TRAVEL INFO
What You Need To Know About Travel to Belize
Belize is an exotic travel destination,
but getting here is easy and hassle-free.
Major Airline Service To Belize
International flights land at
Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, 9 miles
north of Belize City. U.S. airlines serving
this destination include American, Continental, and Taca
International.
Flight times are 2 hours from Miami, 2.5 hours from
Houston, 5 hours from New York, and 8 hours from San
Francisco.There are no direct flights from the UK - a U.S.
connection is required.
From the International Airport a flight to Dangriga (15
minutes) is required to bring you within pickup distance to the
Lodge. If you prefer we can arrange to pick you up at the
International Airport and transport you to the Lodge by
vehicle. The transit time is approx. 2.5 hours. Stops at the
Belize Zoo and Blue Hole for a refreshing swim can easily be
arranged.
Our U.S. office can make international flight reservations for
your flight to and from Belize. You can reach us there at
800-289-5756.
The Language: English
English is the official language of Belize. In addition, local
residents may be heard speaking "Creole", an English slang with
its own vocabulary, Spanish, which is spoken widely in the north
and central regions, and Maya, which can be heard in the Toledo
District.
Currency... No
Problem!
The Belize dollar has a fixed exchange of two BZ$ to one
U.S.$. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants and tour operators will
gladly accept U.S. dollars. In addition, traveler's checks and
credit cards are widely accepted.
Given the wide acceptance of US$, ask which dollar is being
quoted before paying.
Passports are required
Visitors to Belize require a valid passport and in some instances
an entry visa. US, British, and Canadian citizens do not require
entry visas. However, visas are required by citizens from the
following countries: China, Cuba, Columbia, South Africa, Taiwan,
India, and Libya.
Travelers are permitted to stay within Belize for 30 days.
Extensions to stay longer can be processed through the Immigration
Office in Belize City for a fee of BZ$25.00.
Good News! No shots or vaccinations
Vaccinations or medical clearances are not required. It is
recommended that you bring your own prescription drugs and
anti-malaria tablets for extended jungle stays.
Potable water is available in most areas; however, if in doubt
ask or boil your water supply.
Visit us during the Festival
Here's a sampling of our National Festivals and Events:
March 19 - Baron Bliss Day
Mid-August - The San Pedro Sea & Air Festival
September 10 - The Battle of St. Georges Caye
September 21 - National Independence Day
November 19 - Garifuna Settlement Day
Taxes and Charges
There is a Hotel Room Tax of 7% on rooms. Meals and tours are subject
to a 9% government tax. In lieu of tipping, there is an 9% service
fee applied to your total bill.
On departure there is a BZ$40.00 ($20 U.S.) airport tax. A
permit is required to transport any fresh seafood. The permit is
obtained from the Fisheries Department and is limited to 20 lbs.
Your questions?
There's information
specific to vacationing at Jaguar Lodge available at our Questions & Answers
page.
Please feel free to call us at
800-289-5756, with any additional
questions you may have. Our toll free information line is
available between 6:30am - 5:00pm PST (7:00pm CST) Mon. -
Sat., and is staffed by friendly knowledgeable people who know
Belize very well and are standing by to help you plan an
unforgettable adventure travel experience. We would also be
happy to recommend other hotels in Belize should you want to
stay at more than one location during your vacation. |