Packing and Airport Tips

We have made a couple of videos for you as you prepare for travel this year. These are just general packing suggestions and all of this is on your packing list as well. One good thing to keep in mind is that if you need it to be comfortable (within reason), it is a "required item." 

For example, if you eat a specific granola bar or snack most days, wear slippers or fuzzy socks in your house, use a headband often, etc. then you should bring those items! If you have questions, ask us! 

Make sure you are also reviewing your individual packing lists as this will vary between programs. These are found under "Packing List and Helpful Hints" on your program page. Your luggage is limited to one large suitcase (or travel backpack) and one backpack for daily use. Most program locations do not have space in the transportation and housing for students to bring more than this. Your weight restrictions are found on your ticket and will also vary between programs. A general, all-programs packing list below has all the items you may need abroad. You are only required to pack the required items listed on your program page and on the all programs packing list. 

This is helpful information for your flights and travel day. We recommend saving this on your phone or printing out this information and all your Travel Day information from the email sent to you two days before your program. 

Please leave yourself enough time to check in at your home airport. 

Bring to the airport:

• Passport

• All your bags

• Charged phone and phone charger 

Boarding the plane:

• Do not make any jokes in security or immigration.

• Make sure that your bags are checked to your final destination (BZE is the airport code) or you know when you’ll need to re-check them for the next flight

On the plane:

• Do not put your passport, phone, medication, or other important items in the seat pocket in front of you – too easy to forget them!

• Ask a flight attendant if you need water, food, or assistance.

• Stretch, wiggle your legs, and walk around periodically. Drink water.

• Keep your tickets, baggage claim receipts, and any other receipts or information you receive until your trip is safely completed.

On the layover (if you have one):

• Grab all your stuff and exit the plane. Make sure you have everything, especially your passport and phone, before exiting the plane.

• Go to your next gate and check the flight time before using the restroom or shopping

• If your flight has changed or you otherwise have a problem before you arrive, you can call the on-call flight assistance in your travel day email.

Arriving in Belize

Customs & Immigration Forms

Belize has moved to digitized customs forms.  Before travel, you need to fill out the customs and immigration form online. Once you fill it out, you will be given a confirmation or reference number that you should print and/or save digitally. You will be asked to present it upon arrival.

1. Access the Online Portal
   Visit the official Belize Immigration and Customs digital forms portal:
   https://belizetravel.immigration.gov.bz/Belize_Digital_Forms/ 

2. Select Your Travel Type
   Select arrival. You need to complete a form upon departure as well.
   
   

3. Fill Out the Required Information
   Provide personal details, travel information, and any other required data as prompted. 

• You will need the address of your first hotel in Belize, which will be included in the travel day email that will be sent a few days before travel.

• Under "Puropse of Visit" on the form you should mark "Tourist Visitor." 

4. Submit the Form
   After completing the form, submit it through the portal. You should receive a confirmation or reference number upon successful submission.
   
   

5. Save Confirmation Details
   Keep a copy of the confirmation or reference number, either by printing it or saving it digitally (or both), to present upon arrival or departure if requested.

When you arrive, be sure to check under your seat, your seat pockets, and the overhead compartment for your personal belongings. BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT. 

Immigration

Exit the plane and proceed to Immigration. Immigration may ask where you are staying; this will be listed in your travel day email. Remember: Your purpose of travel is HOLIDAY and you will be visiting your program locations as a tourist (not volunteer, not education, not school, not CELA Belize). 

At immigration, you will need:

• Your passport;

• Your customs confirmation number;

• Sometimes, very rarely, immigration officers will also ask you to show:

• A printed round-trip flight itinerary

• Proof that you have $400 available to you (either cash, credit card, or bank account statement)

Note: it is your responsibility to meet any additional entry requirements based on your citizenship and the country from which you are traveling

Meeting CELA Airport Staff

Once you are through immigration, you can proceed to baggage claim.

Once through customs, safely store your passport so that you cannot lose it (low in your backpack, carried on your front, is a good idea). Keep watch of your belongings and do not leave your personal items unattended. 

Go out the exit door to meet CELA Belize staff. They will be waiting for you with a sign.

Once you’re in Belize, please call or text the in-country staff listed as “Airport pick up in-country” in your travel day email if you need assistance.