Juntos Belize | Essentials for Travel

This list contains a bit more information and a few packing suggestions for your upcoming trip to Belize. It’s been curated by several people over numerous trips, but let us know if we’ve missed anything.

Belize Entry/Exit Requirements:

Formally, Belize Customs/Immigration requires a passport valid only beyond your planned departure date. But I suggest ensuring your passport is valid >6 months beyond your departure date. Visas are NOT required for U.S. citizens for visits of up to 30 days.

Visitors travelling with minor children may be asked to show birth certificates for each child.  When children are not traveling with both parents, immigration officials often request signed documentation to establish the children are traveling with the permission of both parents; that may include notarized letters from the parent(s), custody or adoption papers, and death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.

On the airplane trip into Belize, you’ll be asked to complete and sign a Customs/Immigration form that will ask for a few details about your visit, so bring a pen and plan to provide:

  • Airline and flight numbers

  • Where you plan to stay (Warrie Head Resort, 54 George Price Hwy, Ontario Village)

Once you arrive in Belize City, you’ll exit the plane through the front or rear exit, walk into the airport, and claim your luggage. All of the airlines land at about the same time in Belize City so expect to stand in line for 20-30 minutes (maybe longer) and endure a moderate level of chaos. And there’s a restroom just inside the airport before the first check in area.

Once you have your luggage, proceed to Customs/Immigration where you’ll find two gates to exit the airport for a) passengers with items to declare, and b) passengers without any items to declare (including duty free).

Again, if you’ll have something to declare, please talk with your trip host before leaving the U.S.

What to Pack | Essentials:

  • Lightweight, quick dry clothing 

  • Comfortable walking shoes 

  • Rain jacket

  • Sleepwear

  • Sunglasses

  • Baseball Cap

  • Swimsuit

  • Smart Phone + Laptop w/ chargers

  • Dopp kit

  • Prescription meds

  • Emergency contact info (Keep a copy in your luggage)

  • Bug spray (w/ Deet)

  • Itch cream w/ Benadryl 

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Flashlight

  • Cash (~$100 USD, small bills for customs and tips mostly)

  • Drivers License

  • Credit Cards (2 max)

  • Passport (w/ min 6 months before expiration, keep a backup copy in your luggage)

  • Water bottle w/ IV hydration packs

Things you might not think of:

  • Night light

  • Extension cord

  • Headphones and Charger (for the flight to/from)

  • AirTags (Luggage, purse, anything else that might wander away)

  • Ear plugs, Sleep Sound Machine (CPAP)

  • Backup Power Module for Smartphone

  • Backpack

What NOT to Bring:

  • Valuables (Subject to loss and disappointment)

  • Heavy Clothing (Hot and retains moisture, especially in the summer)

  • Flashy Jewelry or Clothes (Attracts undesirable attention)

  • Camo anything (Reserved for Belize Military)

  • Drones (Subject to confiscation by Customs at the airport)

About Belize Immigration/Customs

Normally we bring a few items with us for the team in Belize. That might include Evergreen study guides, Bibles, and a few other possibilities requested by the team that could range from peanut butter, vitamins, travel size deodorants, and the like. In most cases, these items are either not available locally or difficult to find in the quantity needed.

If Belize Customs sees anything like that in your luggage, they may ask you to pay a duty fee based on retail value. In some cases, that might be appropriate, so bring receipts if possible to help establish the commercial value. In other cases, duty may not apply for items you plan to donate or use in ministry. In this scenario, arrange before the trip to obtain a letter which states the intended purpose on your sponsor’s letterhead.

All this to say, please let your trip leaders know what you plan to bring beyond your personal items and discuss options. If you and they decide you’ll need to pay duty, that’s one of the reasons we suggested bringing some cash.

If you’re traveling with me, I normally make arrangements for Stephen to meet us when we arrive, especially if it’s a large group. He’s a tall gentleman and will always wear an LSU cap or jersey, so he’s easy to spot. Find him, let him know you’re with me, and he’ll help with luggage and escort you through Customs/Immigration. He’s good hands; tip him and you’ll be friends for life.

Other Suggestions

  • Most of the people on your flight are on vacation or just got married, so don’t be surprised if the mood is lite. Take the opportunity to meet your neighbors and enjoy the short flight.

  • Download the map of Belize on your smartphone before you leave the U.S. Cell/wireless service in remote areas of Belize is unpredictable, but the GPS in your phone will still work for navigation. (Trust me, this could be lifesaver when things get sideways.)

  • Download a couple Netflix movies and bring your Bluetooth headphones for the flight to/from Belize and/or airport layovers. Or bring a book, or whatever you’re favorite pastime might be.

  • Pack prescription meds, personal items, and clothing for 1-2 days, a few snacks, and an airtag in your carry-on bag … just in case.

  • Bring a couple dozen IV hydration packs, especially if you’re traveling to Belize in the summer. Plan to drink at least 1-2 yourself/day and leave the remainder in Belize with friends. Those IV packs are incredibly helpful to keep hydrated without drinking your weight in water every day, and they’re not available in Belize.

  • Tipping is optional. Some people do, some don’t … you won’t be the first person confused about this. My suggestion would be to take the high road and plan to leave $5-10 with Stephen, 10-20% at meals, etc.

  • And finally, prepare yourself and your family for a trip into a third world country. The tourist destinations in the coastal areas are pleasant, but lifestyles and living conditions in the rest of the country are modest. Commit to invest yourself in the people and culture, and enjoy the surroundings.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

Richard Talbot | 512 289-2157 | rdtalbot@gmail.com