Belize's Gun Laws: What Visitors Need To Know

Gun ownership laws vary from country to country, and it is important to be aware of the regulations in each jurisdiction. In Belize, gun ownership is legal, but there are strict rules and regulations that must be followed. The country has a complex web of laws designed to restrict gun ownership, and the process of obtaining a gun license can be challenging.

Gun laws in Belize

Belize has strict gun license laws, and failure to renew a gun permit on time can result in detention and incarceration without bail for one month. It is also unlawful to possess a firearm while intoxicated, and this rule is enforced similarly to Belize's Alcohol Laws. The penalty for possession of a firearm without a legal permit includes jail time for each bullet and gun.

There are several types of weapons permits available in Belize, including hunting, farm, special protection, heirloom, and gun dealer licenses. The easiest way for immigrants to obtain a gun license is through farmer status, which is essential for protecting livestock and hunting for food. The Farmer Gun License does not require a certificate of competence, and it is the cheapest option, costing BZ $5 per annum for citizens and BZ $25 for non-citizens.

Other types of gun licenses include Special Protection, Gun Repair, Sport Hunter, Shooting Range, Shooting Club, Firearm Safety Instructor, Heirloom Firearm, and Company Gun Licenses. The cost of a firearm permit for Belize and CARICOM nationals is BZ $225 per annum, while non-Belizean citizens pay BZ $1,500 per annum. The maximum calibre allowed in Belize is 9mm, and anything above is deemed a prohibited firearm.

It is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Belize without proper authorization.

Importing guns into Belize

Importing firearms into Belize is a complex process with strict regulations. Here is a detailed guide on the requirements and procedures for importing guns into the country:

Overview of Gun Laws in Belize:

Belize has strict gun laws and a comprehensive framework to regulate firearm ownership and importation. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits, with an average of 800 licenses issued annually. The country imposes stringent restrictions on gun ownership, and it is essential to understand these regulations before attempting to import any firearms.

Requirements for Importing Guns:

To import guns into Belize, you must be a resident or a citizen of the country. Additionally, you need to obtain a valid license specific to the type of firearm you intend to import. The process involves a thorough background check, which can take up to six months. The Firearms (Amendment) Act, 2023, outlines the requirements and restrictions for gun ownership.

Types of Gun Licenses:

Belize offers several types of gun licenses, each with its own eligibility criteria and fees:

• Special Protection License: This license is the most challenging to obtain and is issued at the discretion of the Police Commissioner. It covers the right to carry a concealed sidearm or a pump-action shotgun for security or self-defense.
• Gun Repair License: This license is required for individuals involved in gun repair and maintenance.
• Sport Hunter License: This license permits the use of rifles or shotguns for hunting purposes. These firearms must be unloaded and secured in a case or wrapped in cloth when in towns or villages.
• Farmer Gun License: Farmers can obtain this license to protect their livestock from predators and vermin. The firearm is only allowed off the farm once a year for relicensing at the district police station.
• Shooting Range License: This license is required for operating a shooting range facility.
• Shooting Club License: This license is necessary for managing a shooting club.
• Firearm Safety Instructor License: Individuals providing firearm safety instruction and training must hold this license.
• Heirloom Firearm License: This license pertains to the ownership of heirloom firearms passed down through generations.
• Company Gun License: Companies or businesses can obtain this license to possess firearms for security or other authorised purposes.

Restricted Firearms and Ammunition:

Belize has specific restrictions on the types of firearms and ammunition that can be imported and possessed:

• The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm. Anything above, such as .38 magnum or .45 calibre, is prohibited.
• Possession of a single round exceeding the quota of 100 rounds at any given time is a firearm offence.
• Only certain types of rifles, revolvers, magnum revolvers, handguns, and shotguns are permitted, with specific calibre restrictions for each category.
• Fully automatic weapons, sawed-off shotguns, and machine guns of any calibre are prohibited.

Import Process and Declaration:

The process of importing firearms into Belize involves several steps:

• Declaration: Firearms must be declared before their arrival in Belize.
• Impoundment: Imported guns will be impounded by the police upon arrival and held until registration is completed.
• Registration: The police will collect the firearms from the port of arrival and transport them to the Racoon Street Police Station in Belize City. The serial number will be logged, and the gun license will be issued.
• Licensing: The gun license is approximately half the size of a standard sheet of paper and needs to be laminated for easy carrying.

