Belize Travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveling to Belize
Flights into BZE, Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport
Many of the major airlines fly into Belize such as American Airlines, Air Canada, Copa Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United all offer non-stop direct flights.
Due to the pandemic, many of the airlines have changed schedules and/or suspended service. Please check your flights carefully before booking.
Getting to Ambergris Caye, San Pedro
There are to local airlines to take you from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to the island of Ambergris Caye, Tropic Air & Mayan Air. Flights average about $150 USD per person roundtrip from BZE to SPR.
Traveling with Pets
Pets must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by a registered veterinarian from your country of origin and an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. At this time, Los Encantos guest are not permitted to bring pets to the villas.
The flight from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is about 20 minutes. Be sure to have your camera or phone ready to take some great pictures of the beautiful waters as you head over to the island.
There is an additional option of taking the Ocean Ferry Belize which operates 5 times per day between Belize City and San Pedro. The cost is about $50 per person from Belize City to San Pedro.
Valid Passport Required
Passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after your date of arrival. Visitors are allowed a one-month stay. Visas are not required for citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, United Kingdom and its territories, European Union, Caribbean and Central American countries.
Immigration & Customs
You will need to clear both immigration and customs prior to getting to your connecting flight on Tropic or Mayan Air or heading to catch the Ferry.
The process typically takes about 45 minutes, be patient, remember you will be on island time once you arrive.
COVID Entry
At this time, proof of vaccination and/or negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival is all that is required for entry.
What is the official language of Belize?
English is the official language, however, other languages spoken are Spanish, Maya, Mandarin and Garifuna.
What is the weather like in Belize?
The average temperature is about 84 degrees (29 C).
If you are enjoying the costal sea breezes, it will be perfect. You might get an afternoon shower but that’s just part of being in the islands!
Belizes’s dry season is February to May and the wet season is June through December with the majority of the rainfall being in June and July.
Hurricanes can impact Belize but we have been fortunate with only a few storms over the years.
What is the Belize Tourism Gold Standard?
The Belize Tourism Board has launched the “Tourism Gold Standard” Recognition Program for hotels in the country. This 9-point program seeks to enhance the tourism industry’s health and safety standards by adapting new behaviors and procedures to ensure both employees and travelers are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize’s tourism product.
In this initial phase of reopening for international visitation, hotels approved for reopening will operate within a “tourism safe corridor”. Hotels and villas approved to open within the safe corridor:
- Have achieved the Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition
In addition to the above, hotels and villas are implementing:
- social distancing and the use of face masks while in public spaces;
- online check-in/out, contactless payment systems, and automated ordering/booking systems;
- hand sanitizing stations across the property;
- enhanced room cleaning and increase sanitization of public spaces and high touch surfaces;
- daily health checks for guests and employees;
- designated ‘Isolation/Quarantine rooms’ for suspected Covid-19 cases and action plans for handling suspected employees or guests.
Travelers visiting Belize will be able to enjoy their vacation while being confident their safety is the a top priority.
How do we get around the Island?
On Ambergris Caye, you’ll find the majority of locals and tourist travel via Golf Cart. You can rent for a few days or by the week. Depending on your group size you can get a 4 seater or a 6 seater golf cart.
There are many golf cart companies available on the island but buyer beware! Make sure you rent a golf cart from a licensed company, if you don’t you the tourist are subject to a $150 USD fine by local police.
Reef Management can make recommendations on reputable golf cart companies to rent from during your stay.
What is the Currency? What Credit Cards are Accepted?
Los Encantos Villas accepts VISA and MasterCard which is fairly common on the island of Ambergris Caye. Some larger shops, hotels, restaurants and tour companies may take American Express.
The official exchange rate is $2 Belize to $1 US. Credit card companies and bank machines can charge you a fee for conversion. US cash can be traded at a direct 2 to 1 and accepted universally on the island.
All businesses take US dollars and however, if you need change, it will be in Belizean dollars.
What Should I Pack?
Ambergris Caye is a casual, easy going island. Just about anywhere you go on the island, shorts, t-shirts and flip flops are all you need. If you want to dress up a fun beachy dress or a polo is all you’ll need, no dress shoes or high heels!
Other important items for your trip:
Bug Spray, Hat, Sunscreen, Snorkel (if you have your own), Sunglasses, Swimsuits, Flashlight for a night beach walk, Medications,
The stores in San Pedro have many of the essential items should you leave something at home!
Is Ambergris Caye safe?
As with any travel we remind everyone to keep your valuables locked up and be aware of your surroundings. Ambergris Caye is safe and the local Belizeans are friendly and helpful.
Do I need a converter for electronic devices?
The electricity at Los Encantos consistent with US appliances. No need for any adapters here if you are traveling from the US.
Can I use my mobile phone in Belize?
To avoid excessive international charges, we recommend checking with your phone provider for services in Belize. Some companies offer at Travel Pass, which is a flat international fee for usage, but check with your carrier. If you have an iPhone on WiFi you can easily use Messages, FaceTime and use WhatsApp for communication with friends and family.
What is the time zone of Belize and Ambergris Caye?
Belize is on Central Standard Time year-round and does not observe daylight savings.
What’s included with our Villa during our rental stay?
- Welcome Basket of Local Belizean Favorites
- Maid Service, every 2 days
- Reef Management Staff
- On-site caretakers Harly & Nevia
About Belize
The 1st to arrive in Belize were the Mayan’s around 1500 B.C. Christopher Columbus was the 1st European to arrive on the coast in 1502 and 1st European settlement was established in 1638.
In 1840, Belize became a “Colony of British Honduras.” In January 1964, a full self- government with a ministerial system was granted and in 1973 the regions name changed from British Honduras to Belize. Belize established full independence September 21, 1981.
