Belize | North America

Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country is defined by the Belize Barrier Reef-the second largest in the world-and an economy centered on ecotourism and agricultural exports such as sugar and citrus; the capital city is Belmopan.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders are granted visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 30 days. Entry requires a passport valid for the duration of stay, proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds (standardized at $75 USD per day). Extensions of 30 days are available at local immigration offices for a fee, up to a maximum of six months.

Language & Communication

English is the official language and primary medium for administration and education. English proficiency is high and universal across the territory. Belizean Creole (Kriol) is the most widely spoken native tongue, while Spanish is dominant in northern and western districts near the borders. Mayan dialects (Q’eqchi’, Mopan, and Yucatec) and Garifuna are also prevalent in specific regional clusters.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of $2 BZD to $1 USD. US Dollar banknotes are accepted interchangeably nationwide, though change is typically given in BZD. Credit cards are accepted in major resorts and urban supermarkets, but cash is mandatory for local transport, street vendors, and in remote villages. ATMs are available in larger towns but often fail to process international cards.

National Transport Grid

Inter-city transit relies on a network of retired American school buses, locally termed "chicken buses," which operate between major hubs like Belize City, Belmopan, and San Ignacio. Two domestic airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, provide high-frequency flights between the international airport and regional airstrips. Water taxis connect the mainland to the primary cayes (islands), with San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter being the dominant operators.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Digi (formerly BTL) and Smart. 4G/LTE coverage is robust in coastal tourist zones and major towns, while 5G deployment is currently concentrated in Belize City and San Pedro. Signal reliability is significantly reduced in the deep jungle regions of the Cayo and Toledo districts.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is subtropical with distinct humidity zones; the north is significantly drier than the lush, tropical south. The dry season runs from December to May, while the wet season spans from June to November. August and September often experience a brief dry spell locally known as the "mauger" season.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Health risks include mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Malaria (low risk in some districts). Tap water is generally not considered safe for consumption; bottled or filtered water is required. The national emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

The Northern Cayes: Hub: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye).

Western Cayo District: Hub: San Ignacio.

Southern Coastal Zone: Hub: Placencia.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 3.00 BZD ($1.50 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 5.00 BZD ($2.50 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 60.00 BZD ($30.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Belizean folklore features the "Tata Duende," a small, forest-dwelling humanoid with backward-facing feet and no thumbs, who is said to be the guardian of the jungle and its animals. Politically, Belize remains unique as the only country in Central America with a British colonial heritage and English as its official language, and it maintains the Great Blue Hole, a massive marine sinkhole that is over 300 meters across and 124 meters deep.