Belize Travel Updates

Everything you need to know before you visit Belize.

Last Update: January 9, 2025

Why Come to Belize

Though its area spans only about 9,000 square miles—around the size of Massachusetts—Belize bursts with natural wonders. Turquoise-blue waters of the barrier reef contrast beautifully against towering Maya ruins hidden within lush rainforests, showcasing the country’s rich blend of landscapes, history, and cultures.

Once overshadowed by neighboring hotspots like CancĂşn, Cozumel, and Tulum, Belize now captivates travelers with jungle lodges, fascinating Maya temples, pristine scuba and snorkeling sites, and a relaxed Caribbean vibe. Situated between Mexico and Guatemala, its mainland stretches across tropical forests, while hundreds of cayes and atolls off its eastern shore entice visitors with swaying palms and translucent seas.

Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, draws the biggest crowds—by day, the calm beach scene offers impressive coastal views; by night, the island comes alive. Be sure to set aside time for mainland exploration, too: from captivating Maya sites to sparkling waters, there's plenty to discover in this enchanting country.

Pre-Travel Checklist:

Ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Belize by following this quick pre-travel checklist. We’ve compiled important recommendations to help you prepare for your visit.

✅ Gold Standard Accommodation

Tourists visiting for vacation are encouraged (not required) to have a booking or reservation at a Gold Standard accommodation in Belize. Gold Standard properties include hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, hostels, and live-aboard yachts as long as they are licensed "tourist accommodations". This has no relation to price or type of accommodation.

Are Gold Standard Hotels Mandatory?

It is not strictly required. All visitors are encouraged to stay at Gold Standard accommodations for their health and safety. Tourist accommodation must always be licensed. We recommend travelers consider staying at Gold Standard properties for the duration of their stay.

✅ Travel Insurance

While travel insurance is not required for entry into Belize, we encourage all visitors to have coverage for peace of mind. Many credit cards provide automatic travel insurance when you book your stay and flights using the card.

✅ Transportation

You should make arrangements, prior to arrival, for transportation to your accommodation. Recommended options include: Private Shuttles, hotel transfers, airport rental cars, golf cart rentals, domestic flights, and airport taxi services.

⛴️ Water Taxi - Belize International Airport to San Pedro and/or Caye Caulker available via
San Pedro Belize Express.
✈️ Domestic Flights - Gold Standard Certified roundtrip flights from Belize City to San Pedro and Placencia available via Tropic Air.

Belize Entry Requirements & Travel Information

Stay prepared for a smooth and safe arrival in Belize by reviewing the current entry requirements and essential travel information. Regulations and requirements can change, so always check this page before you travel for the most up-to-date details.

1. Passport & Visa

Visitors to Belize must have a passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival. Most travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, EU member states, Caribbean nations, and Central American countries do not require a visa. Always confirm with the Belize Department of Immigration for exact requirements based on your nationality.

You must also show proof of intent to depart Belize (e.g., a return or onward ticket).

2. Length of Stay & Departure Fees

Tourists are typically granted a 30-day stay upon arrival. You may apply for a Belize Visitor’s Permit extension in one-month increments for up to six months. Belize does not charge an entry fee, but there is a mandatory departure fee which varies depending on whether you leave through the international airport or at a land border with Guatemala or Mexico.

3. Traveling with Children

In addition to a valid passport, children under 18 traveling without one or both parents must present a notarized letter of parental consent. Make sure to have this document ready for border and immigration checks.

4. Bringing a Car or Boat

Visitors driving into Belize from Mexico or Guatemala must secure a temporary importation permit at the border entry point. Vehicles or vessels are issued permits valid for 30 days and must be extended if you plan to stay longer. Always verify that your vehicle or boat meets local regulations before travel.

5. Traveling with Pets

All pets must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by a vet in the country of origin and have an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Check with BAHA for the most current guidelines and paperwork requirements.

6. Healthy Travel Measures

To enjoy a pleasant visit, practice general health measures such as maintaining personal hygiene and wearing face coverings in crowded spaces when advised. Follow local public health regulations to ensure a safe experience for everyone.

7. Hotel & Transportation

While staying at Gold Standard accommodations is no longer mandatory, it is recommended for a certified, reliable travel experience. You can choose from a variety of Gold Standard Hotels . For tours and transportation, use approved Gold Standard service providers , or rent a vehicle .

8. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly encouraged to ensure you are covered for unexpected events during your stay. You can choose to purchase local Belize Travel Insurance .

Belize Vacation Tips & Pics

Got Questions About Belize?

Join the Belize Vacation Tips & Pics Facebook group! Connect with travelers, ask your questions, and get tips from visitors who’ve experienced Belize firsthand.

Join the Facebook Group

Flights to Belize.

Flights to Belize resumed as of October 1, 2020 when the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport reopened. Direct flights are available from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Panama.

United Airlines

Daily direct flights are now available from Houston , Texas .

Flights are also available from Denver Colorado, Chicago Illinois, Newark New Jersey, and Los Angeles California.

American Airlines

Direct flights now available via Miami FL, Dallas TX, Charlotte NC, and Los Angeles CA.

Delta Airlines

Direct flights via Atlanta GA, and Minneapolis MN.

JetBlue

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Belize City (BZE)
Operating Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays beginning December 6, 2023
Flights starting at $149

Alaska Airlines

Direct flights are available via Seattle WA, and Los Angeles CA.

Southwest Airlines

Direct flights via Houston (Hobby airport), and Denver CO.

Tropic Air

Tropic Air, a domestic airline in Belize, also provides flights from Cancun Mexico, Roatan Honduras, and San Salvador El Salvador. We recommend checking their schedule as flights are only available on Mondays and Fridays.

Discounted Domestic Flights available.

