BELIZE

Passport and/or Visa Requirements: A passport valid for at least six months past one's planned stay in Belize is required of American citizens. Americans do not need visas to enter Belize for up to thirty days for tourism, though onward or return air tickets and proof of sufficient funds are required. Additional information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Belize at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 332-9636. Information is also available at the Belizean Consulate in Miami or at the Belizean Mission to the U.N. in New York.

Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at tel. (404) 332-4559, or via the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov.

Travel Warnings, Advisories and Areas of Instability: Crime, including robbery and mugging, continues to be a problem. Belize City is the site of more reported incidents than other areas of the country. Crimes against tourists at resorts, while not unheard of, are rare. The incidence of such crimes as theft, burglary and pickpocketing rises around the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Travelers who keep valuables out of sight, do not wear jewelry, and who travel in groups during daylight hours, minimize the risk of being targeted. Individuals may contact the Belizean tourist police as well as regular law enforcement officials for assistance.

Penalties for possession of unlicensed firearms or unlicensed ammunition are strict, including high fines and mandatory jail sentences for repeat offenders. Americans contemplating bringing firearms or ammunition into Belize should contact the Belizean Embassy for additional information on importation.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet,"A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication and others, such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Belize for possession and trafficking in drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 1993, the FAA has found the government of Belize civil aviation authority not to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Belizean air carrier operations. Operations to the U.S. by Belizean air carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have their flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting international aviation safety standards. The Department of Defense does not permit U.S. military personnel to use carriers from Belize for official business except in extenuating circumstances. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at tel. 1-(800)-322-7873.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: Roads in Belize vary from two-lane paved roads to dirt tracks. It is not uncommon to encounter pedestrians, horses, bicycles or motorized vehicles traveling or stopped on highways and roads. Service stations are available on the two main highways connecting Belize City with Mexico and Guatemala at distant but reasonable intervals. There are few service stations other than on these highways or in large towns. There are no emergency road services, and there are few public telephones, even on the major highways. It is not recommended that travelers drive after dark, given the condition of the roads, the lack of services and the absence of street lighting. It is recommended for safety reasons that travelers not stop to offer assistance to others whose vehicles have apparently broken down.

Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belize City and obtain updated information on travel and security within Belize. The U.S. Embassy in Belize is located at the intersection of Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street in Belize City, tel. 011 (501-2) 77161.