Call 0330 880 3600 Calls may be monitored or recorded. Opening Times.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
- COVID-19 ENHANCED COVER
- More Options
- Help & Advice
- Existing Customers
Call 0330 880 3600 Calls may be monitored or recorded. Opening Times.
Need help?
UK Customer Services0330 880 3600*
Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.
*Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes.
Official name: Belize
Capital city: Belmopan
Languages spoken: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, Creole
Population: Around 430,000
Currency: Belize dollar (BZD)
Time zone: GMT-6
Driving side: Right
Climate: Subtropical - dry season Jan–May, wet season Jun–Nov; hurricanes possible in wet season
Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, blending Caribbean and Central American influences. It is famous for its lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Small but diverse, Belize is a hotspot for eco-tourism, marine adventures, and wildlife encounters.
Belize borders Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Its terrain ranges from mangrove-fringed cayes and coastal swamps to rainforest-covered hills and the Maya Mountains. Offshore lies the Belize Barrier Reef, the world’s second largest. The tropical climate is hot and humid year-round, with seasonal hurricanes and flooding as natural hazards.
Tourism focuses on diving, snorkelling, and jungle exploration. Roads outside major towns can be rough and unpaved, though buses and shared taxis offer basic connections. Domestic flights link remote spots and islands. Crime is higher in Belize City, where travellers should avoid isolated areas after dark and stick to official taxis. Rural and coastal areas are generally safer, but normal precautions are advised.
UK and EU nationals can enter visa-free for up to 30 days; extensions are available from immigration authorities. Passports must be valid for six months after arrival, and proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be required. Belize has embassies and high commissions in major capitals, while the British High Commission in Belmopan supports UK citizens.
The Belize dollar (BZD) is pegged at 2 BZD = 1 USD, and US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available in major towns but can be unreliable. Card use is limited outside tourist areas, so carrying cash is important, particularly when visiting rural villages or smaller islands.
Healthcare is limited outside Belize City, where the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and private clinics provide the best care. Serious conditions may require evacuation to Mexico or the US. Pharmacies exist but stocks vary, so bring essential medication. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria are present, and bottled or treated water is safest. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Get travel insurance
Single trip travel insurance Annual multi-trip travel insurance Pre-existing medical conditions Compare travel insuranceSubscribe to our newsletter
For discounts, competitions, news, tips & more.
