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Compiling planning guides and trip resources tailored for Belize.
Travel Planning
getting around
Updated Feb 2026Prices and fees verified with providers on Feb 2, 2026
Belize dollars are pegged 2:1 to USD—pay small vendors in BZD to avoid change issues.
Entry Requirements
Welcome to Belize! As of 2026, Belize welcomes tourists from all countries with streamlined entry procedures. All visitors must comply with immigration processes established by the Belize Immigration Department and present valid documentation upon arrival.
In accordance with the Immigration Act of Belize, foreign nationals intending to enter Belize must provide valid documentation and meet specific entry requirements based on their country of origin. Digital arrival cards are now available for faster processing.
view transport optionsRequirements to Enter the Country
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay. Passports must be machine-readable (ICAO compliant).
- Visa, if required based on your nationality (check current visa requirements at immigration.gov.bz).
- Proof of sufficient funds: minimum US$75.00 per day OR proof of prepaid accommodations and tours.
- Return ticket or proof of onward travel within 30 days of arrival.
- Completed digital or paper arrival card (available online at travelbelize.org).
- No criminal impediments to entering Belizean territory.
Maximum Stay
The maximum legal stay for foreign nationals will be determined by the immigration agent upon their entry into the country.
- CARICOM countries: up to 6 months(extendable)
- USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia: up to 30 days(extendable)
- Most Central American countries: up to 30 days(extendable)
- Visa-required countries: up to As per visa
- Keep a digital or physical copy of your passport with entry stamp accessible at all times during your stay.
- Your permitted stay length depends on your country of origin - check before booking extended trips.
- Immigration officers may request proof of funds (bank statement, credit cards, or cash).
- The officer may adjust your permitted stay length based on your travel plans.
- Visa extensions are available at Immigration offices: $200 BZD per month, apply before your current stay expires.
- Overstaying your visa results in fines and potential travel restrictions.
Non-residents must have a ticket for return or onward travel if they:
- •Are arriving on a one-way ticket
- •Are entering the country with a return ticket that is more than 90 days after their date of arrival
- •Are flying to Belize and flying out of a different country
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how to get
to Belize
Explore all the ways to arrive in Belize and get around once you're here.
Main Gateway
Arriving by Air
Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is Belize's main international gateway, located 9 miles northwest of Belize City. The newly renovated terminal (2025) offers improved facilities and faster processing.
- USA Direct Flights: American (Dallas, Miami, Charlotte), United (Houston, Denver, Newark), Southwest (Denver, Houston), Delta (Atlanta, Los Angeles)
- Canada Direct Flights: WestJet (Toronto, Calgary), Air Canada (Toronto - seasonal)
- Regional: Avianca (El Salvador), Copa (Panama City), TAG (Guatemala City)
- Airport Transfers: Official taxi stand $30 USD to Belize City, $150-200 USD to San Ignacio
- Domestic Connections: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air terminals adjacent to international arrivals
Customs & Currency Declarations
When entering or leaving Belize with US$10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) in cash, traveler's checks, or monetary instruments, you must declare this at customs. Complete the declaration form available at immigration checkpoints.
Failure to declare amounts over $10,000 USD may result in seizure of funds and legal penalties under Belizean law.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Belize from most countries. Yellow Fever vaccination proof is required if arriving from endemic countries (parts of Africa and South America). Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for extended jungle stays. Visit a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
see more informationQuick Facts About Getting to Belize
Main Airport
BZE (Goldson)
9 miles from Belize City
Updated Feb 2026
Land Exit Fee
$40 USD
Cash only (USD or BZD)
Updated Feb 2026
Tourist Stay
30 days
Extension: $200 BZD/month
Updated Feb 2026
Currency
BZD ($2 = $1 USD)
USD widely accepted
Updated Feb 2026
Trip Blueprints
Ready-made mini itineraries aligned to how most visitors move through Belize. Swap days as needed.
