The GSA
All country guides

Country guide

Belize

Visa

No visa needed

Vaccinations

Conditional

Currency

Belize Dollar (BZD). USD also widely accepted.

Time zones

UTC / GMT – 6 (8 hours behind South Africa)

Dialing code

+501

Best time to go

late November to mid-April

Drinking water

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available in main towns, but in rural areas, water purification tablets should be used. Milk is unpasteurised.

Travel tips

Exchange local currency back before leaving the country.

Visa guide

Visa requirements

South African passport holders do not need a visa to enter Belize as a tourist (for stays under 30 days).

One day cruise ship travellers do not require a visa for Belize

All visitors must travel to Belize on a valid passport (non-expired). The passport must be valid for no less than six months after the intended period of stay in Belize.

For visa information, please visit: Belize Immigration: immigration.gov.bz/visa/visa-who-qualify/

SA representative

Representation accredited from Kingston, Jamaica

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio

Malaria Risk

Public holidays

2026: Jan 1, 15; Mar 9; Apr 3-4, 6; May 1; Jul 31; Aug 1; Sep 10, 21; Nov 19; Dec 25-26, 28

Please check with relevant authorities for the latest updates before travel.

Last updated: 10 June 2026