Belize has an embassy in Belmopan and consulates for U.S. citizens. Entry requires a valid passport and proof of funds or onward travel. Tourists can stay up to 30 days without a visa or get visa extensions. Crime is a concern, especially in southern Belize City and remote areas. Local laws must be followed and arrests must be reported to the embassy. Driving safety is also an issue due to road conditions. Public transportation includes taxis and buses between cities.

1. https://travel.state.gov/content/studentsabroad/en/beforeyougo/csi/belize.html
COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION
BELIZE

2. LIST
1. Embassies and Consulates
2. Destination Description
3. Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements
4. Safety and Security
5. Local Laws & Special Circumstances
6. Travel & Transportation

3. QUICK FACTS

4. Embassies and Consulates1

5. Embassies and Consulates
■U.S. Embassy Belmopan
■4 Floral Park Road
Belmopan, Belize
■Telephone: +(501) 822-4011
■Emergency After-Hours telephone:+(501) 610-5030
■Fax: +(501) 822-4012
ACSBelize@state.gov

6. Destination Description2
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Ecuador for
information on U.S. – Belize relations.
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1955.htm

7. Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements3

8. Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements
■You must have a U.S. passport valid beyond your planned departure date, proof of an
onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the cost of the length of stay. If you
enter Belize by land, you will be charged different fees depending on if you are staying
for less than or more than 24 hours. Belize does not require specific immunizations for
visitors.
■If you are visiting as a tourist, you do not require a visa. Visitors planning to stay more
than 30 days must have their passport re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay
an additional fee for every additional month they wish to stay up to 6 months; for stays
longer than 6 months, you may need to provide further documentation to the local
immigration office to explain the reason for a longer stay and pay additional fees.

9. Safety and Security4

10. Safety and Security
Belize is rated high for crime. Gang members and other criminals have historically used
high-powered weapons to resolve disputes. U.S. citizens are not known to have been the
victims or targets of terrorist activity in Belize. No areas are closed to travel but visitors
should exercise caution, particularly in southern Belize City and remote areas along
Belize’s borders.
■CRIME: Crime may occur anywhere in Belize, and criminals frequently target tourists,
including those at resorts and on the roads and riverways. Crime, including sexual
assault, armed robbery, and murder, remains high and has spread to areas that were
previously unaffected by crime. Sexual harassment and/or assault of persons traveling
alone or in small groups have been reported.

11. ■VICTIMS OF CRIME: Report crimes to the local police by dialing 911 and contact us at
the U.S. Embassy at 822-4011. Remember that local authorities are responsible for
investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of
crime overseas.
■Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy
for assistance.
Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-
202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and
Travel Alerts.

12. Local Laws & Special Circumstances5

13. Local Laws & Special Circumstances
■CRIMINAL PENALTIES: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even
unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
■Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the
U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom
Report.

14. ■LGBTI Travelers: The current criminal code states that “carnal intercourse” with any
person “against the order of nature” shall receive a punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment.
This law is interpreted as including only sex between men, but the law is rarely enforced
and it is currently facing a challenge before Belize’s Supreme Court.
■Persons with Mobility Issues: While in Belize, individuals with disabilities will find
accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. The law does not
expressly prohibit discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and
mental disabilities in employment, education, air or other transportation, access to health
care, or the provision of other state services.

15. Travel & Transportation6

16. Travel & Transportation
■Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions in Belize range from two-lane paved
roads to dirt or gravel tracks. Roads often lack markings, reflectors, and shoulders, which
can contribute to cars overturning. Even in urban areas, most streets lack lane markings
and contribute to chaotic conditions. Bridges on the major highways are often only a single
lane.
■Traffic Laws: Drivers operate vehicles on the right side of the road. Valid U.S. or
international driver’s permits are accepted in Belize only for a period of three months after
initial entry.

17. Travel & Transportation
■Public Transportation: Taxis are prevalent in cities but not as common in rural areas.
Most visitors will need to call a taxi service to summon a taxi. Buses are used to travel
between cities and are not common for short commutes.
■Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United
States by carriers registered in Belize, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has
not assessed the Government of Belize’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

18. THANKS