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IMPORTANT NOTICE!

The U.S. Embassy advises that U.S. citizens visiting Belize currently may face delays or difficulties in making international telephone calls, accessing the internet, or using ATMs to obtain currency. Because of recent industrial strikes and incidents of sabotage, the country's national telecommunications and electricity providers have not yet restored full services, and U.S. airlines have had to cancel or reschedule some flights to Belize.

Labor/management disputes in the national telecommunications sector have disrupted services and also have led to large demonstrations. There is no indication that U.S. citizens or interests have been specifically targeted. However, U.S. Embassy personnel have been advised to avoid large gatherings on the Princess Margaret Drive near the Belize Telecommunications headquarters on St. Thomas Street. On the night of April 20, a protest led to looting and vandalism in the Albert St. area of downtown Belize City. The Embassy has advised U.S. citizens to use alternate routes and take precautions such as securing vehicles while parked, filling vehicle gas tanks, and storing emergency water supplies in the event of a shut down of utilities.

Landline telephone services are currently available in most of the country. Access to cellular, long distance, or local Internet services, including some banking services and credit card services, has not yet been fully restored, and may be problematic. The U.S. Embassy in Belize is not able to confirm that telephone service is available in outlying areas. Major hotels are operating and accepting credit cards.

Americans living or traveling in Belize are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, HERE, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Belize. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at the intersection of Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street in Belize City; telephone 011 (501) 227-7161/62/63, fax 011 (501) 223-5423. The Embassy is open from 8:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for the 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. lunch hour, and U.S. and Belizean holidays.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's most recent Consular Information Sheet for Belize, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are located on the Department's Internet web site at HERE. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).