CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Belize

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 7 has been updated (H1N1).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Belize

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travellers to Belize should exercise a high degree of caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities. A moderate crime rate exists throughout the country, and crimes could involve the use of weapons.

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Criminal activity, including robbery and mugging, is a significant problem in Belize City and has recently increased in and near Belmopan. It is also occasionally reported in resort areas. It increases seasonally around Christmas and New Year. Occasional violent crimes against tourists have occurred. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence and travel in groups. Use taxis after dark instead of walking. The emergency number for police is 911.

Armed robberies have occasionally occurred near the western border with Guatemala, including near and around Caracol. Land travel to areas along the border with Guatemala should be done during daylight hours only. Be cautious when visiting Mayan archeological sites in that region. Treks and excursions should be undertaken with experienced tour guides.

Cases of sexual assault against female travellers have been reported in the past few years. Female travellers should be vigilant at all times and be careful of accepting food, drinks or rides from strangers.

Recreational Activities

You should ensure the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance, and that rental sporting and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition, especially for diving and snorkelling.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Belize authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the High Commission of Belize or its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Belize. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada.

All Canadians visiting Belize must possess a ticket for an onward or return journey and proof of sufficient funds (considered to be US$60 a day). At least half of this total must be in cash; the remaining portion may be covered by credit cards.

Border officials sometimes charge foreigners excessive entry or exit fees. Obtain current information before leaving Canada. If you are overcharged, ask to see a senior official and/or report the matter to the Consulate of Canada.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa or Permit: Required
Student Visa: Required

There is an airport departure tax of US$ 35, which is normally included in the price of the plane ticket.

Travellers must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are coming from an infected area.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Belize - BELIZE CITY, Consulate of Canada
Address: 80 Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City, Belize
Postal Address: P.O. Box 610, Belize City, Belize,
Tel.: (501) 223-1060
Fax: (501) 223-0060
E-Mail: cdncon.bze@btl.net

The Consulate is supervised by the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Services are limited and hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Guatemala - GUATEMALA CITY, Embassy of Canada
Address: Edyma Plaza Building, 8th Floor, 13 Calle 8-44, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Postal Address: P.O. Box 400, Guatemala City, Guatemala,
Tel.: (502) 2363-4348
Fax: (502) 2365-1216
E-Mail: gtmla@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.guatemala.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Local authorities have implemented screening measures at all ports of entry in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak.

It is recommended to take measures against water-borne diseases and avoid swimming in local rivers, especially in the Mopan and Roaring Creek rivers in the Cayo District. Avoid insect bites when on the southern coast or in the jungles and avoid being stung by jellyfish when snorkelling.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever can be a threat, especially during the rainy season, when stagnant water becomes a fertile breeding ground. Dengue transmission is particularly risky in Cayo District. Travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent. Water-borne and food-borne diseases are prevalent. Purify tap water or buy bottled water, and avoid ice cubes. Fruits and vegetables washed in tap water should be disinfected, peeled or cooked. Purchase only reliably pasteurized and refrigerated products. Choose restaurants carefully. Avoid consuming food or beverages sold by street vendors.

Medical facilities are limited and severe emergency cases require evacuation to another country at the expense of the patient.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Individuals and organizations must obtain a permit to possess pre-Columbian artefacts. A CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit is needed to collect, possess, and/or export certain plants, animals, and/or plant and animal products.

Use or possession of illegal drugs is severely punished. Offenders may be fined or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession of unlicensed firearms or unlicensed ammunition are strict, including high fines and mandatory jail sentences for repeat offenders.

Some homosexual acts are illegal.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Only use official border crossings to enter Guatemala.

Roads are often poorly maintained and lit. Avoid driving after dark, especially on rural roads. Belize has four paved highways: the Western Highway from Belize City to Benque Viejo del Carmen and on to the Guatemalan border; the Northern Highway from Belize City to Corozal and on to the Mexican border; the Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan to Dangriga; and the Southern Highway from Dangriga to the resort area of Placencia and on to the southernmost town of Punta Gorda. Be careful crossing bridges on the Hummingbird and Southern Highways, since these bridges are usually only one lane. Most other roads are unpaved; they can be very dusty in the dry season, while major puddles and mud can be a problem in the rainy season. Bicycles and livestock constitute a traffic hazard, especially in urban areas.

Service stations are available on the three main highways connecting Belize City with Mexico, Guatemala, and southern Belize. Always keep your tank full when in remote areas, as service stations are few and they usually close for holidays. There are no emergency road services. A few public telephones can be found in larger villages only. You should not stop to offer assistance to others whose vehicles appear to have broken down.

Rental vehicles are available to drivers over the age of 25. Travellers should purchase sufficient car insurance.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Public buses and taxis are often unsafe due to poor vehicle maintenance. You should only use registered taxi vehicles with green license plates. Passenger boats may be unsafe as well.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Belizean dollar (BZD). Cash advances can be obtained at local banks with major international credit cards.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. You are advised to monitor the Web site of the Belize National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) for local information on hurricane tracking and preparations. Visit the Web site of the United States National Hurricane Center for regional hurricane information.

Flooding and mudslides can occur during this period. Transportation, utilities, emergency and medical care, as well as food, fuel, and water supplies, may be disrupted. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the nearest Canadian government office if they require assistance. Travellers should check with their travel agent or tour operator to confirm their travel plans prior to departure.

The low-lying coastal islands of Belize are particularly vulnerable to direct hits by hurricanes and tropical storms. The islands have been cut off from communications and outside assistance during hurricanes. Extensive flooding as a result of storm activity is common both on the islands and in areas of the country not directly affected by hurricanes.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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