Belize City Customs: Navigating The Challenges

Belize City is considered dangerous due to violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. The south side of Belize City is particularly notorious for gang-related violent crime. However, tourists are rarely the targets of such crimes. The local police lack the resources and training to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents, leaving most crimes unresolved and unprosecuted. When travelling to Belize, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night, and not to display signs of wealth.

What are the entry requirements for Belize?

To enter Belize, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your arrival. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 30 days. However, they must have proof of their intent to depart Belize, such as an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to sustain themselves during their stay.

If you are visiting for purposes other than tourism, or if you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you must obtain a visa. Visitors can extend their stay in Belize beyond 30 days by visiting an Immigration Office and obtaining a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. This allows visitors to stay for up to six months, with extensions granted in one-month increments. Each extension costs $100 USD.

Upon departure, all non-Belizean citizens are required to pay an exit fee, which differs depending on whether you leave through the international airport or land borders. The fee is $73.50 USD at the airport and $20 USD at land borders. Belizean citizens or residents pay $35 BZD.

If you are travelling with children, you may be asked to show birth certificates for each child. If the children are not travelling with both parents, you will likely need signed documentation to establish that you have permission from the other parent(s). This could include notarized letters, custody or adoption papers, or death certificates.

There are also restrictions on what you can bring into the country. For example, travellers can import and export up to 100 BZD per person in local currency, and an unlimited amount of foreign cash, as long as it is declared upon arrival. Residents can export up to 400 BZ in local currency.

Other prohibited items include illegal drugs, guns, explosives, knives and other deadly weapons, plant and animal products, hazardous materials, counterfeit money and goods, and pornographic material.

What are the import regulations?

The import and export sector in Belize is prosperous, with annual exports in 2018 totalling $354 million (USD) and imports reaching $1.05 billion (USD). The country is an active member of the World Trade Organization and its government emphasizes improving commercial ties with large markets such as China, Mexico, and the United States.

To begin import and export operations in Belize, you must officially establish your company in the country. This involves registering your company with the Belize International Corporate Affairs Registry (IBC) and obtaining a business license.

The following steps are then required to start the import and export process:

• Submit the application form
• Obtain an interview with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)
• Present a copy of the company's registration issued by the IBC to the BCCI

The BCCI is in charge of approving trade licenses, while the Belize Customs & Excise Department (BCED) regulates import and export operations. The BCED enforces customs and excise laws to ensure safety in operational processes. It also supervises the application of customs duties and commercial conventions and evaluates the collection of customs revenues on goods or services imported into and exported from Belize.

To import goods into Belize, the following documentation must be presented to the BCED:

• Purchase order or letter of credit
• Commercial invoice with a packing list
• Certificate of origin of the product
• Customs entry document
• Insurance certificate

Some goods require an import permit from the Ministry of Culture in Belize, including live animals, foodstuffs, plant materials, and veterinary supplies.

The import process concludes when the dealer pays the taxes required by the port. Following this, an agent will examine the merchandise and grant approval.

For travellers, the following can be freely imported into Belize:

• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco
• 1 litre of wine or spirits
• Basic foodstuffs including bread, rice, flour, fresh meat, and condensed milk
• Medicine and medical supplies for personal use
• Animal feeding material

Travellers can freely import and export up to 100 BZD per person in local currency, and an unlimited amount of foreign cash providing it is declared upon arrival. Residents can export up to BZD 400 in local currency.

Restricted items include:

• Hams and turkeys, which are not duty-free and require an extra 35% and 40% import tax, respectively
• All plant and plant products, which require permission from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA)
• Meat and meat-based products, which require permission from the BAHA
• Cats and dogs, which require a special import permit from the Agriculture Department Belmopan, along with a general health certificate issued two weeks prior to arrival and a rabies vaccination certificate issued at least one month before arrival
• Wooden furniture included in household effects, which requires an import license from the Ministry of Trade

Prohibited items include:

• Illegal drugs
• Guns, explosives, and ammunition
• Knives and deadly weapons
• Milk and poultry products
• Hazardous materials
• Counterfeit money and goods
• Pornographic material

Is Belize City safe?