Tropic Air also provides flights to Ambergris Caye and flights to Placencia from the Belize international airport (BZE).

*Find the best rates and book your Tropic Air flight here.

*For information about the Belize International Airport, see our official guide .

What Hotels are open in Belize?

You should stay at approved Gold Standard accommodations if you are visiting for vacation only. Approved accommodations are those that are licensed by the Belize Tourism Board. 

Recommended Hotels in Belize

These are the recommended hotels in Belize that that you can book now for your next vacation.
Browse the full list of approved Safe Corridor Hotels that you can book for your next trip to Belize.

Tours & Activities

You are able to enjoy all tours and activities in Belize. Gold Standard tour companies and tour guides have undergone comprehensive training to ensure health and safety. All sites and attractions are open. You should expect slightly higher prices due to the added overhead of providing tours with reduced group sizes. The experience is the same as before. 

Explore Activities by Region

Choose a region to discover exciting tours and adventures.

Can I cancel my booking?

Belizing.com enables direct booking with local licensed providers in Belize. Since your booking is direct with each service provider, you may be restricted by their cancelation policy. The main question is whether and how much refund you may get. In most cases, we believe you can get a full refund.

Contact the Service Provider First. We recommend messaging the service provider via your Belizing Inbox before canceling your booking. If YOU cancel the booking, then the refund policy of the service provider applies and no automatic refund may be provided. If the SERVICE PROVIDER cancels the booking, then you will always get a FULL refund. For this reason, we recommend communicating with the service provider first to ask if they agree to a full refund. If yes, ask them to initiate the cancelation from their Belizing Inbox.

Consider Changing your Date. We recommend considering a date change for your travel plans. Some cancelations may incur a fee or 3 to 30% depending on the policy from the service provider. There is no fee to change your travel dates. You must communicate with the service provider to agree on a new date or to hold your booking until you have confirmed new travel dates.

Check your Confirmation Email. Please check your booking confirmation email for the cancelation policy that applies to your booking. The email will include your voucher number, as well as the details of the cancelation timeline and fees that may apply. Check your junkmail folder if you cannot find the email. Please reference your voucher number when communicating with your service provider or Belizing.com staff. 

If you do not agree with any decision by the service provider, then Belizing.com staff can mediate to find a resolution. You can contact us directly at support@belizing.com or message us on Facebook. We are here to help and we understand the frustration that this pandemic is causing to both travelers and tour companies alike.

How will my refund be processed?

All refunds for bookings made on Belizing.com or via Belizing Payments are automatically processed to your original form of payment. Once your refund is processed, it may take 5 to 10 business days for you to see it in your credit card statement. Refunds will show as a credit to your account.

Please do NOT dispute the charges. If you do not see the credit within 10 days, please contact us at accounts@belizing.com

Best Months to Visit Belize

Learn the best times to experience Belize's beauty and what to expect during each season.

🌦️ Tropical Tip: Belize's weather can be unpredictable! Even in the dry season, occasional rain showers may pop up—it’s part of the tropical charm. Be flexible and pack accordingly for your adventures!

The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-May, during the country's dry season. Warm temperatures, clear skies, and easy access to the country’s top attractions make this the ideal time for most travelers.

If you’re planning to visit between June and July, be prepared for high humidity and occasional showers. Expect more rain from June to mid-November, and note that some establishments close during the offseason.

For those who enjoy fewer crowds and lush greenery, the rainy season in September and October offers a quieter, more serene experience—just remember to pack an umbrella!

Dry Season in Belize

The Dry Season

Clear skies and warm temperatures from late November to mid-May make this the perfect time to explore Belize’s beaches and cultural festivals.

Rainy Season in Belize

The Rainy Season

September and October offer quieter attractions, lush greenery, and fewer crowds for travelers willing to embrace occasional rain.

Plan your trip with live weather updates for Belize:

View Current Weather

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FAQ

The airport reopened on October 1st, 2020. Daily flights to Belize are available. Visit Belizing.com for the latest travel updates.
Travelers are encouraged to stay at approved Gold Standard hotels when visiting Belize on vacation. A full list of gold standard hotels is available at Belizing.com
Yes, Belize is Open! The international airport reopened on October 1st, 2020 for leisure travel. All visitors must test negative for Covid-19 to visit Belize. Enhanced health screening is in place at the airport.
There are NO restrictions on who can visit Belize for vacation. All travel restrictions were dropped as of July 12, 2022 for all visitors, including vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
As of July 12, 2022, all testing requirements have been lifted. Visitors are no longer required to have a negative test for entry.
The land borders are fully reopened. However, some cross-border transportation services may still be unavailable. Keep checking Belizing.com for the latest updates.
The Belize health app has been discontinued. You do not need any app to visit Belize. Visit Belizing.com for more updates.
Yes, Americans can travel to Belize for leisure as of October 1st, 2020. Belize will not impose any travel restrictions based on nationality. No quarantine is necessary to visit Belize. NO negative COVID test is required for entry.
Yes, you can stay at an Airbnb as long as the Airbnb property is licensed by the Belize Tourism Board. We also encourage using Gold Standard approved properties. You can check out the full list of Gold Standard approved properties here.
Yes, you are allowed to stay with friends and family in Belize. Having a booking at a gold standard property is highly encouraged, but not strictly required under the updated travel protocols as of March 2022.
Belize has never required testing for departure, but certain destinations require testing before boarding your departure flight. US-bound air travelers are no longer required to test in Belize before their departure flight.
Testing is available in Belize at private medical facilities. Contact us if you need to schedule a covid test while visiting Belize.
No, visitors are NOT required to get a covid test to enter Belize. Your vaccination status does not matter.
No, the local travel insurance is no longer mandatory. We highly encourage all visitors to get the local travel insurance.
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