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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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Disclaimer:
Progresso Heights Limited makes no warranty as to the quality
of the goods or services or the reliability of the products
or services listed above. We have made every attempt to keep
the list up to date, but we will not be responsible for errors
or omissions. |
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