Updated Feb 2026Prices and fees verified with providers on Feb 2, 2026
Blueprint
24h Cruise Day
Hit the highlights on a tight clock
- •Tender to Fort Street Tourism Village by 9:00am
- •Water taxi 10:30am → Caye Caulker for lunch & snorkel
- •Return 3:00pm, souvenir walk in downtown Belize City
- •Be back on board by 5:30pm
Blueprint
3-Day Island Hop
No-fuss cayes loop
- •Day 1: Arrive BZE → 15 min domestic flight to San Pedro
- •Day 2: Water taxi to Caye Caulker, split day between reef + sunset sail
- •Day 3: Early boat back, taxi to airport with 2h buffer
Blueprint
7-Day Mainland Loop
Caves, jungles, and beaches
- •Day 1-2: San Ignacio base (ATM Cave or Tikal day trip)
- •Day 3: Hummingbird Highway waterfalls; overnight in Hopkins
- •Day 4-5: Placencia for reef + chill
- •Day 6: Zipline/river tubing in Nohoch Che'en
- •Day 7: Return via Belize City; depart evening flight
Free Downloads
Travel Resources
Download and print these helpful guides for your trip. All resources are updated for 2026.
Transport
Bus Schedules 2026
Complete bus timetables for all major routes including Western, Northern, and Southern highways.
Coming soonTransport
Water Taxi Timetable
San Pedro Belize Express and Belize Water Taxi schedules for island hopping.
Coming soonTransport
Domestic Flight Routes
Tropic Air and Maya Island Air route maps and flight frequencies.
Coming soonDocuments
Entry Requirements Checklist
Printable checklist of all documents needed for entry to Belize.
Coming soonMaps
Belize Road Map
Detailed road map with distances, gas stations, and points of interest.
Coming soonDocuments
Border Crossing Guide
Step-by-step guide for Mexico and Guatemala border crossings.
Coming soonNeed more information?
These PDFs contain the most current information as of February 2026. For real-time updates on schedules and fees, we recommend checking with service providers directly or contacting the Belize Tourism Board.
Ask a human
Need a quick answer on transport or entry rules? Reach us 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST.
Travel Tips
Practical advice for your exploration.
Do I need a visa to visit Belize?
Citizens of USA, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, and most Commonwealth nations do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. Check the Belize Immigration website (immigration.gov.bz) for the current visa requirements for your country. Extensions cost $200 BZD per month at any Immigration office.
What's the best way to get from the airport to my hotel?
Official taxis are available at the airport ($30 USD to Belize City, $150-200 to San Ignacio). For the islands, walk to the adjacent domestic terminal for Tropic Air or Maya Island Air flights (15 min to San Pedro). Pre-arranged hotel shuttles offer the best value for distant destinations like Placencia ($50-75 per person shared).
Should I rent a car in Belize?
A rental car is excellent for exploring the mainland independently, especially Cayo District, the Hummingbird Highway, and southern Belize. Main highways are paved and well-maintained. You drive on the RIGHT side. 4WD is essential for Mountain Pine Ridge and recommended during rainy season (June-November). Budget $70-120 USD/day including insurance.
How do I get to the islands (cayes)?
Water taxis depart from the Marine Terminal in Belize City every 90 minutes: Caye Caulker (45 min, $20 USD), San Pedro (90 min, $30 USD). Tropic Air and Maya Island Air fly from both international and municipal airports (15-20 min, $100-180 one way). Book water taxis online at belizewatertaxi.com or sanpedrowatertaxi.com.
What's the exit fee and how do I pay it?
Land border exit fee is $40 USD (increased from $20 in 2024). Airport departure tax ($45.75 USD) is typically included in your airline ticket. Exit fees at land borders must be paid in cash (USD or BZD). Credit cards are not accepted for exit fees.
Can I use USD in Belize?
Yes! US dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize at a fixed rate of $2 BZD = $1 USD. ATMs dispense BZD. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas but carry some cash for buses, small restaurants, and rural areas. Avoid bringing large bills ($100 USD) as change can be difficult.
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