Belize City Customs Clearance: How Long Is The Wait?

The time it takes to get through customs in Belize City can vary depending on several factors, including the number of arriving flights and passengers. On average, it takes between 20 minutes and one hour to clear customs and immigration, with some travellers reporting longer waits of two to three hours. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least three hours before their international flight departure to allow for adequate check-in and security clearance. Domestic connections require a minimum of one hour, and international connections require a minimum of three hours.

It can take between 20 minutes to an hour to clear customs

Clearing Customs in Belize City

The time it takes to clear customs in Belize City can vary depending on several factors, but it generally falls within the range of 20 minutes to one hour. Here are some key considerations and insights to help you understand and navigate the process efficiently:

Factors Affecting Customs Clearance Time

• Number of Arrivals: The time taken to clear customs can be significantly influenced by the number of international arrivals. If multiple flights arrive simultaneously, you may experience longer waiting times as more passengers go through the immigration and customs process.
• Day of the Week: The day of the week can also impact the clearance time. Typically, weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be busier than weekdays, potentially resulting in longer waiting times.
• Seat Location: Your seat location on the plane can play a role in how quickly you reach the immigration area. Passengers sitting near the front of the plane often have an advantage in deplaning first, allowing them to be among the first in line at immigration.
• Luggage Collection: While customs clearance itself may only take a few minutes, the time required to collect your checked luggage can extend the overall duration. Busier days or multiple concurrent arrivals may result in longer waits for luggage retrieval.
• Documentation: Having all the necessary documentation ready can streamline your immigration and customs experience. Ensure you have your passport, completed declaration forms, and any other required documents readily available.

Efficient Clearance Tips

• Carry-On Luggage: Opting for carry-on luggage instead of checking in bags can save you time, as you won't need to wait at the baggage carousel. This is especially beneficial if you're concerned about making a connecting flight or transfer.
• Online Booking: If you need to take a water taxi or another form of transportation with set departure times, consider booking your ticket in advance. That way, even if there are slight delays in clearing customs, you won't miss out on your preferred travel option.
• Flexible Flights: Both domestic airlines in Belize City, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, are known for their flexibility. They are usually accommodating if you need to switch to an earlier or later flight due to unforeseen delays in clearing customs.
• Early Check-In: For international departures, it's recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure time. This buffer allows for potential delays during the security and customs clearance process when leaving Belize.

Immigration is the first department to clear

Belize City's Philip Goldson International Airport is the only international airport in Belize. The airport is small, and there are no jet bridges, so passengers exit the plane via stairs.

Upon arrival, passengers must first clear Immigration, then claim their bags, and finally proceed to Customs. Immigration officials will require the following:

• Completed Embarkation Form on arrival
• Completed Disembarkation Form on departure
• Return ticket to the country of origin (non-residents)
• Valid visa for countries from which a visa is required
• Proof of at least US$60.00 per day for the duration of the stay
• Address or hotel reservation

It is important to have all the necessary documentation ready, as this will be the first department you need to clear before claiming your luggage and proceeding to Customs.

Passengers are required to possess a valid passport along with a Customs Declaration Form and relevant receipts where applicable. Items for declaration should be supported by an invoice and listed on the Customs Declaration Form. One Form may be filled out for family members travelling together if children are under 18 years of age. Passengers over 18 years of age need to complete their own Declaration Form.

It can take between 20 minutes to one hour to clear the Immigration and Customs area. However, depending on how many planes land at the same time, it could take longer.

Customs checks luggage and collects taxes and/or import duties

The time it takes to get through customs checks in Belize City can vary depending on several factors, including the number of planes landing at the same time and the day of the week. It can take between 30 minutes to an hour to clear the Customs/Immigration area. Some travellers report that it has never taken them more than about 45 minutes to get through Immigration, baggage claim and Customs, while others state that it usually takes longer to get your bags than it does to clear customs (around 10-15 minutes if it's not too crowded).

The amount of time it takes to clear customs in Belize City also depends on whether you are carrying checked luggage or travelling with carry-on luggage only. If you are travelling with checked luggage, you will need to allow extra time for your bags to be processed and retrieved from the baggage claim area.

It's worth noting that, in most countries, customs procedures for arriving passengers at major international airports, ports, and some road crossings are separated into red and green channels. Passengers with goods to declare (carrying goods above the permitted customs limits and/or carrying prohibited items) go through the red channel, while passengers with nothing to declare go through the green channel. However, it's important to remember that entry into a particular channel constitutes a legal declaration, and passengers found to be in possession of prohibited items in the green channel can be subject to fines and other penalties.

When travelling internationally, it's important to be aware of the customs regulations and requirements of your destination country, as well as any taxes or duties that may be imposed on goods you are carrying. Some countries have specific restrictions on certain types of items, such as alcoholic beverages, firearms, and soil. It's also important to declare any goods that you are bringing into the country, especially if they exceed the permitted customs limits.

It's recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before an international flight

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport three hours before an international flight to ensure a smooth, seamless, and stress-free journey. This allows ample time for document verification, security checks, and boarding, and helps to maintain timely departures and arrivals.

When flying into Belize City, it is recommended that passengers allow enough time to clear customs and immigration. The process can take between 30 minutes to an hour, or longer if there are multiple international arrivals. It is a small airport, so there aren't any long concourses to traverse, but it is advisable to allow extra time in case of delays or if several planes arrive simultaneously.

One traveller reported that it took them about 20 minutes to get through immigration, collect their bags, and go through customs. Another traveller said it never took them more than 45 minutes to get through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. However, they noted that it could take longer depending on how many planes arrive at the same time.

For domestic flights within Belize, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the Maya Island Air Terminal at least 30 minutes before their flight to allow for check-in and baggage processing. For domestic connections, passengers should allow a minimum of one hour between flights, while for international connections, a minimum of three hours is recommended.

When departing from Belize City on an international flight, airlines typically request that passengers check in three hours before the scheduled departure time. This allows enough time for check-in, document verification, security checks, and boarding. It is important to note that check-in usually closes one hour before departure time for security checks, so arriving three hours in advance ensures that passengers have sufficient time to complete all the necessary procedures.

In summary, arriving at the airport three hours before an international flight is generally recommended to allow for document verification, security checks, and boarding. This is especially important when departing from smaller airports like Belize City, where delays or multiple simultaneous arrivals can extend the time needed to clear customs and immigration. For a smooth travel experience, it is crucial to allow ample time and stay informed about any unexpected changes or delays.

The airport is small, so it's a short walk to domestic check-in

The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City is a small airport. It takes between 30 minutes to an hour to clear the Customs/Immigration area. Once a passenger has landed in Belize, they will first clear Immigration, then claim their bags and proceed to Customs. The domestic check-in is a short 20-metre walk after Customs.

Passengers are required to check in at the ticket counter at least 30 minutes before their domestic departure time. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before their flight to allow for check-in and baggage processing. For domestic connections, it is recommended to allow a minimum of one hour between flights.

If you are travelling on an international flight, it is recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before departure time.

Frequently asked questions