Before visiting the country of Belize there are some things about the country that you should be aware of. Belize, located in Central America, is a rapidly growing country that is filled with historical sites, beautiful landscape and scenery, and friendly people. It’s always better to know something about the country you are visiting so that you can discuss basic things with the residents without appearing uneducated.

Bordered by Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and Guatemala, the next closest country to Belize is Honduras with the Caribbean Sea the only thing separating them. It went independent in 1981 but it is still a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The country, like the United States, has its own Constitution and Bill of Rights that protect the citizens and it is ruled by a democratic Parliament. Belize has two political parties, the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party. It is good to know this information while visiting the country in the event there is a governmental upheaval.

The country is small, about the size of Massachusetts, consisting of the mainland and over 200 islands – known as ‘cayes’ – that run along its coast line. The islands range in their size and many of them are located within the area known as the Belize Barrier Reef, a 200 mile stretch of coral reef off of Belize that provides visitors to the country who enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling with plenty of aquatic vistas to see. With a population of around 320,000, the ethnic diversity of this country is impressive. It includes Hispanics – the largest group – Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, Mayan, Anglo-European, Asian, Creoles (African-European), Middle Eastern, and Garifuna (African-Indian). The majority of the residents speak English, but Spanish is also prevalent. Creole, Mayan, German, and Garifuna are also spoken in Belize.

Visitors to Belize can gain entry to the country via international airline transportation and by the sea at various ports of entry. In order to gain entry to the country, visitors are required to have a valid passport that remains valid until they leave the country. They can stay in the country up to 30 days before requiring an ‘extension of entry’ which are issued on a month by month basis. If you are planning on working in the country during your stay you may require a visa depending on the country you are visiting from. Visitors from Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Venezuela, members of the European Union, the United States, and CARICOM member states do not need a visa in Belize. These visa requirements are subject to change and all visitors should check to see if their country of origin requires a visa for entry to Belize and work privileges.

All visitors traveling to Belize should exchange their home currency for the Belize Dollar prior to entering the country. Because of the recent financial events around the world, the exchange rate for the Belize Dollar is consistently changing. Citizens from the United States visiting Belize can use the American Dollar in the country without having to exchange their currency. Traveler’s checks and major credit cards are accepted in most cities, tourist areas, and shops.

Belize does offer all common telecommunication services to visitors although rates are much higher than in other countries. There are also Internet cafes throughout the country for visitors to enjoy even in the smallest town in Belize.