Belize's Soda Rules: What's Allowed And What's Not

Belize is a popular tourist destination, and many travellers wonder whether they can bring their own food and drinks into the country. Travellers from non-European Union countries can bring in limited quantities of certain items duty-free, including 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22%, 2 litres of dessert wine (maximum 22% alcohol), 2 litres of wine, 250ml of eau de toilette, and 60cc of perfume. In addition, they can bring in 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 250g of tobacco, and 50 cigars. However, it is important to note that meat and meat products, processed food items, and live animals are restricted from entry into Belize. For those who wish to bring in additional items, an import permit, commercial invoice, bill of lading/air waybill, and a packing list are required.

Bringing food to Belize

Firstly, it is important to note that travellers from non-European Union countries can bring certain items duty-free with limitations. These allowances include 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 250g of tobacco, and 50 cigars. In terms of alcohol, you are permitted to bring 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content above 22%, 2 liters of dessert wine (up to 22% alcohol), and 2 liters of wine. Additionally, you can bring in 250ml of eau de toilette and 60cc of perfume.

When it comes to food, there are some restrictions. Items that are not allowed to be brought into Belize include meat and meat products, processed food items, and live animals. However, travellers have reported being able to bring in small quantities of prepackaged snack foods, such as chips and cookies. It is also possible to bring in some pre-prepared meals, such as frozen meats wrapped in foil and newspaper, cheese, coffee, tea, and cereals.

It is important to note that bringing in fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, may be restricted. Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, may also be subject to confiscation by customs officials, as Belize protects its domestic brewing industry. However, this does not apply to beer from countries in CARICOM, of which Belize is a member.

If you are bringing food to Belize, it is essential to declare any restricted items on your customs form. Additionally, if you are importing goods, you will need an import permit, a commercial invoice, a bill of lading/air waybill, and a packing list. Other documents that may be required include health and sanitary certificates, a fumigation certificate, and a certificate of origin.

Lastly, it is worth noting that duty-free alcohol can be purchased at the airport, which may be a more cost-effective option than buying alcohol in Belize.

Importing goods to Belize

Belize's Customs and Excise Department oversees the importation and exportation of goods in Belize. The Belize Customs and Excise Duty Act, Customs Regulation Act, Exchange Control Regulation Act, and Produce Export Duty Act are the main laws governing imports and exports in the country.

Import Duties and Taxes

Customs duties and taxes are collected based on the transaction value, which is derived from the value stated on the invoice, receipt, or other proof of purchase. The dollar value must be converted from the foreign currency stated on the proof of purchase document to Belize Currency (BZD). The Belize currency is tied to the US dollar at $2.0175 BZD to $1.00 USD.

An import duty of 12.5% is charged on both imports and domestically produced goods and services. In the case of imports, the sales tax is levied at the moment of importation and is assessed based on the customs value plus the customs duty.

Restricted and Prohibited Goods

Belize has a list of restricted and prohibited goods, which includes illegal drugs, guns, explosives, ammunition, knives, and other deadly weapons. Meat and meat products, milk and poultry products, hazardous materials, counterfeit money and goods, and pornographic material are also prohibited.

Import Permits

Some goods require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and are subject to inspection at the time of importation by Quarantine Inspectors. These include live animals, foodstuffs, plant and plant materials, and veterinary vaccines.

Importing from CARICOM Countries

Belize is a member of CARICOM, and imports from CARICOM countries are exempted from import duties if the importer produces a Certificate of Origin from the country within the Common Market. However, some commodities imported from CARICOM countries pay Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD). There are restrictions on certain commodities, which require an Import License from the Ministry of Trade prior to importation.

Personal and Household Effects

Belizean nationals or residents may import personal and household effects free of customs duties if they have been used and in their possession for at least one year.

Common Goods (Accompanied Luggage)

Belize allows the importation of common goods as accompanied luggage, with specific rates and duties that apply.

Food and Beverage

Belize allows the importation of small quantities of prepackaged snack foods. However, beer and other alcoholic beverages may be confiscated by customs officials, as Belize protects its domestic brewing industry. An exception is made for beer from CARICOM countries.

Importing Vehicles

There are specific duty rates for importing vehicles into Belize, including pickups, cars, SUVs, minivans, motorcycles, vans, buses, trucks, and tractor trucks. These rates can be found on the Belize Customs & Excise website.

Customs regulations

Belize customs also allow travellers to bring in souvenirs from other places, with certain monetary limitations. Items that are restricted from entry into Belize include meat and its products, processed food items, and live animals. It is important to note that customs officials may confiscate beer, especially from Guatemala or Mexico, as Belize protects its domestic brewing industry. An exception is made for beer from countries in CARICOM, of which Belize is a member.

If you are importing goods into Belize, you will need an import permit, commercial invoice, bill of lading/air waybill, and a packing list. Other items required, if applicable, include health and sanitary certificates, a fumigation certificate, and a certificate of origin. When shipping goods to Belize, the importer must be present for customs clearance. Household goods and personal effects that have been in use for at least one year can be imported duty-free. Any of these items must arrive within six months of the owner's arrival in Belize.

