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What are the entry requirements
to get into Belize? |
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A valid passport,
good for at least six months past the departure
date is required along with proof of return for
everyone in your party. Citizens of the United States,
British Commonwealth Nations, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia,
Turkey, Uruguay and Canada do not require a visa.
Citizens from other countries should inquire about
visa requirements at their local Belizean Consulate
or Embassy. Immigration can grant a stay of up to
30 days. Tourists can go to Belize City and apply
for an extension, and get their stay extended to
six months by paying a small fee. |
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Do I need shots? |
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Shots are
not required to enter the country. However, one
should consider having a gamma globulin for Hepatitis
A, Booster for Typhoid, as well as Tetanus. On occasion
Malaria has been found in Belize and can be prevented
or cured with the appropriate prescribed treatment.
Often travelers on long visits choose to carry mosquito
repellant while in the jungle in lieu of taking
Chloroquine for a prolonged period. For professional
advise, consult your local Health Department or
family physician. |
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What about customs? |
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After getting off the plane have your passport and
travel documents available to go through customs.
The officer may ask you to open your bag. Your personal
items are allowed in Belize. There is an import allowance
of 200 cigarettes or 1/2 pound of tobacco goods, 20
ounces of alcohol and one bottle of personal perfume. |
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How long a flight is it from the
U.S.? |
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Belize is less than two hours from Miami, Florida,
Houston, Texas or New Orleans, Louisiana. |
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May I fly my own plane to Belize? |
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Yes, private aircraft must enter Belize through
Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City.
Permission from the Chief Civil Aviation Officer 48
hours prior to arrival must be obtained. Documents
will be inspected and a normal flight plan must be
filed. Landing and parking fees are also charged. |
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How about driving to Belize by land? |
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Going through rough roads will
take three to six days from Texas. Driving is on
the right side of the street. Make sure to bring
your driver's permit or license and vehicle registration
certificate. To cross the Mexican border, you will
need a Temporary Import Permit for your car, which
you can get from Belize Customs Officials. Do not
speed. In addition, liability or third party insurance
in required. When you get to Belize, you will need
a temporary driving permit if you have a foreign
license. These permits are obtained from the Chief
Licensing Officer in Belize City. If you have an
international driving license you do not have to
get the temporary permit. Overnight parking in a
public place is not allowed. |
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How can I enter Belize by sea? |
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Boats must clear Customs and
enter at Belize City, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, Big
Creek or San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye.
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What about shipping something? |
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You may ship by air. The airport
is Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport, P.O.
Box 367, Belize City and is actually about ten miles
from Belize City. Phone: 011-501-225-2013/2014
The main seaport of entry into the country is the
Belize Port Authority, Belize City. Other seaports
of entry are Corozal Town, Dangriga, Punta Gorda
Town, San Pedro and Barranco. The requirements of
a boat are the boat's official documentation, clearance
from the last port of call, three copies of the
crew and passenger manifesto, three copies of stores
used or a list of cargo on board (if there are not
any, an imballast manifesto).
Airlines that ship: Belize Air
International, Continental, American Airlines from
Miami, Dallas, Houston, Taca Airlines from Miami,
Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New Orleans.
Ocean Carriers that ship: NedLloyd from Europe,
Hyde from Miami, Harrison from Europe, Hapag-Lloyd
from Europe, Hamilton Brothers from Tampa, Carol
from the Caribbean and Europe, Nexos Line from Tampa,
Tropical Shipping Service from New York, Houston
and West Palm Beach.
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Is there duty free shopping? |
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U.S. residents are permitted a $400 per person (or
$1,100 per family) duty-free tax exemption upon returning
to the U.S., and can also bring back one quart of
alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free. |
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Is there a departure tax? |
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A tax of US$20.00 is charged when leaving Belize
(payable in cash or travelers' check, credit cards
are not accepted for this tax). This tax is not for
those who have been in the country less than 24 hours.
In addition, there is a US$.75 security fee when entering
Belize by plane and going on to another in-Belize
flight. There is a visa charge of US$5.00 to enter
Guatemala through the western border. To leave Belize
through this western border, to see Tikal, for instance,
the charge is US$3.50 to depart. This charge is subtracted
from the US$20.00 departure tax when finally departing
the country at the Airport. These taxes are subject
to change. |
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