Info
Map
Regions
 
Country Guide > Central America > Belize


Travel - International

Note
There have recently been a series of protests, mainly in Belize City, against alleged mismanagement of the economy by the Government. In April 2005, there a riot in the city and looting took place. Telecommunications may be disrupted. There have also been occasional violent incidents against visitors in Belize City. However, most visits are trouble-free.

Air
International services, mainly of a regional nature, are provided by American Airlines, Caribbean Holidays (Tikal Jets), Continental, Delta Airlines, Grupo TACA, Maya Island Air, Tropic Air and US Airways. There are flights from the USA, Guatemala and other Central American countries.

Approximate flight times
To Belize from London (via Miami) is 11 hours; from Los Angeles is eight hours; from Miami is two hours; from Guatemala City is two hours; from Cancun is one hour 30 minutes, and from New York is five hours.

International airports
The Philip S W Goldson International Airport (BZE) is 16km (10 miles) northwest of Belize City. Taxis are available to the city (travel time – 15 minutes); prices should be agreed with the driver beforehand. Facilities include duty free shops, bank, shops, restaurant and bar. There is an airport bus to the city centre (travel time – 30 minutes).
Note: Belmopan, the capital, is 84km (52 miles) from Belize City by road.


Departure tax
US$35 is levied on all passengers, apart from transit passengers travelling on within 48 hours and children under 12 years of age, who must pay US$32.50.

Sea
Main ports include Belize City, Corozal, Dangriga, Punta Gorda and San Pedro. Belize has greatly improved its port facilities, but these cater for cargo vessels and no cruise lines call. There are regular water taxi services between Punta Gorda and Puerto Barrios Guatemala.

Road
There are road links with Chetumal on the Mexican border and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. Regular scheduled bus services serve these routes, leaving between every half hour or hour for Belize City. Border crossing fees may apply for a temporary importation permit, valid for one month. Documents may need to be produced. It is easy to enter Belize by bus from US border cities via Cancun, Mexico City and Chetumal.


   
Copyright © 2005 Columbus Travel Publishing Ltd
Terms and conditions apply