Passengers coming into Belize with more than $10,000 BZ in currency or equivalent must declare this on the customs form provided on the aircraft before arrival. Any arms or ammunition brought into the country must also be declared.

Duty-free alcohol

The duty-free allowance for visitors entering Belize includes one litre of liquor and one carton of cigarettes per person. Customs officials may confiscate beer, especially from Guatemala or Mexico, as Belize protects its domestic brewing industry. An exception is made for beer from countries in CARICOM, of which Belize is a member.

When arriving by international air at Philip Goldson International Airport, travellers can buy up to four bottles of spirits or wine at the duty-free shop in the arrival terminal near the baggage claim area. These purchases do not count toward the regular import allowance.

Travellers are entitled to one litre of liquor (no beer) per person at all land border crossings and sea entry points like San Pedro.

For those travelling to Belize by land from Mexico and planning to take a flight from Corozal Airport, it is recommended to have alcohol well packed and marked as fragile by baggage handlers.

Outbound Duty-Free From Belize

When departing from Belize, there are different allowances for duty-free alcohol depending on the destination country:

• United States: Returning residents are eligible for a $800 USD duty-free personal exemption every 31 days, which includes not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars, and one litre of alcoholic beverages if the resident is at least 21 years old.
• Canada: After an absence of more than 48 hours, travellers can claim goods worth up to $800 CAD, which may include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products within prescribed limits.
• United Kingdom: Wine (not sparkling)—4 litres; spirits and other liquors over 22% alcohol—1 litre; fortified wine, sparkling wine, and alcoholic drinks up to 22% alcohol—2 litres. The allowance for tobacco products is 50 cigars or a combination of 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars.
• Germany: Travellers aged 17 and over can import 1 litre of spirit drinks exceeding 22% alcohol or 2 litres of alcohol and alcoholic beverages up to 22%, along with 4 litres of non-sparkling wine and 16 litres of beer.
• France: Travellers aged 17 and over can import 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer, and 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22%.
• Netherlands: Travellers aged 17 and over can import 1 litre of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs, along with 50 cigars, 50g of perfume, and other goods worth up to 56.72 euros.
• Italy and other EU Nations: Travellers can import a total of 1 litre of alcohol exceeding 22% alcohol or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages up to 22% alcohol, along with 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer. The allowance for tobacco products is 50 cigars or a combination of 100 cigarettes and 50 cigarillos.

Customs clearance

When travelling to Belize, it is important to be aware of the customs regulations and requirements. Here is a detailed guide on customs clearance for those wishing to bring soda and other items into the country:

• Documentation: Ensure you have the necessary documentation before arriving in Belize. Travellers from the United States only need a valid U.S. passport and no visa is required for the first 30 days. However, an onward or return ticket and proof of financial means to sustain yourself during your stay are also required.
• Customs Declaration: If you are carrying more than $10,000 BZ in currency or equivalent, you must declare this on the customs form provided on the aircraft. Any arms or ammunition must also be declared.
• Import Permit: For those importing goods into Belize, an import permit, commercial invoice, bill of lading/air waybill, and a packing list are required. Other documents, such as health and sanitary certificates, fumigation certificates, and certificates of origin, may also be necessary depending on the goods being imported.
• Duty-Free Allowances: Travellers from non-European Union countries can bring certain items duty-free with specific limitations. This includes 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 250g of tobacco, 50 cigars, 1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol content), 2 liters of dessert wine (up to 22% alcohol content), 2 liters of wine, 250ml eau de toilette, and 60cc of perfume.
• Restricted Items: Meat and meat products, processed food items, and live animals are restricted from entry into Belize. Additionally, customs officials may confiscate beer, especially from Guatemala or Mexico, to protect the domestic brewing industry.
• Alcoholic Beverages: It is important to note that Belize is primarily a local rum and beer destination. If you prefer other types of alcoholic beverages, it is advisable to purchase them at the duty-free shop right outside the baggage claim area. This can save you a significant amount of money.
• Customs Lines: After passing through immigration, you will encounter two lines: "SOMETHING TO DECLARE" and "NOTHING TO DECLARE." If you have purchased duty-free alcohol, join the "SOMETHING TO DECLARE" line, which is usually shorter and faster.
• Luggage Assistance: Once you clear customs, you may find individuals offering luggage assistance. However, if you are flying with Maya Island Air or Tropic Air, their counters are just a short distance away, so you may not need this service.
• Baggage Claim Tickets: Keep your baggage claim tickets handy at all times. Unlike in the United States, the airlines in Belize are particular about returning luggage to passengers and will check the tags carefully.
• Personal Effects: Household goods and personal effects that have been in use for at least one year can be imported duty-free. However, these items must arrive within six months of the owner's arrival in Belize.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth customs clearance process when bringing soda and other items into Belize.

Frequently asked questions