Belize

About the same size as Wales, Belize rests on the Caribbean coast between Mexico and Guatemala: an exotic, English-speaking, adventurer's paradise, just a couple of hours away from three major United States cities. Almost half the country has been preserved as nature parks and reserves, including tropical forests teeming with wildlife and hiding mysterious Mayan ruins, and 174 miles (280km) of coastline featuring the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

The reef and the country's numerous offshore cayes, or atolls, have made this one of the world's most desirable destinations for scuba divers and marine researchers. They come to explore unique features like the famous 'Blue Hole', a collapsed submerged cave 1,000 feet (305m) in diameter and 412 feet (126m) deep.

Archaeologically Belize is fascinating too, having been the site of mighty Mayan cities from around 1,000 BC until the inexplicable disintegration of that great civilisation around 900 AD. There are believed to be thousands of Mayan ruins in Belize, of which about 600 have been discovered and excavated, many now open to tourists.

Like most Caribbean countries Belize was occupied by British and Spanish colonialists over the centuries before gaining independence (only lately recognised by neighbouring Guatemala which laid claim to the territory) in 1981. Today it is a happy-go-lucky multi-ethnic nation of warm, friendly people, very welcoming of the tourists on whom the country's economy relies heavily.

The main urban city (although not the capital) is Belize City, which offers some attractions like a world-class zoo, a new museum, historic buildings and the Maya site of Altun Ha. Basically, though, Belize is a destination for the outdoor enthusiast and adventure traveller. There are not many nightclubs, expensive shopping venues or fancy restaurants, but there is plenty of scope for diving, snorkelling, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking and exploring.

Climate

Belize weather features a temperate climate marked by two distinct seasons, the rainy and the dry. There is a notable transition from the one to the next. Rainfall during the rainy season occurs between June and November with rainfall averages ranging between 60 inches (1,524mm) in the north to 160 inches (4,064mm) in the south. Except for the southern regions, the rainfall is variable from year to year. Average temperatures range from 81°F (27°C) along the coast to 69°F (21°C) in the hills. The coldest month is January and the warmest temperatures are experienced in May.

Money

The unit of currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is fixed against the US$ as BZ$2 = US$1. Most tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants and tour operators accept US currency and travellers cheques. Credit cards are also accepted, and most banks in Belize City and Belmopan will advance cash against Visa or MasterCard. When using credit cards most establishments will add a 5% service charge to the bill. First Caribbean International Bank has several ATMs in Belize City. Always make sure you understand which dollar rate is being quoted, either Belize Dollars or US Dollars.

Passport Visa

All visitors to Belize (except cruise ship passengers) must produce a passport valid for at least the period of their intended stay. All visitors should also have return tickets and documents for onward travel, and funds amounting to US$50 per person per day.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
• British passport holders, irrespective of endorsement regarding national status, do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
• Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
• Australians do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
• South Africans do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
• Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
• New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.

Health

No vaccinations are required for entry to Belize. Travellers arriving from a yellow-fever infected area require a vaccination certificate. Cases of dengue fever have occurred, and seem to be on the increase, so insect repellent is strongly advised. Malaria prevention is recommended for those travelling outside Belize City. Potable water is available in most areas of Belize but it is advisable, if in doubt, to drink bottled or boiled water. Medical facilities are poor in the city, and almost non-existent elsewhere. Cases of severe illness or injury usually require expensive medical evacuation. Adequate medical insurance is therefore vital. For divers there is a hyperbaric chamber at Ambergris Caye.

Embassy Consulates

• Belize Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 9636.
• Belize High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7723 3603.
• Belize High Commission, Ontario, Canada: +1 613 232 2826.
• Consulate of Belize, Sydney, Australia: +61 (0)2 9880 7160.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Belmopan: +501 822 4011.
• British High Commission, Belmopan: +501 822 2981
• Canadian Honorary Consulate, Belize City: +501 223 1060.
• Australian Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico (also responsible for Belize): +52 (0)55 1101 2200.
• South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Belize): +1 876 978 3160/4457.
• Mission of Ireland to the UN, New York City, United States (also responsible for Belize): +1 212 421 6934.