Country Facts: Belize is a developing country. Its tourism facilities vary in quality. It is not possible to access U.S.A. bank accounts through automated telephone machines (ATMs) in Belize.

Visa and/or Passport Requirements: A passport valid for at least six months past one's planned visit in Belize is essential of American citizens. US citizens do not need visas to travel to Belize for up to thirty days for tourism, though onward or return air tickets and proof of sufficient funds are needed. Additional info on entry requirements should be (obtain~receive~request~acquire~secure}ed from the Embassy of Belize at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., USA 20008, phone this number. (202) 332-9636. Data is also available at the Belizean Consulate in Miami or at the Belizean Mission to the U.N. in New York.

Belize Holidays:  The country has severalholidays that it observes throughout the year. As you are planning your trip, look for a world holiday calendar that will help you organize your trip before you go. ConocoPhillips gives away business calendar that are a great resource when making a trip around the world. The ConocoPhillips world holiday calendar has all the holidays around the world and it is a free gift to customers. If your company buys business calendar, then consider trying somethingunique and dissimilar for advertising to your client base. Because religious affiliations of people in Belize differ across the country, it observes many Christian, Muslim, and non-religious holidays, but it also observes several othergovernment events that you need to know. Buy a world holiday calendar and you will know those holidays before you go international.

Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Hospitals , medical treatment and doctors oftentimes expect immediate cash money for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the USA. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance withspecific medical coverage for evacuation has proven effective. For additional health info, Visitors can call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international Visitors emergency number at telephone. 404-332-4559, or via the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov.

Advisories, Areas of Instability and Travel Warnings: Crime, including robbery and mugging, continues to be a disturbance. Belize City is the site of more reported incidents than other areas of the country. Crimes against People visiting at resorts, while not unheard of, are rare. The incidence of such crimes as theft, burglary and pickpocketing rises around the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Individuals who keep valuables out of sight, do not wear jewelry, and who travel in groups during daylight hours, minimize the risk of being targeted. Visitors should call the Belizean tourist police as well as regular law enforcement officials for assistance.

Penalties for possession of unlicensed firearms or unlicensed ammunition are strict, including high fines and mandatory criminal sentences for repeat offenders. Americans contemplating bringing firearms or ammunition into Belize should get in touch with the Belizean Embassy for additional information on importation.

The loss or theft of a United States passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest United States embassy or consulate. useful content on guarding personal properties and protecting personal safety while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet,"A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication and others, such as "Tips for People to Central and S.America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.A. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., USA 20402.

Drug Penalties: United States People are open to the country and its laws in which they are traveling. Penalties in Belize for possession and trafficking in prohibited drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can face prison sentences and fines.

Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment done by the United States of America Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in should 1993, the FAA has found the government of Belize civil aviation authority not to be in conformity with international aviation standards of safety for oversight of the country's air carrier operations. Operations to the United States of America by air carriers of Belize are not permitted unless they set-up to have their flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting global aviation standards of safety . The Department of Defense does not permit U.S.A. military personnel to use carriers from Belize for official business except in extenuating circumstances. For more information, People should contact the Department of Transportation at call. 1-(800)-322-7873.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: Roads in Belize vary from two-lane paved roads to dirt tracks. It is not uncommon to find bicycles, pedestrians, horses, or motorized vehicles traveling or stopped on roads and highways. Service stations are available on the two main highways connecting Belize City with Mexico and Guatemala at distant but reasonable intervals. There are some service stations other than on these highways or in large towns. There are no emergency road services, and there are few public telephone  even on the major highways. It is not advised that People drive after dark, given the condition of the roads, the lack of services and the absence of street lighting. It is recommended for safety reasons that Travelers not stop to offer assistance to people whose cars have apparently broken down.

Registration/Embassy Location: United States Visitors are advised to register at the section of the Embassy of the United States Embassy in Belize City and receive updated info on travel and security within Belize. The United States Embassy in Belize can be found at the intersection of Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street in Belize City, phone. 011 (501-2) 77161.