FLIGHTS AND TRAVEL

What cities have international flights direct to Belize?

Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles.

What are the major airlines servicing Belize?

American Airlines, Continental, Delta Air Lines, Grupo TACA, and US Airways.

What are the local airlines servicing Belize?

Maya Island Air, Tropic Air, and Caribbean Holidays.

When traveling by air, are there any departure fees for international flights?

Philip Goldson International Airport:
Passenger Service Fee $15.00
Airport Development Fee $15.00
Conservation Fee $3.75
Security Fee $1.25
Total Airport Departure Fees: US $35.00
Payable ONLY in US currency.
All fees apply to non-Belizean citizens and non-Belizean permanent residents.
These fees are sometimes included in the cost of your airfare.

What do I need to know for entry into Belize?

All visitors to Belize, including children, must have a valid passport, good for at least six months beyond your departure date. Most visitors, including those from the U.S. and Canada, do not need visas. Entry for international visitors arriving Belize by air is at Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, just north of Belize City. Immigration officials grant stays of up to 30 days, depending on how long you say you expect to stay. To get the longest period, say you plan to stay "about a month." Tourist stays may be extended for up to six months, by paying a small fee, but you will need to visit Belize City and apply for the extension. You will go through customs at the international airport, usually a quick and fairly painless process. If you are flying to San Pedro from the international airport (a 20-minute flight on Maya Island Air or Tropic Air), proceed to the domestic terminals. If you are going into Belize City, either to catch a ferry or to depart from the Municipal Airport, get a taxi at the front of the airport (US$15).

What are some useful phone numbers when traveling to Belize?

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory, tel. 202/647-5225 (manned 24 hr.). U.S. Passport Agency, tel. 202/647-0518. U.S. Embassy in Belize, tel. 227-7161. Canadian Consulate in Belize, tel. 223-1061. U.K. Embassy in Belize, tel. 822-2146. Time, date, and temperature, tel. 121.

Can I bring a pet to Belize?

Yes. The importing of pets falls under the jurisdiction of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (501.822.0197 baha@btl.net). In general, pet owners must provide a valid rabies certificate and international veterinary certificate, and the pet must pass an on-the-spot examination by a quarantine officer to be allowed into the country. Fees are BZ$50 (US$25).

What health precautions should be taken when traveling to Belize?

The standards of health and hygiene on Ambergris Caye in Belize are high, similar to that of popular resort islands in the Caribbean. Not many visitors become ill from traveler's diseases or from drinking the water. While malaria, dengue fever and other tropical diseases are present in Belize, they are rare in San Pedro, and as a practical matter many visitors to Ambergris Caye don't get any special shots before they come. No shots are required for entry into Belize. However, it's always a good idea to keep tetanus, polio, Hep A and B and other vaccinations up to date, and malaria prophylaxis may be advised for mainland travel; it is highly advised if you are going to remote areas or into Guatemala. Check with the U.S. Centers for Disease Controls, tel. 404-332-4559 for the latest information.

As a boater, what should I know about Belize?

With 174 miles of protected coastline along the Caribbean Sea, hundreds of off-shore cayes, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the waters of Belize are a unique treasure in the world today. Whether on a private vessel making port, or arriving by way of air or land and looking to charter, Belize has dependable facilities and numerous tour operators ready to meet your cruising needs.

All boats coming to Belize must check in with the Belize Port Authority. The communications center follows V.H.F. radio channel 16 and H.F. radio channel 2182 and will direct boats as necessary upon their arrival. There are two Belize Port Authority offices in the country--one in Belize City and one in Big Creek. Visitors arriving by boat to either Belize City or Big Creek will need to report directly to the Belize Port Authority office, located within close proximity to Immigration and Customs. Those arriving at any other port-of-entry can handle all necessary procedures with the Belize Port Authority through Immigration.

Immigration offices are located throughout the country, allowing for flexibility in planning one's port-of-entry. The following locations serve as ports-of-entry for boats coming to Belize: Belize City, San Pedro, Dangriga, Big Creek, and Punta Gorda.

Fuel is available at all ports-of-entry. Fuel docks, however, are not accessible at all locations by keelboats. There are fuel docks capable of handling keelboats in Belize City, San Pedro, Big Creek, and Placencia. The fuel dock in Dangriga is not accessible by sailboats or catamarans, and the water depths for the fuel dock in Punta Gorda are questionable.

Clear waters average a comfortable 75 to 84 °F while favorable winds blow February through June. During these months the trade winds run at 12 to 20 knots and above, 70 % of the time. Throughout the rest of the year, expect winds around 6 knots. The mean annual temperature of Belize is 80 °F.