Belize's Booze Cruise: Bringing Your Own Bottles

If you're travelling to Belize, you may be wondering how much alcohol you can bring with you. The answer depends on where you're travelling from and how much you're willing to pay. If you're coming from a non-European Union country, you can bring in 1 litre of spirits (with alcohol content over 22%), 2 litres of dessert wine (alcohol content 22% or less), and 2 litres of wine per person. Customs officials may turn a blind eye to an extra bottle or two, but if you bring in more than that, you'll have to pay duty on the extra bottles, which is usually more expensive than just buying the alcohol in Belize.

If you're flying into Belize, you can take advantage of the duty-free shops in the airport, where you can buy up to 4 bottles of spirits or wine that won't count towards your regular import allowance.

Duty-free alcohol allowance for Belize

Belize is a small Central American country with a population of approximately 400,000 people of primarily mixed Mestizo, Creole, Mayan and European descent. It is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea.

Belize has a number of duty-free shops near the baggage claim area in the international airport. Travellers can purchase duty-free items, including alcohol, there.

The duty-free allowance for alcohol in Belize is as follows:

• Inbound travellers from non-European Union countries can bring in 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22%, 2 litres of dessert wine (max 22% alcohol content), 2 litres of wine, 250ml of eau de toilette and 60cc of perfume.
• Inbound travellers can also bring in 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 250g of tobacco and 50 cigars.
• Inbound travellers can purchase up to 4 bottles of spirits or wine at the duty-free shop in the arrival terminal. These do not count towards the regular import allowance.
• Inbound travellers can bring in a maximum of 6 bottles of liquor or wine duty-free.
• Inbound travellers can also bring in 3 cartons of cigarettes, 6 boxes of cigars and 6 bottles of perfume duty-free.
• At land or sea border crossings, travellers are entitled to 1 litre/1 bottle per person of liquor (no beer).

It is important to note that customs officials may confiscate beer, including beer from Guatemala or Mexico, as Belize protects its domestic brewing industry. The exception is beer from countries in CARICOM, of which Belize is a member.

Bringing alcohol into Belize from the US

When bringing alcohol into Belize from the US, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, travellers from the US are only required to have a valid passport, and no visa is needed for stays of up to 30 days. After that, a visa can be obtained for a fee.

In terms of bringing alcohol, travellers can bring in one litre of spirits with an alcohol content above 22%, or two litres of dessert wine (up to 22% alcohol), or two litres of wine. These allowances are per person. It is important that any bottles of alcohol are original, unopened, and in their original packaging. These must be declared on a customs form, which will be provided on the aircraft before arrival.

It is worth noting that alcohol, especially imported varieties, can be very expensive in Belize. Therefore, it is advisable to stock up on alcohol at duty-free shops, either at the airport of departure or upon arrival in Belize. Inbound passengers to Belize are allowed up to six bottles of liquor or wine each at duty-free shops in the airport.

Rules for alcohol in carry-on luggage

Alcohol is not permitted in carry-on luggage on flights to Belize. Any alcohol purchased at duty-free must be placed in checked luggage.

When entering Belize, travellers must declare any alcohol they are bringing into the country on their customs form. It is then up to the customs officer to decide whether to tax the alcohol.

The amount of alcohol that can be brought into Belize is dependent on where the traveller is coming from. Those from non-European Union countries can bring in one litre of spirits (with alcohol content over 22%), two litres of dessert wine (with alcohol content 22% or less), and two litres of wine.

Those arriving from the United States can bring in one litre of liquor and one carton of cigarettes per person. Customs officials may confiscate beer, including beer from Guatemala or Mexico, as Belize protects its domestic brewing industry. The exception is beer from countries in CARICOM, of which Belize is a member.

For those arriving at Philip Goldson International Airport, up to four bottles of spirits or wine can be purchased at the duty-free shop in the arrival terminal near the baggage claim area. These will not count towards the regular import allowance.

Customs declaration for alcohol

When travelling to Belize, it's important to be aware of the country's customs regulations regarding alcohol. Here is some detailed information on what you need to know and do when bringing alcohol into the country:

Amount Allowed

According to various sources, travellers to Belize are allowed to bring a limited quantity of alcohol for personal use. The general consensus is that each passenger can bring up to 1 litre of spirits or wine. This amount is confirmed by official Belize customs regulations, which specify 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22% or 2 litres of dessert wine with alcohol content no more than 22%. However, some travellers have reported being able to bring an extra bottle or two without being charged duty by customs officials.

Packaging

It is important to note that the alcohol must be in its original, unopened bottles. Transferring the contents into plastic bottles is not allowed. Additionally, alcohol is not permitted in carry-on luggage and must be packed in checked baggage.

Customs Declaration

Upon arrival in Belize, you will need to fill out a customs form and declare the amount of alcohol you are bringing into the country. It is up to the customs officer to decide whether to tax you on the alcohol. If you are importing goods, including alcohol, you may need additional documentation such as an import permit, commercial invoice, bill of lading/air waybill, and a packing list.

Duty-Free Options

If you wish to purchase alcohol duty-free, there are several options available to you. Duty-free shops can be found at the Philip Goldson International Airport, both before and after clearing customs. Travellers can take advantage of these shops to stock up on alcohol, as well as other items such as tobacco, fragrances, and gift items. Additionally, if you are travelling by air, you can purchase alcohol duty-free on your last flight out of the US and pack it in your checked luggage before going through Belizean customs.

Alcohol restrictions for minors

Belize has a lower drinking age than many other countries, with the legal drinking age set at 18. This means that it is relatively easy for minors to purchase alcohol almost anywhere, every day, until midnight at convenience stores, and up to 3:00 a.m. at casinos and nightclubs.

However, it is important to note that Belize has strict laws against drinking and driving, and public intoxication. If a minor is caught driving under the influence, they could face serious consequences, including being detained for up to 36 hours. The Blood Alcohol Level Limit in Belize is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08, which is the same as in the UK, Canada, and most of the US.

Public drunkenness is also illegal in Belize and this law is enforced. Drinking on public streets is not allowed, but it is acceptable to drink on a resort's property.

Safety tips for drinking in Belize include sticking with friends or travelling in groups, and staying together throughout the night. Women, in particular, should be cautious when walking alone at night and after drinking. While tourist areas typically have a lot of security, there are still areas where everyone should exercise caution. It is also recommended to avoid mixed drinks and only purchase beer and drinks in sealed containers, as there have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs.

Frequently asked questions