Costs and Fees:

Obtaining a gun license in Belize incurs various fees:

• Application Fee: There is a non-refundable application fee of BZ$100 for a firearms license.
• License Fees: The cost of licenses varies depending on the type of license and the citizenship status of the applicant. For citizens, Special Protection Licenses cost $225, Gun Repair Licenses cost $200, Sport Hunter Licenses cost $150, Farmer Gun Licenses cost $5, and other licenses have different fees. Non-citizens typically pay significantly higher fees, such as BZ$1,500 for a Special Protection License.
• Competency Certificate: To obtain a gun license, individuals may need to acquire a competency certificate from a Firearm Safety Instructor, which can cost a minimum of $150.

In conclusion, importing guns into Belize requires careful adherence to the country's stringent gun laws and regulations. It is essential to obtain the necessary licenses, undergo background checks, and comply with restrictions on firearm types and ammunition quantities. The process involves declaration, impoundment, registration, and licensing, with associated fees and costs. Understanding and following these procedures is crucial for anyone seeking to import firearms into Belize.

Gun permits in Belize

Gun laws in Belize are restrictive and difficult to navigate. As of 2024, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits. On average, about 800 gun licenses are issued each year.

Types of Gun Licenses

There are several types of gun licenses available in Belize, including:

• 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
• Company Gun License

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a gun permit 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. Additionally, gun permits must be renewed annually on the owner's birthday.

Belize has strict rules regarding gun licenses. The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm, and anything above is deemed a prohibited firearm. Possession of a single round in excess of the quota (100 rounds at any one time) or the wrong calibre is a firearm offence, leading to immediate imprisonment without bail for one month.

It is unlawful to possess a firearm while intoxicated, and being caught in possession of a firearm while under the influence typically results in arrest and incarceration without immediate bail.

Importing Firearms

Importing firearms into Belize is generally not allowed. However, it may be possible for residents and citizens with a valid reason to obtain a license to import firearms. Firearms must be declared before arrival and will be impounded by the police for registration before a license is granted.

Gun Permit Fees

Gun permit fees vary based on the type of license and the applicant's residency status. For example, a Hunting License costs $450 for citizens and $750 for non-citizens, while a Special Protection License costs $225 for citizens and $1500 for non-citizens.

Gun ownership in Belize

Gun ownership laws in Belize are restrictive and difficult to navigate, especially for North American nationals who are used to the right to bear arms. While gun ownership is not impossible, there are strict rules and regulations in place.

Firstly, it is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Belize. If you are a permanent resident or citizen of Belize, you can apply for a gun permit, but you will need to undergo a thorough background check and wait up to six months. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits, and only around 800 gun licenses are issued each year.

There are several types of gun licenses available in Belize, including Special Protection, Gun Repair, Sport Hunter, Farmer, 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 you are a citizen or non-citizen. For example, a Special Protection License costs $225 for citizens and $1500 for non-citizens, while a Farmer Gun License costs $5 for citizens and $25 for non-citizens.

All gun permits in Belize are gun-specific, and it is a jailable offense to have a gun that is not on your permit. The maximum caliber allowed in Belize is 9mm, and anything above is deemed a prohibited firearm. Gun owners are also limited to purchasing 200 rounds of ammunition per year and possessing no more than 100 rounds at any one time. Possession of even one extra round or the wrong caliber is a firearm offense and can lead to imprisonment without bail for one month.

Belize has strict gun license renewal requirements. All gun permits must be renewed before a gun owner's birthday, and failure to renew on time can result in detention and incarceration without bail for one month. Additionally, it is unlawful to be in possession of a firearm while intoxicated, and violations of this law typically result in arrest and incarceration without immediate bail.

Gun safety in Belize

Belize has strict gun laws and heavy restrictions on gun ownership. If you are a permanent resident or citizen of Belize, gun ownership is possible, but non-citizens will find it difficult to obtain a gun license. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits, and only around 800 are issued each year.

For those who are able to obtain a gun license, there are strict rules regarding the type of gun and the amount of ammunition that can be owned. The maximum calibre allowed in Belize is 9mm, and possession of more than 100 rounds of ammunition at any one time is prohibited. All permits are gun-specific, and owning a different gun to the one on your permit is a jailable offence.

There are several types of gun licenses available in Belize, including:

• 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
• Company Gun License

To obtain a gun license, applicants must pass a background check, which includes a criminal record check, a mental health and medical evaluation, and previous firearm ownership records. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety and the law, and pass a theoretical test and/or practical training course.

It is important to note that gun licenses must be renewed annually, and failure to do so can result in detention and incarceration without bail. Additionally, it is unlawful to be in possession of a firearm while intoxicated, and this rule is enforced similarly to Belize's alcohol laws.

Gun ownership in Belize is a privilege, not a right, and strict gun laws mean that unlicensed gun possession or violation of gun safety regulations can result in severe penalties.

Frequently asked questions