Travel alerts & warnings
Belize driving guide.
Driving in Belize makes it easy to combine Maya sites, rainforest reserves and mainland beaches. Main highways are generally paved, but potholes, abrupt speed bumps, narrow bridges and poorly lit roads make daylight travel the safest choice.
- Advisory
- Increased caution
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- February to April
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionin Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory.
- Crime
- Isolated incidents of violent crime can happen even during the day and in tourist areas, though the south side of Belize City has historically had the highest concentration of violent crime. Crimes include sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Much of this violence is linked to gangs.
- Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes.
- Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.
- Emergency medical services are usually unavailable or significantly delayed. Serious injuries or illnesses normally require medical evacuation to another country.
- Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same guidance as government employees while traveling. U.S. government employees are strongly discouraged from:
Driving there
Your permit in Belize
- Belize honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Belize
Road rules and speed limits
Wear seat belts and avoid handheld phone use. Common limits are 25 mph (40 km/h) in towns and 55 mph (90 km/h) on highways, but posted restrictions take priority. Slow well before village entrances, where speed bumps can be difficult to spot.
Tolls and route planning
Most road-trip routes are toll-free. Keep small Belize-dollar notes available for any bridge or local access charges, and check your planned route with the rental desk. Avoid unverified navigation shortcuts onto rural tracks.
Fuel and payment
Fill up in Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio or Dangriga before remote excursions; stations become sparse near forest reserves. Carry cash as a backup and confirm whether quoted prices are in Belize or US dollars; BZ$2 equals US$1.
Rental requirements
Carry your original driving licence together with your International Driving Permit; the permit does not replace the licence. Check the company's minimum age, deposit, insurance and unpaved-road restrictions. Choose higher clearance for rough reserve access roads, and obtain explicit authorization before any international border crossing.
Police checkpoints
Police checkpoints are common on major highways and near towns. Slow down, follow officers' directions and keep your licence, International Driving Permit, rental agreement and insurance documents accessible. Carry identification and check that the rental vehicle has current registration and insurance documentation.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Belize
The Belize Zoo
Belize District · About 35–45 minutes from Belmopan.
See native wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs and toucans, at an accessible stop on the George Price Highway.
Altun Ha
Belize District · About 1–1.25 hours from Belize City.
Explore compact Maya plazas and temples on a straightforward mainland day trip.
Xunantunich
Cayo District · About 30 minutes from San Ignacio to the ferry, plus crossing and waiting time.
Visit an impressive Maya ceremonial centre overlooking the Mopan River valley; access includes a hand-cranked vehicle ferry.
Caracol
Cayo District · Allow roughly 2–3 hours from San Ignacio, depending on road conditions.
Discover a vast Maya archaeological site surrounded by forest; confirm current road conditions and access arrangements before setting out.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Stann Creek District · About 1–1.5 hours from Dangriga to the visitor centre.
Walk rainforest trails to waterfalls in a protected jaguar habitat; wild jaguar sightings are rare, and the final access road can be rough.
Placencia
Stann Creek District · About 1.5–2 hours from Dangriga.
Follow the peninsula road to mainland beaches, a walkable coastal village and departure points for reef excursions.
Heading to Belize?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.