Destinations / Belize
Driving in Belize as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Belize drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-English licences.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Belize expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 55 mph highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BZD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Speed bumps in villages along the highways. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Roads | 4x4 useful for jungle and unpaved roads. |
On the road in Belize
At the pump
Fuel is sold by the US gallon at attendant-served stations, with regular unleaded around BZ$11 (about US$5) per gallon, premium higher and diesel slightly cheaper; major cards are accepted in towns but carry cash for rural stations.
After a crash
Call police/emergency on 911, do not move the vehicles, photograph the scene and exchange details; a police report is needed for any rental insurance claim and you should also notify the rental company promptly.
Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · centralamerica.com · belizehub.com · en.wikipedia.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Belize?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Belize drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-English licences.
Which translation format is used for Belize?
Belize uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Belize ask for a translation?
Desks accept English licences; an IDP helps non-English drivers.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Belize?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Central America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.