£1 BZD 2.73
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Weather & climate
Weather in Belize
Belize
31°
Overcast
Thu
22°
31°
Fri
20°
32°
Sat
23°
33°
Sun
22°
33°
Mon
23°
32°
Tue
23°
32°
Wed
22°
33°
SPF level in Belize
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Belize
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Belize without a visa for up to 30 days.
Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months after the date you arrive, though some airlines may require more than 6 months.
You can extend your stay by paying 200 Belize dollars for each additional 30 days at the nearest office of the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department.
All travellers transiting through Philip Goldson International Airport are required to complete an immigration and customs declaration form, with a digital form recommended.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty on the customs declaration form when entering or leaving Belize.
Good to know:
If leaving Belize by land or by water to Guatemala or Mexico, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Belize dollars or 20 US dollars at the border.
Children aged 17 and under travelling with one parent need a notarised letter of consent from the other parent, and children travelling alone or with a non-parent adult need a notarised letter proving parental consent.
Safety in Belize
Tips when travelling
Belize is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Tourists are vulnerable to theft of cash, credit cards, and phones in destinations like San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
Avoid dark alleys and use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank.
Only use registered and licensed operators for snorkelling, diving, and other adventure sports.
Road traffic accidents are common due to poor driving standards, speeding, and drink-driving, especially at night or in the rain.
Take only registered taxis with green licence plates and agree on the fare in cash before your journey.
Bonus tips:
Possession of illegal drugs can lead to a fine and a prison sentence.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Belize for up to 3 months.
More information
Driving in Belize
A UK driving license is valid for up to 3 months. After that, an international driving permit or a Belizean license is required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Belize drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Belize
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as healthcare in Belize may not be free for foreign nationals. Check your policy's coverage and ensure it includes adventurous activities if you plan to undertake them. You should also check that the insurance covers the cost of ambulance and/or helicopter evacuation.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information and advice before travelling to Belize. Discuss necessary vaccinations and preventative measures for diseases prevalent in the region, such as mosquito-borne illnesses. Drink bottled or purified water and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, especially in tourist areas. However, smaller businesses and local markets may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Belize
Tipping is customary in Belize for good service. While not mandatory, it is a common way to show appreciation.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill
Taxi
10% of the fare, or round up
Hotel Porter
1-2 BZD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 BZD per night
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour cost
Mobile & roaming
Mobile roaming charges can be high in Belize. Check with your UK provider for specific rates and consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper calls and data. EU roaming agreements no longer apply post-Brexit.
Local SIM
5 GB for 50 BZD (~£20)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, GSM
Electrical in Belize
Voltage
110/220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type G
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, particularly in tourist areas. Coverage may be limited in more remote locations.
Average speed
10 Mbps
While generally available, internet speeds can be slower than in the UK. Consider purchasing a local SIM for more reliable data access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Belize
Country code
+501
To call the British High Commission in Belmopan from the UK, you would dial 00 501 822 2146.
To make an international call to Belize, you'll need to dial the UK exit code, followed by the Belize country code (501), and then the local number. Remember to drop the leading zero if there is one in the local number.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Belmopan
Embassy Square, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.