To ensure the smoothest transition from your international flight to exploring Belize and eventually departing, we've created this comprehensive guide filled with essential details, helpful tips, and everything you need to know for a seamless journey.
Which Airports offer Direct flights to Belize?
When planning your trip, one of the first things you'll want to do is book your flight to Belize. It's possible to fly direct to Philip Goldson International Airport from multiple cities throughout North America (and beyond).
Direct service is available from the following cities in the U.S. and Canada:
Air Canada
- Toronto (YYZ)
Alaska Airlines
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Seattle (SEA)
American Airlines
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Dallas (DFW)
- Miami (MIA)
Delta Airlines
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- Chicago (ORD)
Southwest Airlines
- Denver (DEN)
- Hobby (HOU)
Sun Country Airlines
- Minneapolis (MSP)
United Airlines
- Houston (IAH and HOU)
- Newark (EWR)
- Denver (DEN)
- Chicago (ORD)
Jet Blue
- New York (JFK)
West Jet
- Toronto (YYZ)
- Calgary (YYC
To find the best flight at the lowest price, use Google Flights or another flight tracker to compare dates and track fare changes. Set a price alert for flights to Philip Goldson International Airport and receive email updates when fares rise or drop. When you're ready to book, it's best to do so directly with the airline rather than a third-party site, as customer service through third parties can be unreliable. Booking directly also ensures you can select your preferred seat without hassle.
Entrance Requirements
Before booking that airfare you'll want to be sure you have all the documents you'll need to enter the country. All visitors must have a valid passport that doesn't expire for at least six months after their planned departure date. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the British Commonwealth (other than India) do not require a visa. If you're arriving from another country, be sure to check specific visa requirements through the official Belize immigration site.
All visitors should also be prepared to show they have a round-trip or an onward ticket. Your visitor's permit will be stamped into your passport at the port of entry for stays of up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer than that you will need to obtain an extended stay permit from the immigration authorities.
Traveling with Children
One of the most important things to be aware of in our Complete Guide to Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) for those traveling with children is that if both parents won't be present you must have a notarized travel authorization letter from the non-present parent, or the parents of a child that is not your own. Without this document, boarding will be denied until proper paperwork is provided.
Immigration
About an hour before landing, you'll want to have a pen ready to fill out the immigration forms. Even better, fill out your forms online ahead of time. You won't have to worry about finding a pen and it's an easy, intuitive process. You'll simply input your trip and personal details and then submit the forms electronically. Upon arrival, the immigration and customs officials will have your information ready, making travel simpler as well as aligning with the country's commitment to sustainability by reducing the use of paper forms. The immigration officer will ask you where you will be staying in Belize so be prepared to provide the name of your hotel or other accommodation and its location.
Immigration is the first stop after entering the arrival terminal. If you didn't fill out your forms online or on the plane before landing, you can fill them out here but it's likely to put you at the back of what could be a long line, especially if several flights arrive around the same time. You'll want to get in line as quickly as possible if you need to catch a ground shuttle or a puddle jumper flight.
Baggage Claim
Baggage claim is often where travelers experience the longest wait. With only two carousels serving all incoming flights, the process can take some time, especially during peak travel hours.
While waiting for your luggage, you can take advantage of the duty-free shops nearby, which offer a selection of liquor, perfume, chocolates, and souvenirs. There are also restrooms available in the baggage claim area, making it a convenient time to freshen up before continuing your journey. Once you have your bags, you'll head to customs.
Customs
After collecting your luggage you'll head to the customs inspection station. Your luggage goes through a scanner screening similar to going through security before continuing to the customs agent. If you're just visiting and have only personal items you can use the line marked "Nothing to Declare," which is usually faster. Of course, if you're bringing in commercial merchandise that you plan to leave in the country, you'll need to declare them and may be assessed a tariff which is paid at the cashier window at the exit. Have cash on hand if you expect to bring any imported goods.
Time to Get Through the Airport After Arrival
The entire process for an international arrival from deplaning to clearing immigration and customs can vary significantly depending on the season but it usually takes less than an hour during the slower periods. It's best to give yourself 60 to 90 minutes if you'll be catching a connecting flight, such as to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Connections/Domestic Airlines
Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are the two main local airlines offering daily domestic flights across Belize, with flying usually the quickest option to get your final destination. Plus, you'll be able to take in a bird's-eye view of the landscapes below, especially dazzling from a small passenger plane.
Instead of exiting the building after you clear the customs inspection, you'll go straight through the double doors. If you're unsure of where to go, airport personnel can direct you.
Ground Transport: Taxis & Car Rentals
While a flight is the best way to get to San Pedro or Caye Caulker, if you're going anywhere else you'll probably need to take a taxi. If you're going to Belize City, you can grab an airport taxi right after exiting the terminal by walking to your left where you'll see the taxi cabs lined up. All taxis in Belize have green license plates making them easily recognizable. Standard fares start at around BZD 60 (USD 30). Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Bring cash as credit cards often aren't accepted, but you can use U.S. or Belize dollars.
If you've reserved a car rental, as soon as you exit the terminal you'll walk straight across to the parking lot where the rental car offices are located.
Departures
You'll need to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for an international flight. Similar to your arrival, there is a disembarkation form to fill out at departure which can be done online on the same site. It is also possible to fill out the paper form at the airport. You'll also need to clear immigration at exit, which is a quick and simple process that includes an exit stamp. Although there are departure fees, these are typically included in your airfare. Once you've cleared the security screening, you'll be inside the main departure terminal. As the airport is so small, it will be easy to find your gate. If you have extra time you'll find a few gift shops, including duty-free stores that are ideal for picking up last-minute souvenirs and other items. You'll also find a coffee shop and several restaurants bringing one last opportunity to enjoy Belizean cuisine before your flight is called.
With our Complete Guide to Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), both arrival and departure are sure to be a breeze ensuring you enjoy a virtually stress-free experience from start to finish.
