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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in the U.S.
Ambassador: Nestor MENDEZ
Embassy: 2535 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Telephone: 202-332-9636
FAX: 202-332-6888

The U.S. Embassy is located in the City of Belmopan on Floral Park Street. The mailing address is P.O. Box 497, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize, Central America: tel: 011-501- 822-4011 from the United States or 822-4011 locally; fax: 011-501-822-4012 Main number; 822-4053 Administrative Office; 822-4050 Consular Section.

Consulates General are in:
Los Angeles
5825 W. Sunset Bl., Suite 203,
Hollywood, CA 90028

Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Vinai Thummalapally
Deputy Chief of Mission--J.A. Diffily
Economic/Political Officer--Brianne Watts
Political Officer--Jennifer Barr
Public Affairs Officer--Kelly McCarthy
Consul--Arlene Grace Genuino
Management Officer--Philip Wilson
Military Liaison Officer--LTC Chris Eldridge

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Belize
US Embassy in Belize City Belize
Embassy of Belize Web Site in Washington DC
Belize Guide


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-BELIZE RELATIONS

The United States and Belize traditionally have had close and cordial relations. The United States is home to the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated to be over 100,000. Belize's economic growth and accompanying democratic political stability are important U.S. objectives. The United States and Belize are working as partners to address the issues of citizen security and transnational crime. The two countries have mutual legal assistance treaties with each other covering stolen vehicles and extraditions. Both governments seek to control the flow of illegal migrants to the United States through Belize.

U.S. Assistance to Belize

The United States works closely with the Government of Belize to fight illicit narcotics trafficking, and Belize benefits from the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). Through CARSI, the U.S. Government seeks to strengthen citizen safety and improve the government’s capacity to confront and disrupt criminal organizations. The Belize Defense Force receives military assistance from the United States. The U.S. military's assistance program in Belize has included the construction and renovation of several schools and youth hostels, medical assistance programs, and drug reduction programs. U.S. military assistance was also critical in establishing Belize’s coast guard. Belize benefits from U.S. Agency for International Development regional programs, and there is a Peace Corps program in the country. Belize has signed a 5-year Central American regional framework agreement with the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States is Belize's principal trading partner and major source of investment funds. In 2010, the United States provided 47.9% of Belizean merchandise imports and accounted for 49.1% of Belize's merchandise exports. Some 185 U.S. companies have operations in Belize. Tourism attracts the most foreign direct investment, although U.S. investment also is found in the telecommunications, petroleum, and agricultural sectors. A Country Commercial Guide for Belize is available from the U.S. Embassy's Economic/Commercial section.

Belize's Membership in International Organizations

Belize became a member of the United Nations following its 1981 independence from the United Kingdom. Belize and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Belize is Vinai Thummalapally; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Belize maintains an embassy in the United States at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel: 202-332-9636).

More information about Belize is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Belize Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Belize Page
U.S. Embassy: Belize
History of U.S. Relations With Belize
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information


TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Belize check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (BZD) Belizean Dollar
Electrical 110/220 Volts
Telephones Country Code 501, City Code Belize District 2+6D, Corozal District 4+6D, Toledo District 7+6D



Time: GMT - 6.

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs.

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 501. Outgoing international code: 00.

Climate: Subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. High annual temperatures and humidity. Dry and hot climate from January to April, with rainy season from June to September.

Food & Drink: There is a selection of restaurants which serve international, Chinese, Latin American and Creole food. Service and quality vary but the food is generally cheap. Bars are plentiful and local drinks include coconut rum mixed with pineapple juice. The local Belikin beer is worth sampling.

Tipping: Few places add service charges, and ten per cent is normal. Taxi drivers are not tipped.

Currency: Belize Dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Bz$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Bz$1, and 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange: Currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and travel agencies. Some businesses will even accept dollars. ATMs in Belize generally do not accept foreign cards.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, Visa and MasterCard (limited) are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Most establishments will add a five per cent service charge to the bills of customers using credit cards.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco...................200 Cigarettes or 225g of Tobacco product

Liquor......................568mL of Alcoholic beverages

Perfume...................1 Bottle of Perfume for personal use

Cameras...................No Restrictions

Currency...................No Restrictions

Gifts..........................No Allowance

Agricultural Items.....Refer to Consulate



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