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All visitors to Belize (except cruise ship passengers) must produce a passport valid for at least the period of their intended stay. All visitors should also have return tickets and documents for onward travel, and funds amounting to US$50 per person per day.
Americans: United States citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
UK nationals: British citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to one
month. A valid passport is required.
Australians: Australians not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
South Africans: South Africans do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. A valid passport is required.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to Belize although Hepatitis A and typhoid immunisation is recommended. Travellers arriving from a yellow-fever infected area require a vaccination certificate. Cases of dengue fever have occurred, and seem to be on the increase, so insect repellent is strongly advised. Malaria prevention is recommended for those travelling outside Belize City. Potable water is available in most areas of Belize but it is advisable, if in doubt, to drink bottled or boiled water. Medical facilities are poor in the city, and almost non-existent elsewhere. Cases of severe illness or injury usually require expensive medical evacuation. Adequate medical insurance is therefore vital. For divers there is a hyperbaric chamber at Ambergris Caye.
Safety
Although most visits to Belize are trouble-free, there have been incidents of tourists falling victim to violent crime. Mugging is frequent in Belize City, and in November 2005 an American tourist was murdered in the Toledo district. A resort near Belmopan, popular with foreigners, was attacked by armed robbers in February 2006, and in May 2006 a group of tourists were held up at gunpoint; one man was shot and two women were sexually assaulted. Visitors should take sensible precautions to minimise the risks. These would include not wearing expensive jewellery, keeping valuables out of sight, staying in groups, avoiding dark alleys and not walking alone on the beach at night. It is also advisable to use qualified guides for exploratory trips off the beaten track. The country is prone to hurricanes between June and November; on 21 August 2007 Hurricane Dean caused severe damage to the northern Belize coast, particularly the regions of Corozal and OrangeWalk.
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