Belize Customs: A Traveler's Tough Hurdle

Belize has strict customs regulations that travellers should be aware of before their trip to avoid legal issues and potential fines. While the regulations are similar to those of other countries, non-compliance can lead to problems with the authorities. Here is an overview of the key considerations when entering or exiting Belize.

What documents do I need to enter Belize?

To enter Belize, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your arrival, as well as proof of your intent to depart the country, such as a return or onward ticket. If you are driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, you will also need to secure a temporary importation permit at your point of entry. If you are a citizen of the United States, its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, or Central American countries, you will not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. If you are a citizen of another country, check with your embassy to see if you need a visa. If you are staying for longer than 30 days, you will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay.

If you are travelling with children, you may be asked to show birth certificates for each child, as well as notarized letters of consent from the child's other parent(s) if they are not travelling with you. If you are travelling with pets, you will need an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), a recent veterinary certificate, and a valid rabies certificate.

What items can I bring into Belize?

Belize's customs regulations are similar to those of other countries. As long as you comply with the rules, you should have no problems. Here is a detailed list of what you can bring into Belize:

Documents

All travellers entering Belize from the United States need a valid U.S. passport. No visa is required for the first 30 days, but visitors must have an onward or return ticket and proof that they can financially support themselves during their stay. After 30 days, a visa can be obtained for up to six months for a fee of $25 USD. This visa can be extended for $50 USD per month. All tourists must pay an exit fee of $35 USD when leaving Belize.

Money

Declare any amount of money over $10,000 BZ on the customs form provided on the aircraft before arrival. The legal limit per adult is $5000 USD, and bringing more than this amount without declaring it may result in fines.

Electronics

Electronics such as laptops are not recommended due to the risk of theft. However, essential electronics like phones and cameras are allowed and should be declared on the customs form.

Medication

Prescription drugs should be kept in their original packaging and declared on the customs form.

Food

Most packaged foods are allowed in small amounts for personal use. However, certain items like meat, rice, beans, sugar, and peanuts require an import license. Fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcoholic beverages are permitted within limits: up to 1 litre of spirits above 22% alcohol content, 2 litres of dessert wine (maximum 22% alcohol content), and 2 litres of wine. Tobacco products are also allowed within limits: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 250g of tobacco, and 50 cigars.

Other Restricted Items

• Firearms and ammunition: Strict gun control laws are enforced, and a mandatory 2-year prison sentence is imposed for each bullet found without a permit.
• Drugs: Marijuana is illegal to bring into Belize, and purchasing or transporting any amount is a punishable offence. Kratom and CBD oil are not currently illegal but should be used discreetly.
• Drones: A licence is required to operate a drone in Belize and must be obtained before arrival. Drones are prohibited in national parks and archaeological sites.
• Perfume: Only one bottle of perfume is allowed per person.
• Snorkel gear: Some resorts may ask guests to bring used snorkel gear, but customs duties may apply.
• Valuables: Avoid bringing valuable items such as fine jewellery or expensive watches, as they may attract unwanted attention.

What items are prohibited in Belize?

Belize customs regulations are similar to those of other countries, and visitors are allowed to bring in any reasonable goods and belongings for personal use during their stay. However, there are some prohibited and restricted items that travellers should be aware of before planning their trip.

Prohibited Items

Belize Customs prohibits the following items from being brought into the country:

• Drones
• Firearms and ammunition
• Marijuana
• Cash over $5000 USD per family or adult
• Beer
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Meat and meat products
• Processed food items
• Live animals
• Peanut butter, jam, jellies, pasta, wheat flour, rice, peppers and pepper sauces, alcohol, spirits, carbonated beverages, cigarettes, products made of wood, pharmaceutical medicines, pesticides, telecommunication equipment, certain gases and chemicals deemed harmful to the environment, and fuel
• Goods containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine

Restricted Items

The following items are restricted and may require an import license or be subject to quantity limitations:

• Cigarettes, cigarillos, tobacco, and cigars
• Spirits, wine, and liquor
• Eau de toilette and perfume
• Snorkel gear
• School and pet supplies
• Books and school supplies

Additional Customs Regulations

It is important to note that all passengers arriving in Belize are subject to luggage inspections by the Belize Customs Department. Any items that are not duty-free must be declared and may be subject to taxes or import duties. Passengers must also have a valid passport, a completed Customs Declaration Form, and any relevant invoices or receipts.

What do I need to do when leaving Belize?

When leaving Belize, there are a few key things you need to do to ensure a smooth departure. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Arrive at the airport: It is recommended to arrive at the international airport two hours before your departure. The check-in area is located at the far right end of the building as you drive into the compound.
• Check-in: Proceed to the check-in counters of your airline and complete the necessary procedures. Have your travel documents ready, including your passport and any other required paperwork.
• Exit Immigration: After checking in, you will need to clear immigration. This process involves getting an exit stamp and submitting your signed departure form.
• Security Screening: After clearing immigration, you will go through security screening, which may include a luggage inspection by customs officials. Ensure you comply with any customs regulations and have the necessary documentation for any items you are carrying.
• Departure Terminal: Once you've cleared security, you'll enter the main departure terminal. Locate your gate and take some time to browse the duty-free shops, snack bars, and gift shops. This is also a good opportunity to spend any remaining Belize currency you may have.
• Boarding: Make your way to the designated gate and board your flight. Ensure you have your boarding pass and any necessary travel documents with you.
• Exit Fee: When departing Belize, there is an exit fee for all visitors. The fee is approximately US$35-55 and may be included in your airfare, so check with your airline beforehand. If it's not included, you can pay the fee in cash at the airport.
• Border Fee: If you are departing Belize through the Guatemala or Mexico border by land, there is a separate border fee of US$20 that you need to pay upon departure.
• Customs Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of your home country or the country you are travelling to. For example, U.S. citizens have specific allowances for items such as alcohol, cigarettes, and gifts when returning to the U.S. Keep receipts for any purchases made in Belize and declare any items as required by customs officials.

By following these steps and staying organized with your travel documentation, you can ensure a smooth departure from Belize and a pleasant end to your trip.

What are the visa requirements for Belize?

To enter Belize, you must have a current passport that is valid for the length of your stay and beyond your planned departure date. No visas are required for citizens of the United States, the European Community (including Ireland), Great Britain, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand for stays of 30 days or less. However, nationals of certain other countries do need a visa or consular permission to enter Belize. For instance, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States Virgin Islands, among others, require a visa for visits longer than 30 days.

For visa-exempt countries, visitors must also provide proof of their intent to depart Belize (e.g., onward or return plane tickets) and proof of sufficient funds to sustain themselves during their stay. It is recommended that visitors have at least US$60.00 per day for the duration of their stay. Additionally, visitors travelling with minor children may need to present birth certificates for each child and signed documentation (notarized letters from parents, custody or adoption papers, etc.) if the children are not travelling with both parents.

For those who require a visa, the process involves contacting the nearest Belizean consulate or embassy and completing an application form. A list of embassies and consulates is provided on the Belize Tourism Board website (www.travelbelize.org). The visa fee for stays exceeding 30 days is US$25, and extensions can be obtained for US$50 per month.

It is important to note that Belize customs regulations are similar to those of other countries, and compliance is generally straightforward. However, it is illegal to bring in drones, meat and meat products, processed food items, and live animals.

Frequently asked questions