Travel Vaccinations for Belize

Advice for Travellers to all Destinations

The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.

Non-Vaccine Preventable Diseases for Belize

Heat and Humidity
Belize is tropical, and it is important to protect your skin from the intense rays of the sun. Humidity is almost always a factor. Use lots of sunblock with an SPF of at least 20, and seek shady areas where possible. Remember that the sun can burn you even when you are in the sea. Make a habit of carrying bottled water with you wherever you go.

Drinking Water
It is never safe to drink the water in Belize, and to stay healthy, it is important that you drink only bottled water, which is cheap and widely available. Also use bottled water for brushing your teeth, no matter which area you visit. Avoid using ice cubes.

Food and Drink
The cuisine of Belize is a true melting pot of Caribbean, Spanish, Mexican and Mayan food, plus a little Kriol (Creole) thrown in for good measure. Naturally, seafood dominates, with fish, shrimp, conch and lobster dishes that are only limited to the chef’s imagination. Rice and beans usually show up as accompaniments with just about any main dish. If there were a National dish in Belize, it would be stew chicken, or stew beef, slow cooked with a generous mix of spices, in the Kriol style, or a Kriol style gumbo called Chimole. Belizean cuisine mostly bypasses vegetables, but tropical fruits, mangos, carambola, papaya and many others are plentiful. Belizean beer, called Belikin, is quite good, and for something special, treat yourself to a taste of good Caribbean rum.

Seeking Treatment Abroad
If you need health care in Belize, it is always best to seek out a private clinic or doctor. In general the standard of care is quite good, however, do arrange in advance to have enough money with you to pay for any health care you might need.

Travel and Health Insurance
Protect yourself, and your family, with adequate travel health insurance which will cover your intended itinerary and any potentially risky activities.

Personal Safety
In Belize, people are warm and friendly, however, take normal precautions when on tour or walking about Belize city. There is some incidence of petty theft in some tourist areas. Be cautious, and leave your valuables at home before your trip. Keep your cash and travellers’ cheques secure.