An
adventurer's paradise, Belize is a peaceful, English-speaking
country just two hours away from 3 major U.S. Gateways. With a diversity
of adventure opportunities unmatched by any other country, the Belizean
people have protected over 40% of the country as parks and natural
reserves.
Belize
is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala
and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife,
majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing
experiences beyond comparison. In a single day, one can go from
tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Northern
Belize
Covering the two districts of Orange Walk and Corozal,
the north is a Belizean bonanza of natural wealth and archaeological
wonder. Spectacular ancient cities, highlighted by the temples at
Lamanai, evidence the ancient Maya's affinity for the area. With
jungles, rainforests, coastal lagoons, and rivers, the region is
home to an amazing array of animal and plant life that includes
the jaguar and the manatee. Culturally the north is primarily mayan
and Spanish with the Mennonite farmers adding their old world flavor
to the mix.
Belize
District
The district is dominated by Belize City and offers a host of attractions
including several sanctuaries, the world class Belize Zoo, a new
museum, historic government buildings, churches and the incredible
Maya site at Altun Ha. The city is a great place to spend a day
or two learning about Belize's history and its multi-cultural heritage
while mingling with the amiable, laid back Belizeans who greet you
with a smile. It's also the perfect place to plan and begin your
discovery of Belize and offers all kinds of access to any destination
in the country.
Ambergris Caye
The largest of all the cayes, Ambergris Caye is renowned for its
beaches and proximity to the coral reef. From here you can indulge
any wet adventure you can dream up; Sport fishing, scuba diving,
snorkeling and manatee watching are among the most popular. San
Pedro, the caye's hub, offers any variety of accommodations, restaurants,
bars and nightlife. For a change of pace and scenery, the bay side
of the caye is a great place to get acquainted with Belizean bird
life.
Caye
Caulker
Just south of Ambergris is the relaxed and slow paced Caye Caulker
where you can indulge your island fantasies on a quiet beach and
get to know the Mestizo and Creole culture, customs and traditions.
Offering budget accommodations and excursions with a full range
of services, Caulker is also well known for its friendly, easygoing
people who make it difficult for you to leave this sunny, sleepy
little island.
Cayo
Located in the western interior of Belize, Cayo is a 1500 square
mile district that encompasses a good portion of the Maya Mountains
and has more than its fair share of ancient Maya sites to visit
and explore. To the east is the capital city of Belmopan and to
the far west, visitor friendly San Ignacio, the main city of the
district. Between the two lie a world of forests teeming with wildlife
and immaculately beautiful tropical watersheds catered to by a variety
of jungle and river lodges to suit any style, budget and adventure.
Stann
Creek
The journey in by road on the Hummingbird Highway, with breathtaking
vistas of the rainforests and the Maya Mountains, takes you all
the way into culture rich Dangriga, historic home of the Garifuna
people. Opportunity for marine adventure abounds with the nearby
coral reef, cayes and coastal villages, while the Cockscomb Basin
bears witness to Belize's lush broadleaf tropical forests that are
home to countless species of plants and animals. Stann Creek is
ideal for its accessibility to a huge variety of Belizean discovery
destinations both inland and out in the sparkling blue waters of
the Caribbean.
Placencia
White sand beaches, brilliant blue waters and a hundred ways to
enjoy the coastal treasures of Belize await you at Placencia. Spend
your days in the water diving, fishing, snorkeling or just relaxing
on the beach, and your nights at the many interesting restaurants
and watering holes that feature local food, culture and live music.
Southern
Belize
Nearly 1700 square miles of prime opportunity for the adventure
minded and the adrenaline addicted is the Toledo district of Belize.
A cultural lean towards the Mopan and Kekchi Maya is evident and
homestays will give you an inside look at how the Maya have balanced
tradition with the demands of a modern world. The ancient Maya cities,
intricate cave systems and pristine rainforests headline a long
list of attractions accessible from the coastal city of Punta Gorda,
including lagoons, rivers, creeks and cayes. Wildlife, birds, trees
and plants in astounding variety make Toledo a nature lover's paradise.
Entry
Requirements
With the exception of cruise ship passengers, all visitors to Belize
must present a valid passport before entering the country. Please
note that driver's licenses and birth certificates are not approved
travel documents and cannot be used to enter the country. Passports
must be valid up until time of departure.
In cases where a visitor remains in the country
for over 30 days, an extension of entry must be requested. Extensions
are available for the cost of:
Up to 6 months for US $25
After 6 months US $50 per month
VISA
INFORMATION
Who does NOT need an visa to enter Belize?
Nationals of the following countries do not require
visas:
Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Mexico
New Zealand
Norway
United States
Venezuela
CARICOM member states
Nationals
of European Community countries do not require visas.
Who
needs a visa to enter Belize?
Entry visas should be obtained outside of Belize. For the nearest
place to obtain a visa please visit: Belize
Consuls and Embassies.
In cases where
a visa has not been secured, one will be issued upon arrival at
entry points. This will be facilitated only where prior approval
has been granted by Immigration.