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Arrival and Departure Requirements
A passport is required with a return ticket. No visa is required from the
U.S., U.K., or Canada. Visitors are allowed a one month stay without an
extension from the Belize Immigration Department. Any questions can be
answered by your local Belizean consulate or embassy. All visitors must
pay a departure tax of US$10.00, a US$1.25 security tax, and a tourism tax of US$3.75. This is due when checking in for your departure flight. Amounts of tax are subject to change. Check with your travel agent or airline to find out which taxes are included in the cost of your ticket.
Borders
Belize is bounded by Mexico to the north and Guatemala on the west and south.
The beautiful Caribbean Sea lies to the east. Belize boasts the Barrier
Reef which is the longest and largest continuous living coral reef in this
hemisphere, 185 miles. Belize's land area is 8,867 square miles.
Climate
The climate is sub-tropical with an average temperature of 80 degrees
Farenheit. The rainy season begins about June and ends in August.
Communications
Direct dial telephone service is available. 800 numbers are not accessible.
Facsimilies, telex, television, cable, radio, and Western Union services are
available.
Currency
The Belize Dollar is the local currency. One U.S. dollar is worth two
Belize dollars (2 to 1). U.S. dollars are accepted as well as credit cards and
traveller's checks. When in doubt, just ask.
Customs
U.S. residents returning to the States are permitted a US $400 duty-free tax exemption. Citizens
21 years or older may take back one quart of alcohol duty-free. You are NOT allowed to take back: pre-Columbian articles, fish, coral, or shells.
These items, if found, will be confiscated and you may be prosecuted.
Firearms are not permitted to be taken into or out of Belize.
Dress
As Belize has a tropical climate, lightweight clothing is best. When
travelling during the rainy season (June - August) a light jacket, long
sleeved shirt and long pants may be needed for cooler days. It is advisable
to bring along sun screen and insect repellant; they will come in handy.
Electricity
110 volts A.C. 60Hz
Emergency Numbers
911 can be used to contact the local Police Department only. Dial 90 to
contact the Fire Department or ambulance service.
Government
Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected government.
Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth, the United Nations, and the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Industries
Belize's main industries are fisheries (including lobster and shrimp),
sugar, citrus and bananas. Belize also produces tobacco for local use.
Language
The official language of Belize is English, although Spanish is also found
especially in the northern and western districts. An English Creole dialect
is spoken most commonly throughout the country.
Marriage Requirements
One must reside in Belize for three days prior to applying for a minister's
license to marry. A one day prior notice is needed. Proof of citizenship
via certified and notarized birth certificate which includes father's name;
if applicable, proof of divorce via original notarized decree/certificate;
or for widow or widower, a copy of death certificate. No blood test is
required. Parents consent is not necessary if over the age of 18.
Medical Facilities
Each district has its own clinic with the main hospital being the Karl Heusner
Memorial Hospital in Belize City. There is also private medical care
available in Belize City through independant private doctors and private medical
groups. Phone listings for all clinics and hospital can be
found in the local telephone directory.
Population
There are approximately 210,000 people living in Belize. The population is
comprised of Maya, European, East Indian, Creole (African-European),
Mestizo (Spanish-Indian) and Garifuna (African-Indian).
Ports Of Entry
Aircraft - All planes, private or commercial must be cleared through Philip
Goldson International Airport in Belize City.
Boats - All boats, private or commercial, may enter Belize in the following
areas: Belize City, Punta Gorda, Big Creek, San Pedro, Dangriga
There is not a Customs Department in San Pedro, therefore the owner of the
craft must pay the air fare from Belize City to San Pedro for a customs
officer to perform all immigration duties. The police officer who performs
the immigration duties will contact the Customs Department. For additional
information call VHF channel 16.
Postal Rates (BZ$)
To the U.S. - $0.60 for letters & $0.30 for postcards
To Europe - $0.75 for letters & $0.40 for postcards
Religion
Most religious denominations are present in Belize including Roman
Catholic, Muslem, Protestant, Methodists, Anglican, Jehovah's Witness, and Hinduism to name a
few. All churches are open to the public for worship.
Taxes
There is a 7% hotel tax which goes to the government of Belize.
Tipping
Tipping is optional. A standard 15% gratuity is acceptable.
Time Zone
Belize observes Central Standard Time. It does not observe daylight-savings.
Water
Tap water is potable throughout the mainland. Bottled water should be used for drinking when at the cayes. When in doubt bottled water is best.
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