Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek, Placencia, and Toledo.

 

Causal and informal, beach wear is the norm, except when on excursions through dense jungle, where long sleeves and pants will help to protect the skin. Always pack a light sweater or jacket as the evenings tend to get cooler and light showers can happen at any time. Beverages and snacks are not always readily available during sight-seeing excursions, so it is recommend to pack a light day pack with an extra water bottle, energy bars, sun-block, camera, etc.

Please leave all expensive jewelry and watches at home, as you risk having them lost or damaged. An inexpensive watch is suitable for hiking and diving. A pair of polarized sun glasses will help to reflect the glare off the water and also enhance the colors of the waters.

Belize is characterized by two seasons: a rainy and a dry season. Hurricane season is typically between June to November, therefore this is when most of the rainfall occurs.

The mean temperature varies from 81°F/ 27°C along the coast to 69°F/21°C in the hills. The temperature rarely fluctuates more then 10 degrees.

The water temperature ranges from 70 to 80 degrees, making it ideal for diving. A light wetsuit is usually worn more for protection then for warmth. The visibility is some of the best in the world. With a maximum of 165 ft. you will be amazed at the clarity underwater.

 

Belize has an approximate population of 270,000. There is a great ethnical diversity among Belizeans. You will find descendents from Hispanic, Creoles, Mestizo, Garifuna, Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern, and Asians. All are Belizeans, and contribute to the amazing cultural variety in Belize.

The primary language is English, but most Belizeans are multi-lingual and speak several languages. The most common dialects consist of Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, and Mayan.

 

There are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize. No inoculations are required for entry. Belize considers public health a high priority. Belize has public hospitals in every major town and private doctors countrywide.  Malaria is not common in Belize, but visitors may take precaution by receiving medication before leaving for their trip. Before arriving in Belize you should  ask your doctor or local health clinic for advice on what precautions you may need to take.

Most water in major towns and villages is safe to drink, however always check to be sure that the water is potable.  If in doubt, some of the best bottled water is easily available countrywide. 

Two  majors concerns are dehydration and sunburn. It is best to drink lots of water and wear the proper attire, like light cool clothing. A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended until the body adjusts to the Belizean temperatures. Re-apply sunscreen frequently.

Bring an insect repellent if you plan to visit the jungle for any length of time.

The currency in Belize is exactly one half of the US dollar. (BZ$2.00 to US$1.00) Money can be exchanged at any Bank location, hotels and most business. You will find that most Belizeans will have no problem accepting the American dollar. Banks and ATMS can be found throughout the country, including Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, and First Caribbean. All banks are closed on Sundays. 24-hour ATMS are available. Travelers checks are also accepted at any of the above locations. 

 

Enjoy the work of local craftsmen as you stroll through the streets of Belize. Amidst the colorful building you will find one of a kind shops that each specialize in their own unique craft. In any store you will typically find an assortment of; jewelry, wooden carvings, embroidered linens, original oil painting, Belize T-shirts, homemade jams, and a huge selection of hot pepper sauces.

 

Hotel tax is 9%. The sales tax on all goods and services is 9%.

 

A gratuity tip of 10% is acceptable and 15% for exceptional service. Few establishments have a mandatory gratuity.

 

If you envision something unique for your wedding or honeymoon, Belize is the place for you. Whether you want a legal or a religious ceremony, getting married in Belize is easy. You can do it yourself, or most hotels and resorts can make arrangements for someone to assist you with the planning. They also offer wedding and honeymoon packages complete with accommodations for the happy couple and family and friends. Your marriage will be recognized internationally. All paperwork and legal ceremony will be completed in Belize City, so you can have your dream wedding in which ever location/setting you choose and with any minister of your liking.

Belize has a wide variety of religious denominations including: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Methodist, Faith Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witness, Baptist, Mormon, Mennonite and Hindu.

• You must be in Belize at least three days before applying for a marriage license.
• Forms can be obtained from two locations: General Registry, Supreme Court Building, Belize City and Attorney General Office, Belmopan.
• Forms must be completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace (J.P.). Ask for the Justice of the Peace in your area.

