Santa Elena

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Belize, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ more than 3 months after the date you arrive. Some airlines may refuse boarding if the expiry date is not more than 6 months after the date you arrive.  

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Immigration and customs declaration form

All travellers transiting Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport are required to complete an immigration and customs declaration form. Whilst paper declarations will still be accepted during the phased transition to a fully digital system, the Belizean authorities recommend completing the digital form prior to travel.

Visa requirements 

You can visit Belize without a visa for 30 days.

If you want to extend your stay, it will cost 200 Belize dollars for each additional 30 days. You should go to the nearest office of the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department and request a new stamp.  

Departure tax 

If you leave Belize by land, or by water crossing to Guatemala or Mexico, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Belize dollars or 20 US dollars at the border. If leaving by air, the tax is usually included in the airfare.  

Travelling with children 

Children aged 17 and under who are travelling on their own, or with an adult who is not their parent, must carry a notarised letter to prove parental responsibility, or consent to travel from the parent or guardian. Children travelling with one parent must also have a notarised letter of authority from the other parent giving consent for travel.  

Vaccine requirements  

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Belize guide.  

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Belize. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Items that need to be declared will be listed on the customs declaration form. Contact the Belize Customs and Excise Administration for more information.  

Immigration and customs declaration form

All travellers transiting Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport are required to complete an immigration and customs declaration form. Whilst paper declarations will still be accepted during the phased transition to a fully digital system, the Belizean authorities recommend completing the digital form prior to travel.

Emergency services in Belize 

Telephone: 911 or 90 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Belize  
• dealing with a death in Belize  
• being arrested or imprisoned in Belize 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook
• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences  

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

Possession of illegal drugs can lead to a fine and prison sentence.  

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex activity between consenting adults is legal. The Immigration Act prohibits “homosexual” persons from entering the country but immigration authorities have not enforced that law. Tourist-friendly areas, including San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, are relatively open and welcoming to the LGBT+ community. Outside of these areas, LGBT+ couples, especially men, tend to be reluctant to display affection in public because of incidents of verbal or physical abuse which have been reported.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.