Before you go to Belize: what to know
Must know
- Complete the immigration/customs declaration for Philip Goldson International Airport; use the official digital portal before travel.
- Violent crime is a serious risk, particularly Southside Belize City. Use registered transport and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Entry and visas
British tourists can visit visa-free for 30 days; extensions must be requested from immigration. Bring onward travel and funds evidence. Complete the immigration/customs declaration; digital submission is recommended before travel. Paper acceptance during transition is described by UK advice, while Canada describes online submission as mandatory. Check current instructions for your port.
Online arrival forms and permits
- iDeclare immigration and customs declaration ↗ required
Before travel, following the instructions for your port · Travellers through Philip Goldson International Airport
Passport validity: UK advice: more than 3 months after arrival; some airlines require more than 6 months. Confirm with your carrier.
Customs
- Declare restricted or dutiable items.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗, pgiabelize.com ↗, egov.gov.bz ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- USD is commonly accepted; check whether a price is in US or Belize dollars.
- Some merchants add a card fee; keep cash for taxis.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, travelbelize.org ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Illegal drugs
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Drug possession can result in fines or imprisonment.
- Use registered taxis with green licence plates and agree the fare first.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Ask before entering a place of worship and respect services.
Clothing: Choose clothing suitable for the venue and activity.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Climate
Tropical conditions; heavy rainfall can flood roads and bridges. Official hurricane season runs June-November.
Month by month
- January: Jan: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- February: Feb: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- March: Mar: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- April: Apr: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- May: May: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- June: Jun: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- July: Jul: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- August: Aug: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- September: Sep: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- October: Oct: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- November: Nov: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- December: Dec: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
Best season: December-May avoids the official hurricane season; check local rainfall and forecasts.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
What to pack
- Travel documents and insurance details
- Medicines in original packaging
- A backup payment method
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Carrying packages for strangers
Practical
Plugs: Confirm sockets and voltage with your accommodation before packing an adapter.
Water: Prefer sealed drinking water where local supply safety is uncertain.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Include medical evacuation and your planned water or adventure activities.
Emergency: 911
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: belizejudiciary.org ↗, safetravel.govt.nz ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.