Traveling to Belize can be a very fun and exciting time; however, there are many things Americans should know before arriving. We encourage all Americans to enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program if you will be travelling to or living in Belize.
For more information about traveling to Belize, please visit Belize’s country specific information. For more general information about Belize, visit Belize Background Notes and Belize Country Commercial Guide.
Belize Entry / Exit Requirements
All U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid beyond their planned departure date. No visas are required for citizens of the United States for tourist visits of up to 30 days, but they must have proof of their intent to depart Belize (such as onward or return air tickets) and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Belize. Visitors for purposes other than tourism, or who wish to stay longer than 30 days, must obtain visas. All tourists and non-Belizean citizens are required to pay an exit fee of approximately US$40 (this fee may be included in your airline ticket, please check with your airline before your trip). Belize allows visitors a maximum of one month’s stay in the country before Belize Immigration requires an extension in one month increments obtained from Belize Immigration offices throughout the country. No specific immunizations are required for visitors to Belize.
U.S. citizens traveling with minor children may be asked by immigration officials to show U.S. birth certificates for each child. When children are not traveling with both parents, immigration officials often request signed documentation to establish the children are traveling with the permission of both parents. Such documentation may include notarized letters from the parent(s), custody or adoption papers, and death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.
Cruise Ship Passengers
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (i.e., cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be permitted to depart or enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documentation. U.S. citizen passengers leaving their cruise ship and returning, for any reason, by air to the U.S. will be required to present their valid U.S. passports to airline officials before being permitted to board the aircraft.
Crime in Belize
Crime rates, including violent crimes, remain high in Belize. Although Americans have not been specifically targeted, in recent years the Embassy has noted an increase in the incidence of crimes such as theft, hotel room invasion, burglary, purse-snatching, and pick-pocketing especially around the winter holidays and during spring break. Although the majority of reported incidents occur in Belize City, crime may occur anywhere including tourist destinations such as San Pedro Town (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker, and Placencia. U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and good situational awareness in all their travel activities. Visitors to tourist attractions should travel in groups and stick to the main plazas at Maya ruins. While many theft victims are unharmed and only robbed of personal belongings and cash, victims who resist assailants have suffered injury. U.S. citizens who become victims of a robbery should report it immediately at the nearest police station as well as notifying the U.S. Embassy.
