Southwest's Belize Departure Tax: What's Included?

When leaving Belize, there is a mandatory departure tax for non-residents. This tax may be included in the price of your airfare, but it is recommended that you check whether your airline includes it in the ticket price. If the departure tax is not included in the airfare, it must be paid in cash in American currency before leaving the country. An itemized receipt should show a list of miscellaneous taxes and fees, which may include the departure tax.

Southwest Airlines departure tax from Belize

If you're flying out of Belize, there is a mandatory departure tax to be paid. This tax is typically included in the price of your airfare, but it is recommended that you check with your airline to confirm. If the departure tax is not included in your airfare, it must be paid in cash when leaving the country.

For Southwest Airlines specifically, there are varying responses from customers. One customer stated that the departure tax was included in their ticket price, with the return fare being slightly more expensive than the outbound fare due to the tax. Another customer stated that the departure tax was not included in their ticket price and had to be paid separately. It is always best to check with the airline directly to get the most accurate information regarding the inclusion of departure taxes in your ticket price.

According to Belize's government, the revenue generated from departure taxes is allocated for infrastructure development and conservation programs. The departure tax for non-citizens and non-residents of Belize is $35.50 USD, plus an additional $0.75 USD security screening fee. It is important to note that all foreigners are required to pay these fees in American currency.

When travelling, it is always a good idea to review the specific tax and fee requirements for your destination and mode of transportation. This can help you plan and budget accordingly, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

Departure tax exemptions

Belize has an exit fee, also known as a departure tax, that must be paid when leaving the country. The fee is used for infrastructure development, airport/border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. The departure tax is typically included in airline tickets, but it is worth checking before departure as it is only collected in cash.

Southwest Airlines Departure Tax

According to a Southwest Airlines Community forum, the Belize departure tax is included in the ticket price. One user stated that when they tried to book a flight with points, they were required to pay a departure tax of $61.31. Another user confirmed that the tax was included in their ticket.

Belize Airport Departure Tax Exemptions

The following individuals are exempt from paying the Belize Airport Departure Tax:

• Airline crew on duty
• Ministers of government
• Members of the national assembly
• Diplomatic and consular corp members
• Mayors of municipalities
• Officials of international organizations
• Caribbean community secretariat personnel travelling on official business
• Ministers and officials of other governments visiting Belize at the invitation of the Belize government
• Public officers travelling on official business
• Approved scholarship holders leaving Belize to study abroad
• Sports and cultural groups representing Belize and accredited by the government

Belize Airport Development Tax Exemptions

The following individuals are exempt from paying the Belize Airport Development Tax:

• Airline crew on duty
• Belizean citizens with a valid passport, Belizean resident card, or naturalization certificate
• Ministers of government
• Members of the national assembly
• Diplomatic and consular corp members
• Mayors of municipalities
• Officials of international organizations
• Caribbean community secretariat personnel travelling on official business
• Ministers and officials of other governments visiting Belize at the invitation of the Belize government
• Public officers travelling on official business
• Approved scholarship holders leaving Belize to study abroad
• Sports and cultural groups representing Belize and accredited by the government

Belize Conservation Tax Exemptions

The following individuals are exempt from paying the Belize Conservation Tax:

• Infants under the age of two
• Children under the age of 12
• Belizean citizens with a valid passport, Belizean resident card, or naturalization certificate
• Airline crew on duty

Belize International Security Fee Exemptions

The following individuals are exempt from paying the Belize International Security Fee:

Airline crew on duty

Belize Airport Development Tax (BU) exemptions

The Belize Airport Development Tax (BU) is typically included in the price of an airline ticket. However, there are certain exemptions to this tax for specific individuals.

• Belizean citizens and residents: Belizean citizens with a valid passport, Belizean resident card, or naturalization certificate are exempt from paying the full airport departure tax. They only pay a reduced fee of US$17.50 (BZ$35) that covers service, security, and baggage handling charges. However, if they purchase flights directly from international airlines, they may be charged the additional airport development and conservation fees. In such cases, they can claim a refund of US$56 (BZ$112) directly from the airline or the airport's receptionist desk.
• Airline crew on duty: They are exempt from paying the Belize Airport Development Tax.
• Ministers, government officials, and diplomats: Ministers of government, members of the national assembly, diplomatic corps, and consular corps are exempt from the tax.
• Mayors of municipalities: Mayors are also included in the list of exemptions.
• Officials of international organizations: Officials working for international organizations are exempt from the Belize Airport Development Tax.
• Caribbean Community Secretariat personnel: Those travelling on official business are exempted.
• Visiting ministers and officials invited by the Belize government: Ministers and officials of other governments who are visiting Belize at the invitation of the Belizean government are exempt from the tax.
• Public officers on official business: Public officers travelling for official purposes are also included in the list of exemptions.
• Approved scholarship holders and accredited sports/cultural groups representing Belize: Approved scholarship holders leaving Belize to study abroad, as well as sports and cultural groups representing Belize and accredited by the government, are exempt from the tax.

It is important to note that while these exemptions apply to the Belize Airport Development Tax (BU), there are separate fees and taxes associated with departing from Belize, such as the Belize Airport Departure Tax (FV) and the Belize Conservation Tax (FU). These fees may or may not be included in airline tickets, and different airlines may have their own policies regarding their inclusion or exemption.

Belize Airport Departure Tax (FV) exemptions

The Belize Airport Departure Tax is typically included in the price of your airline ticket. However, there are certain exemptions for specific individuals. These exemptions are outlined below:

Individuals Exempt from Belize Airport Departure Tax (FV):

• Airline crew on duty
• Ministers of government
• Members of the national assembly
• Diplomatic and consular corps members
• Mayors of municipalities
• Officials of international organizations
• Caribbean community secretariat personnel travelling on official business
• Ministers and officials of foreign governments visiting Belize at the invitation of the Belize government
• Public officers travelling on official business
• Approved scholarship holders leaving Belize to study abroad
• Sports and cultural groups representing Belize and accredited by the government

It is important to note that the above exemptions apply specifically to the Belize Airport Departure Tax (FV) and may not cover other taxes or fees associated with travelling to or from Belize.

In addition to the individuals listed above, citizens of Belize, including children, are exempt from paying the land border exit fee when leaving the country through its land borders with Guatemala or Mexico.

For those who are not exempt, the Belize Airport Departure Tax (FV) is typically included in the airline ticket price, but it is always good to check. The fee must be paid in US cash by non-Belizeans and cannot be paid in Belizean dollars.

Belize Conservation Tax (FU) exemptions

The Belize Conservation Tax (FU) is included in the price of an airline ticket when departing from Belize. However, certain individuals are exempt from this tax and can claim a refund within 12 months of the ticket's issuance. These exemptions include:

• Infants under the age of two.
• Children under the age of 12.
• Belizean citizens with a valid passport, Belizean resident card, or naturalization certificate.
• Airline crew on duty.

To request a refund for the Belize Conservation Tax (FU), individuals can contact the relevant airline and provide documentation, such as a valid passport or resident card, along with their ticket number or confirmation code.

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