the Caye Caulker Company water taxi goes to San Pedro for $10 US each way ($17.50 round trip). Very nice smooth ride, enjoyed it; took about 70 minutes. Took Tropic Air back to Int. airport to avoid taxi and town (Northern Highway to airport was so flooded the first week in November that it took 1 1/2 hours to go 4 miles; a nightmare).

I just called the Belize embassy in DC and they quoted my $250 for the visa per person plus $30 for shipping. Cmon, seriously? Thats way more than my airfare+hotel+everything else per person.

We are not US citizens, so we need a Visa. But thats just outrageous it seems. This website clearly states it shouldbe $50 + $10/$30 for shipping. Also, this one.

Are they really trying to scam me or something here? I would rather cancel my trip than pay $280 for a visa for 2 days.

$250 is outrage.

From the embassy website -

"Please be advised that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 15 of
2005, entitled "IMMIGRATION (PERMITS AND FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2005, Visas to Belize now cost US $ 50.00, for a single entry, ninety day visa.

The above does not apply to nationals of the following countries, who are
requested to contact this Embassy or the nearest Belize Diplomatic or
Consular Representative for information on visa charges:

Bangladesh
India
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
Pakistan
People's Republic of China (PRC)
Sri Lanka
Thailand"

Perhaps $250.00 is for the countries listed above? Is your nationality one of these?

Do you have the Visa forms yet? The actual price should be on there in the instructions.

deleted...asked by ilovetofly

Yes. For the curious, India. I thought India was off all these segregationist travel policies. It is still unclear what the fee should be. Maybe I will call back later and ask how much it is for one of the other countries on the list. There is a possibility that she was quoting me for a different kind of tourist visa other than the "single entry valid for 90 days" one, there could be one for multiple entries?

The Visa form is online that you can download. It is a simple one page form asking for the usual information. No fees listed.

For the two of us, we will spend a total of $500 including airfare, hotel, taxi, etc. I am not spending another $500 for a stupid visa fee. There has already been a 35 minute schedule change to our flights, if it goes any more, I will try to cancel without penalty or just eat the airfare of $150 pp and cancel the hotel booking.

All,

I've just read through the thread - very helpful. I have a couple of additional questions:

1. If we're looking for some upscale hotel resorts, can you recommend a good value on either Amb. or Caulker?

2. We'd like to take a short trip to Guatemala to see the volcanoes. We have just under 2 weeks, total. Any recommendations on the best way to get from Belize to Guatemala? Which airlines would be most efficient?

Thanks!

-TravelMarc

Iguana Reef and Seaside Cabanas are two of the more "upscale" places to stay on Caulker although it would be a stretch to call them resorts. If you don't need hotel amenities, also take a look at Seaside Villa condos. I'm not up to date on Ambergris but it would have many more upscale options than Caulker.

On AC I'm a big fan of Victoria House. Lovely grounds, a pool frequented by nice quite clientele, good restaurant, nice bar, and a good variation on rooms.

Has anyone taken any of the ruin tours or dove the blue hole or any feedback from others on these? (Staying in San Pedro--Ramon's)

I just got back from 5 days in San Pedro / Ambergris on the cheap AA EWR fare. I had an amazing time. I definitely recommend staying at http://www.akbol.com/. Its brand new, cabanas, great owners, great food etc. All around a solid deal and probably the best place to stay if you want to avoid the package deal type resort. PM me for more info.

Also check out D and E's (dande's) frozen custard and Reef Restaurant - two of the best places to eat on the island.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not sure the yoga retreat would enjoy the company I'll be with down there--they tend to be a little loud when they drink and that will be often.

To further alien's comment above about the Victoria House, see this. Victoria house is highlighted w/some pictures about halfway down the page this link directs you to:
http://tacogirlblog.blogspot.com/sea...&max-results=5

I dove the Blue Hole a couple of years ago. It's a long day that starts about 6AM, about a 60 mile boat ride, 3 dives (1st @ the BH as you really need to go to 135+' to get under and between the stalactites), and a return of about 6PM. Most people find the other two dives better, that it is indeed a long day, would probably not do it again (been there, done that), and are happy to have the T shirts to show for it. Having said all that, I think it's worth doing once.

Is it worth it just to go out and snorkel the BH? Some in my group don't want to dive (too much to get certified) and just snorkel. Where are the better locations to dive/snorkel. I know we want to do the BH, just to say we have and get the t-shirt, but same may want a shorter day. Thanks for the info, though!