Gun Laws In Belize: What's The Legal Status?

Gun ownership in Belize is a privilege, not a right. The country has strict gun laws and a quagmire of laws aimed at restricting gun ownership. While it is legal for residents, it is not granted to those on tourist visas. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit, with about 800 licences issued annually.

Hunting rifles and shotguns are allowed with the proper hunting licenses

Hunting rifles and shotguns are allowed in Belize with the proper hunting licenses. Hunting is a part of Belizean culture, and hunting licenses allow for the legal hunting of certain game species. Hunting licenses are required when hunting wildlife for personal consumption or sale. The approved license details the type granted, hunting location, species, and open season for each of those species permitted for hunting. There are species of wildlife that are fully protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and, therefore, cannot be hunted even with a valid hunting license.

The process of obtaining a hunting license in Belize involves submitting an application to the relevant authorities, such as the Forest Department. The WPA, or Wildlife Protection Act, provides for four types of hunting licenses: the Belizean 1-day Hunting License, the Belizean Annual Hunting License, the Non–Belizean 1-day Hunting License, and the Non-Belizean Annual Hunting License. These licenses cater to both Belizean and non-Belizean individuals interested in hunting activities.

It is important to note that hunting licenses in Belize come with specific restrictions and regulations. Hunters must adhere to established hunting seasons and respect protected species. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences. Additionally, hunting licenses in Belize are gun-specific, and possessing a different firearm from the one specified on the license is a serious offense.

In addition to hunting licenses, individuals in Belize may also obtain other types of weapons permits, such as farm, special protection, heirloom, and gun dealer licenses. Each type of license has its own requirements, restrictions, and application process. It is essential for individuals to familiarize themselves with the relevant laws and regulations before acquiring or using firearms in Belize.

The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit

Gun ownership in Belize is highly restrictive and challenging to navigate. As of 2024, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit. The board is led by the CEO of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sharole Carr-Saldivar, and includes a magistrate and a senior superintendent of police. On average, about 800 gun licenses are issued per year.

To obtain a gun license in Belize, one must be a permanent resident or a citizen. A thorough background check is conducted, and the waiting period can be up to six months. The process is expensive, and specific requirements must be met. For example, all gun permits must be renewed annually before the owner's birthday, and failure to do so can result in detention and incarceration without bail for a month. Additionally, it is unlawful to possess a firearm while intoxicated, and this rule is strictly enforced.

Belize has a variety of gun licenses available, including the Special Protection License, Hunting License, Farmer Gun License, and more. Each license has specific requirements and restrictions. For instance, the Hunting License allows for rifles or shotguns to be carried openly but mandates that they must be unloaded and in a case or wrapped in cloth when in towns or villages. On the other hand, the Special Protection License is one of the hardest to obtain and allows for the carrying of a concealed sidearm or pump-action shotgun for security or self-defence.

The gun laws in Belize are stringent, and unlicensed gun possession can result in harsh penalties. The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm, and anything above is deemed a prohibited firearm. The country has a complex system of laws aimed at restricting gun ownership and ensuring public safety.

Strict gun laws mean draconian measures for unlicensed guns or ammunition

Belize has strict gun laws, and gun ownership is considered a privilege, not a right. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit, and it does so sparingly—only around 800 gun licenses are issued each year. The process is also onerous: a thorough background check is conducted, and the waiting period can be as long as six months.

Belize's gun laws are particularly restrictive for non-citizens. Non-Belizeans pay BZ $1,500 per annum for a firearm permit, compared to BZ $225 for citizens and permanent residents. The cost of a gun license is also much higher for non-citizens: BZ $25 compared to BZ $5 for citizens and permanent residents.

Belize's gun laws are also highly prescriptive. For example, the maximum calibre allowed in Belize is 9mm. Anything above this, such as a .38 magnum or .45, is deemed a prohibited firearm. The type of gun is also restricted according to the type of license held. For example, the only types of rifles allowed under a Sports Hunter License are .22 and .223 calibre.

Belize's gun laws also dictate how guns are stored and transported. For example, a gun must be unloaded and in a case or wrapped in cloth when in towns or villages.

Belize's gun laws have strict penalties for non-compliance. For example, forgetting to renew a gun permit before your birthday can result in detention and incarceration without bail for one month. Possession of a firearm while intoxicated is also illegal and usually results in prompt arrest and incarceration without bail. Applications for bail on firearm offences must be made to the High Court or Supreme Court, which is costly and time-consuming.

Belize's gun laws also apply to visitors. It is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Belize without prior express consent from the government. Visitors must declare their weapons in their checked luggage with an airline carrier, but this does not grant permission to bring the weapon into the country. Visitors must research local laws and complete all necessary forms before travelling.

It is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Belize

While gun ownership is legal in Belize, there are strict laws and heavy penalties surrounding the import and export of firearms and ammunition. It is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Belize without prior express consent from the Belizean government. The government of Belize has outlined strict guidelines for gun ownership, which are considered a privilege and not a right.

Belize has a comprehensive set of laws aimed at restricting gun ownership. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits in the country. The process of obtaining a gun license in Belize is rigorous and involves a thorough background check, which can take up to six months. The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm, and anything above this limit is deemed a prohibited firearm.

For those interested in taking firearms or ammunition into Belize, it is important to be aware of the specific regulations and requirements. Declaring weapons to an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring them into the country. It is the responsibility of the traveller to research local laws and complete all necessary forms before travelling. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or both.

The process for legally exporting a gun from your country of origin may vary, but it is crucial to declare the weapon before its arrival in Belize. The weapon must be impounded and registered by the police department upon entry into the country. This involves a police constable collecting the weapon and transferring it to the Racoon Street Police Station in Belize City, where the serial number is logged and the gun license is issued.

The laws in Belize regarding firearms and ammunition are stringent, and it is essential to adhere to these regulations to avoid legal consequences.

There are three classes of gun ownership in Belize

Gun ownership in Belize is restrictive and challenging to navigate. There are three classes of gun ownership in Belize:

• Farm License: This license is for the protection of livestock from predators and vermin on farms. The size of the farm or the amount of vermin does not matter. The weapon should only be taken off the farm once a year to get relicensed at the district police station. A Farm Gun License is the cheapest option, costing BZ $5 per year for citizens and BZ $25 for non-citizens. It is also the easiest way for immigrants to obtain a gun license. Additionally, the license holder is not required to be certified as competent to handle a firearm.
• Hunting License: Rifles or shotguns can be carried openly but must be unloaded and in a case or wrapped in cloth when in towns or villages. Non-Belizeans must also purchase hunting tags for specific game animals. Hunting is a popular pastime in Belize, and there are designated hunting seasons for non-endangered game animals.
• Special Protection License: This license allows individuals to carry a concealed sidearm or, less commonly, a pump-action shotgun for security or self-defence. These licenses are vetted by the police and granted in very special circumstances.

Frequently asked questions