Weapons In Belize: What's Allowed For Americans?

Gun laws vary from country to country, and while some countries have strict gun laws, others have banned gun ownership altogether. In Belize, gun ownership is legal, but it is a privilege, not a right. The country has strict gun laws and a quagmire of laws aimed at restricting gun ownership. As of 2024, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit, with about 800 gun licenses issued annually.

What are the gun laws in Belize?

Gun laws in Belize are restrictive and difficult to navigate, especially for North American nationals who are used to the right to bear arms. As of 2024, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits, with about 800 gun licenses issued each year. Permanent residents and citizens of Belize can own a gun after passing a background check, with a maximum calibre of 9mm and a limit of 100 rounds of ammunition at any one time.

There are several types of gun licenses available in Belize, including Special Protection, Gun Repair, Sport Hunter, Farmer Gun, Shooting Range, Shooting Club, Firearm Safety Instructor, Heirloom Firearm, and Company Gun Licenses. The cost of a gun license depends on the type of license and whether the applicant is a citizen or non-citizen. For example, a Special Protection License costs $75 for citizens and $500 for non-citizens, while a Farmer Gun License costs $5 for citizens and $25 for non-citizens.

Belize has strict gun license laws, and forgetting to renew a gun permit can result in detention and incarceration without bail for one month. It is also unlawful to be in possession of a firearm while intoxicated, and this rule is enforced similarly to Belize's Alcohol Laws. Possession of one round of ammunition in excess of the quota or the wrong calibre is a firearm offence and can lead to immediate imprisonment without bail for one month.

It is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Belize, and imported guns must be declared before arrival and will be impounded by the police for registration before a license is granted.

Can Americans bring their guns to Belize?

Gun ownership laws vary from country to country, and it is important to be aware of the relevant regulations when travelling with firearms. In the case of Belize, gun laws are restrictive and difficult to navigate, especially for those accustomed to the right to bear arms in North America. While gun ownership is not impossible for Americans in Belize, there are stringent rules and requirements in place.

Firstly, it is important to note that tourists are not permitted to bring firearms into Belize. Only permanent residents or citizens of Belize can own a gun after undergoing a thorough background check, which can take up to six months. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits, with an average of 800 licenses granted annually.

For Americans looking to bring their guns to Belize, the process is challenging. It is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of the country. However, firearms can be imported, but they must be declared before arrival. These guns will be impounded by the police and registered before a license is granted. The maximum calibre allowed in Belize is 9mm, and only 100 rounds of ammunition are permitted at any given time.

Belize offers different types of weapons permits, including hunting, farm, special protection, heirloom, and gun dealer licenses. The Special Protection License is the most difficult to obtain, as it is vetted by the police and granted in very limited numbers. This license allows for the concealed carry of a sidearm or, less commonly, a pump-action shotgun for security or self-defence.

To apply for gun ownership in Belize, individuals must pass a comprehensive background check, including a criminal record check, mental health evaluation, and review of previous firearm ownership records. Additionally, understanding firearm safety and the law is essential, as applicants must pass a theoretical test and/or practical training course. The initial license granted will be for one gun only, with the opportunity to apply for more licenses over time, up to a reasonable limit.

In summary, while Americans can bring their guns to Belize, it is a complex and highly regulated process. The importation of firearms is permitted, but strict rules must be followed, and local laws must be adhered to at all times.

What are the types of weapons permits available in Belize?

Gun ownership in Belize is restrictive and difficult to navigate, especially for North American nationals who are accustomed to the right to bear arms. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits, and it does so sparingly. Permanent residents or citizens of Belize can own a gun after a thorough background check and a waiting period of up to six months. The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm, and only 100 rounds of ammunition can be possessed at any one time.

There are several types of weapons permits available in Belize, including:

• Hunting
• Farm
• Special Protection
• Heirloom
• Gun Dealer
• Gun Repair
• Sport Hunter
• Shooting Range
• Shooting Club
• Firearm Safety Instructor
• Company Gun

The easiest gun license to obtain is the Farmer Gun License, which is the cheapest by far at BZ $5 per annum for citizens and BZ $25 for non-citizens. This license does not require the licensee to be certified as competent to handle a firearm. However, it is only valid for shotguns, which are essential for farmers to protect their livestock and for hunting.

The hardest permit to obtain is the Special Protection License, which is rarely awarded by the Police Commissioner. This license costs BZ $225 per annum for citizens and BZ $1500 for non-citizens.

All permits in Belize are gun-specific, and possessing a firearm that does not match the one on your permit is a jailable offence.

What are the requirements to obtain a gun license in Belize?

Gun ownership in Belize is restrictive and difficult to navigate, especially for North American nationals who are accustomed to the right to bear arms. As of 2024, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits in the country. On average, about 800 gun licenses are issued per year.

To obtain a gun license in Belize, you must be a permanent resident or a citizen. A thorough background check is conducted, and the waiting period can be as long as six months. The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm, and you can have only 100 rounds at any one time. The gun licenses available in Belize include Special Protection License, Gun Repair License, Sport Hunter License, Farmer Gun License, Shooting Range License, Shooting Club License, Firearm Safety Instructor License, Heirloom Firearm License, and Company Gun License.

For immigrants, one of the easier ways to obtain a gun license is to be a farmer. A gentleman farmer qualifies, and once farmer status is gained, the local police can recommend a firearm license. This is essential for a farmer to protect their livestock and also to hunt for food. A Farmer Gun License is the cheapest option, at BZ $5 per annum for citizens and BZ $25 for non-citizens. Additionally, the license holder does not need to be certified as competent to handle a firearm.

Other requirements for obtaining a gun license in Belize include:

• Being 16 years of age or older
• Not having been convicted of a violent crime within three years of the application
• Being deemed fit to have a license by the Commissioner of Police
• Proving why there is a need for a firearm
• Not having lost a previous permit
• Ensuring the firearm is not deemed too dangerous by the Commissioner of Police

What are the penalties for violating gun laws in Belize?

Gun laws in Belize are strict and can result in severe penalties for those who violate them. Here are some key points regarding the penalties for violating gun laws in Belize:

• Jail Time: The most common penalty for violating gun laws in Belize is imprisonment. This includes possession of a firearm without a legal permit, as well as exceeding the allowed quota of ammunition.
• Fines and Fees: There are various fees associated with gun ownership and licensing in Belize. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in monetary fines. For example, the non-refundable application fee for a firearms license is BZ$100.
• License Revocation: Authorities may revoke gun licenses if the license holder fails to comply with the law. This includes forgetting to renew the license or violating any of the conditions specified in the license.
• Bail and Legal Fees: In some cases, individuals may be granted bail for certain offences, but this process can be expensive and time-consuming. The accused must hire a lawyer and apply for bail through the High Court or Supreme Court, depending on the nature of the offence.
• Deportation: For non-citizens, violating gun laws in Belize may result in deportation. This is in addition to any other penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
• Firearm Confiscation: Authorities will confiscate firearms and ammunition if they are possessed illegally or if the owner fails to comply with the law.
• Background Checks and Waiting Periods: Obtaining a gun license in Belize requires a thorough background check and a waiting period of up to six months. Violating the law may impact an individual's ability to obtain or renew a gun license in the future.
• Modification Restrictions: Gun owners are not allowed to make any modifications to their firearms, such as custom grips or engravings. Violating this restriction can lead to legal consequences.

It is important to note that gun laws can change over time, and it is the responsibility of gun owners and visitors to stay informed about the current legislation in Belize. The information provided here is a general overview, and specific penalties may vary depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

Frequently asked questions