Belize
About
|
Belize presents unlimited opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast and has much in common with the Caribbean island states. Descend into the depths of the Blue Hole, the startlingly vivid blue sinkhole which measures 300m across and is over 120m deep. It is considered one of the best dive sites in the world and the surrounds are a popular swimming spot. Windsurf or kite surf off Caye Caulker. The water is so clear beneath; it may be possible to spot fish, stingrays and even dolphins. The best wind conditions usually occur from February to June. Hike along the Macal River in Cayo district to the Hidden Valley Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Central America, and see hundreds of different bird species and mammals along the way. |
|
| Capital: | Belmopan (BCV) |
| Currency: | Belize Dollar (BZD). USD also widely accepted. |
| Language: | English. Spanish and Creole are widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | +501 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT – 6 (8 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | late November to mid-April |
| Best for: | Scuba Diving, Archaeological Ruins, National Parks |
| Plugs: | 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available in main towns, but in rural areas, water purification tablets should be used. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: |
Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. Doctors will require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. |
| Customs: | Beachwear should be reserved for the beach/ poolside. Locals are very laidback with regards to time and punctuality. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality is illegal. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Exchange local currency back before leaving the country. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Belize by travellers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty: • 1L of wine or spirits (combined amount). • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • Personal items, gifts or souvenirs up to a value of BZ$200 if entering via the international airport or BZ$50 if entering via other ports of entry. |
| Prohibited Imports: | You must declare live animals, meat, fruit, vegetables, weapons or ammunition, which all require permits. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Pre-Columbian articles, marine products, unprocessed coral or turtle shells. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 15; Mar 9-10; Apr 18-19, 21; May 1; Aug 1; Sep 10, 21-22; Oct 12-13; Nov 19; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 15; Mar 9; Apr 3-4, 6; May 1; Jul 31; Aug 1; Sep 10, 21; Nov 19; Dec 25-26, 28
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do not need a visa to enter Belize as a tourist (for stays under 30 days).
One day cruise ship travellers do not require a visa for Belize
All visitors must travel to Belize on a valid passport (non-expired). The passport must be valid for no less than six months after the intended period of stay in Belize.
For visa information, please visit: Belize Immigration: immigration.gov.bz/visa/visa-who-qualify/
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Kingston, Jamaica
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
