Belize FAQ’s
Do I need a visa?
A tourist visa is NOT required for US or Canadian citizens for stays up to 30 days. To enter the country you need a valid passport and a valid airline ticket for onward or return travel. For those traveling with a passport from a country other than the US or Canada; visit projectvisa.com for more information.
Is my passport valid?
US passport must be valid for the length of your stay. Canadian passports must have an expiration date at least 6 months after your scheduled trip’s end. If it expires earlier, be sure to get a renewal.
Do I need any shots?
No vaccinations are required for travel from the USA to Belize. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended but not required. Yellow fever vaccinations are required if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever. See the CDC website for details.
When can I expect more details on my trip?
You will receive two sets of information by email: 1. Pre-departure materials once your trip is guaranteed, typically a few months prior to your departure; and 2. Final Documents sent two weeks before you leave.
When is my balance due?
Your land balance is due 90 days prior to departure for Signature Trips and generally due at 120 days for Custom Trips. An invoice indicating your balance due will be sent with your pre-departure information.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be given with your Final Documents.
Are there local flights within Belize? Who books them?
Travelers will generally arrive and depart into/from the Phillip S. W. Goldson international airport (BZE). Some of Belize’s inland areas or to reach Ambergris Caye require local flights for convenience; in this case, Southwind will reserve your flights with an schedule to best match your itinerary in the country. We can also recommend a Latin American ticketing specialist to assist you with all your airline ticketing needs.
How much money should I bring?
Depending on the length of your trip, plan to bring $300-500 per person for spending money, tips, additional visits, souvenirs and those meals not included in the itinerary.
Should I bring cash or bank cards?
Cash is the easiest to exchange and many places accept US dollars in addition to the Belize dollar. Credit or debit cards are also easy to use at most establishments. Be sure to check with your bank prior to your departure to inform them that you will be using your card in a foreign country. Traveler’s checks are not accepted much anymore worldwide. Find current exchange rates.
Are ATM machines available?
Yes. There are ATM machines in the main cities such as Belize City, San Ignacio, Belmopan. Orange Walk, Placencia, and San Pedro. We recommend using the ones located inside some hotels, stores, restaurants or banks. Be cautious as some thieves may watch these machines and target tourists and others who take out large amounts of cash. Consult with your guide for safety recommendations on ATM’s or exchanging money.
What will the weather be like?
Belize enjoys a warm and humid sub-tropical climate year-round, with a rainy season between June and November. Average high temperatures are in the lower 80s, with average low temperatures in the mid-70s year-round. The weather varies based on the wet and the dry seasons. Belize is a year-round destination, but ideal time to visit is during the “summer” dry season of mid-November-April. See more Belize weather and climate info.
How do I train for my trip?
If you lead an active lifestyle (walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, etc. on a regular basis) you will do fine on a Grade I or II trip. For Grade III trips you should plan to jog or stair climb for at least 45 minutes 4-5 times per week (more frequency for a Grade IV trip). View more details on
Trip Ratings.
Who will be my guide?
We work with the most respected and experienced resident guides, many of whom have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, history, culture or other specialties. All are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. Your Final Documents will provide guide details.