Belize

Table of Contents

About Belize

Belize is a sovereign country and Commonwealth realm located in Central America.

Population: 411,000

Language: English

Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)

Religion: Christianity (61%)

Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Political Rights and Civil Liberties: 88/100 (Free country)

Head of State: His Majesty King Charles III

Head of Government: The Honourable John Antonio Briceño MP

Information for Barbadian nationals

Entry requirements

Barbadian citizens may enter and remain in Belize on an indefinite basis under the freedom of movement.

Getting to Belize

There are no direct flights between Barbados and Belize. A popular route to reach Belize from Barbados is via Panama with Copa Airlines.

Living and working in Belize

Barbadian citizens have the right to live and work in Belize on an indefinite basis under the freedom of movement. No visa or permit is required.

Currency and payments

The currency in Belize is called the Belize Dollar (BZD). $1 is equivalent to 100 cents. As the local currency is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate, the US dollar is widely accepted usually at an exchange rate of USD $1.00 to BZD $2.00. Other foreign currencies, including the Barbados Dollar, are not usually accepted by local businesses as a means of payment.

Travelling overseas with a Barbados Dollar account? Check your foreign currency limit with your bank. For most individuals, it's $20,000 per year, in equivalent foreign currency. If your limit runs out while overseas, you WILL NOT be able to use your debit or credit card outside Barbados.

Always keep an eye on your foreign currency limit, and use the FOREX Online platform to request a replenishment at least 7 days before you anticipate running out. You can be stranded for several days without the ability to pay for anything if your limit runs out while overseas. Learn more.

Local laws and customs

There is zero tolerance to the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in Belize. Persons convicted of drugs-related offences can expect long prison sentences and heavy fines.

Communication style

Avoid speaking in Bajan creole or using Bajan terms or idioms as the locals will not understand you. Be mindful that you will be speaking to persons from a different culture. Remember to be sensitive to cultural differences.

Be mindful how you respond to closed questions. Avoid responding with "no, please" as this phrase sounds unusual to persons outside Barbados and may cause confusion. If you are asked a question in which you are being offered something, you should respond with "yes, please" or "no, thank you". For all other yes/no questions, you should simply respond with "yes" or "no" and avoid using the verb "please".

If you are arrested or detained in Belize

Any person charged with a criminal offence has the right to receive a timely, fair and public hearing by an independent, impartial court and to be tried by jury. You have the right to be present at your trial and to consult with an attorney at law of your choice. You cannot be compelled to testify or confess guilt. These rights are guaranteed by the Belizean Constitution.