Completed forms along with the following must be presented to General Registry or Attorney General:

• Proof of Citizenship in the form of an ID card or Passport
• Photocopies of your passport showing your picture and date of entry into Belize
• Proof of Marital status, if widowed or divorced
• Marriage license fee (US $100)

Two witnesses must accompany couples who have a legal ceremony in court.

 

Most hotels will help with your arrangements including securing a minister or officer of the court to perform the ceremony. However, if you wish to make these arrangements on your own, please contact the Registry Department before you leave home to secure a licensed person and court date to perform a legal ceremony.

Marriage license - $100 US
Legal ceremony in court - $5 US

 

For more information please contact us! We will be more then happy to discuss your marriage arrangements with you!

 

Belize has been an independent nation since 1981 and is a member of British Commonwealth of Nations. With a Parliamentary democracy, there are two major political parties; the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People's United Party (PUP).  The PUP currently holds power and is lead by the Prime Minister Said Musa.

Belize has a Constitution, which includes a Bill of Rights.

 

A passport or visa for all adults and children is required to enter the country. All travelers must have passports valid for up to six months after visiting Belize and proof of return to their country. Travelers have a maximum stay of 30 days before they require an extension. No visas are required for travelers from United States, United Kingdom and the majority of Caribbean Islands. Visitors from other countries should check with their local airports for information about obtaining a visa.

Belize is an approximate 2 hour flight from Miami, Florida or Houston, Texas. U.S.  All international travelers arrive at the  Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. From there, connections can be made to various destinations within Belize, including: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Dangriga, Big Creek, Placencia and Punta Gorda; as well as to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, etc.

A visitor 18 or older may bring one liter of wine or spirits, plus 250 grams of tobacco, 50 cigars, or  200 cigarettes.

 

Departure taxes are collected at any exit or entry points. A portion of the departure tax will go towards the protection and preservation of many of Belize’s Natural Parks.

 

Philip Goldson International Airport
Airport Departure Fees: US $35.00
Payable ONLY in US currency.

All fees apply to non-Belizean citizens and non-Belizean permanent residents.

Santa Elena: Northern border with Mexico
Benque Viejo del Carmen: Western adjacency zone with Guatemala
Border Departure Fees: US $18.75 or BZ $37.50
Payable in US or Belize currency.

All fees apply to non-Belizean citizens

Exemptions: children under 12; permanent residents of Belize; visitors from border towns for first 24 hours.

Departure by boat from Punta Gorda, Dangriga or San Pedro
Sea Departure Fees: US $3.75 or BZ $7.50
Payable in US or Belize currency.

International Airport to Domestic Airport
Total Fee for Domestic Air Passengers: US $0.75 or BZ $1.50

It is prohibited by law to take pre-Columbian articles, marine products (unless permitted by the fisheries department), unprocessed coral, or turtle shells.

Yes, you must have a valid passport, that is valid for at least 6 months after departure date. No visas are required for U.S. or European Union Citizens.

 

No, the American dollar is widely accepted though out Belize.

 

Belize is in the central time zone and they do not observe Daylight Savings Time.

 

Yes, 120/60cycles volts, which is compatible with the U.S.

 

No, the Belize Tourist Board posts a statement that there are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize and no inoculations are necessary. Anti malaria tablets are recommended for extended stays in the jungle. You may question your personal doctor if you have further questions.

 

Belize is not known for its walk-in beaches. With lack of waves and surf sea grass grows on most beaches, however the are a several sites that do allow you swim or snorkel off shore. However going out by boat is highly recommended.

 

Yes, all of our agents have been to Belize. They travel approximately every three months to the country of Belize to keep up to date with information.

 

Yes, we can adjust a trip to meet your needs or completely create a unique trip-- just for you. Contact us today!

 

No. We are a complimentary service to the hotels that we work with, just like any other concierge service offered at any leading resort or hotel with the exception of optional or additional services, ie. cell phone rentals, t-shirt sales, travel insurance, etc..