Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Belize and Guatemala. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. A visa is not required for visits up to 30 days in Belize and up to 90 days in Guatemala.
If you are traveling with minors, you may be asked to show U.S. birth certificates for each child. You may also be required to present documentation that the minor is traveling with the permission of any non-traveling parents/guardians, such as with a notarized letter of consent, custody decree, adoption papers, or death certificates.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Belizean and Guatemalan Embassies for the requirements based on your nationality.
When leaving Belize by air, there is a departure tax of USD $55.50, which is usually included in the cost of your airfare. Consult with your airline to determine whether the departure tax is included in your ticket cost. If the departure tax is not included in your ticket cost, it should be paid at the airport prior to check-in, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). When crossing the land border into Guatemala, please be prepared to pay the exit fee of USD $20 for U.S. citizens, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). Please note exit taxes are subject to change without prior notice.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Belize or Guatemala, unless you are traveling from (or transiting through) a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.
The CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers visiting Belize and Guatemala.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. The CDC advises that travelers to the Petén department of Guatemala (where Tikal is located) may be at risk for malaria. Travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites: Cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Consult your physician to determine whether antimalarial medication is recommended.
DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES
Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Belize and Guatemala. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue and are spreading it to people. Additionally, locally transmitted cases of Zika virus, leishmaniasis, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported in Belize and Guatemala. As there are no vaccinations to protect against these illnesses, the CDC recommends travelers protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above.
As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a fullbody check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.