Belize City is considered unsafe by many official sources. The US State Department categorises Belize as a level 2 country and advises citizens to exercise increased caution when staying in the country due to a high prevalence of crime. The advisory also states that most of the crimes reported in Belize are either unresolved or unprosecuted, and that gang-related crime happens in the Southside of Belize City, outside tourist areas.

The Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City. Their advisory also emphasises the danger of gang-related violence in the area south of the Haulover Creek River.

The Government of Australia advises a "high degree of caution overall" due to the high crime rate and significant health risks. The Australian advisory also warns about the high prevalence of HIV and the presence of the Zika virus and chikungunya.

The UK's travel advisory for Belize closely follows the recommendations of the US, Canada, and Australia.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime, including armed robbery, shootings, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, are all concerns. Gang-related violence occurs most frequently in Belize City, particularly in the area to the south of the Haulover Creek (known as Southside). Tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, but anyone near an incident could be affected.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended that you:

• Remain aware of your surroundings at all times
• Avoid travelling after dark
• Keep your cellphone charged
• If threatened, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Be suspicious of strangers approaching you or recent acquaintances
• Avoid accepting rides or similar invitations
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewellery

Public transportation in Belize is generally unreliable and unsafe. It is recommended that you avoid using public buses and taxis. If you must use a taxi, never board at a taxi stand or flag one down on the street, and always negotiate the fare before getting in.

While most violent crimes occur in Belize City, it is important to note that crime and gang activity can occur throughout the country, especially in areas along the drug trafficking corridor between South America and the US.

Despite the high crime rate and safety concerns, many travellers report feeling safe in Belize, especially in tourist areas. Basic safety precautions and common sense can go a long way toward ensuring a safe trip.

How long does it take to get through customs?

The time it takes to get through customs in Belize City can vary depending on several factors. According to travel advisories and personal accounts, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 3 hours to get through customs, with most people reporting times between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The variation in time depends on:

• The day of the week: Weekends are reportedly busier than weekdays.
• The time of your flight: If several flights land at the same time, it may take longer to get through customs.
• Your seat on the plane: If you are sitting at the front of the plane, you will likely be one of the first people through customs.
• The efficiency of the customs officials: Some travellers have reported that customs officials work slowly.
• The number of other travellers: More travellers means longer wait times.
• The number of bags you are carrying: It usually takes longer to get your bags than to get through customs.

To ensure a smooth transition through customs, it is recommended that you allow for at least 2 hours, and up to 3 hours if possible, before any connecting flights.

What are the recommendations for travelling through customs?

When travelling through customs, it is important to be aware of the specific regulations and requirements of your destination country, as well as those of your home country upon your return. Here are some recommendations to facilitate your travel through customs:

Before Your Trip:

• Research the customs regulations of your destination country: Familiarize yourself with the prohibited and restricted items that cannot be brought into the country. This includes food, pets, medications, and other items. Check official government websites and embassy websites for the most up-to-date information.
• Prepare the necessary travel documents: Ensure you have all the required documentation for your trip, such as a valid passport, visa (if required), proof of onward or return travel, and sufficient funds to cover your expenses. Make copies of your travel documents and leave a set with a trusted contact.
• Declare items: If you are bringing any restricted items, such as large amounts of currency, arms, or ammunition, declare them on the appropriate customs forms.
• Medications: Bring only the medication you need and ensure it is in its original container. Some foreign-made medications may not be approved for use in your destination country.
• Importing goods: If you plan to import goods, familiarize yourself with the required documentation, such as import permits, invoices, and packing lists.

During Your Trip:

• Arrive at the airport early: For international travel, it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your departure time to allow sufficient time for customs and security checks.
• Comply with customs officers: Customs officers may inspect you and your belongings without a warrant to enforce the country's laws. Cooperate with their requests and answer their questions truthfully.
• Declare purchases: When returning to your home country, declare everything you have purchased abroad, even if it was bought duty-free. Some items may be prohibited or restricted.
• Be cautious of scams: Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and avoid displaying signs of wealth. Unfortunately, tourists are frequently targeted by criminals and scams, so it is important to remain aware of your surroundings.

Additional Considerations:

• Stay informed: Stay up to date with travel advisories and alerts for your destination. Enroll in travel advisory programs, such as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Cultural considerations: Be respectful of cultural differences and local laws. Some countries have restrictions on displaying affection in public, especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Health considerations: Ensure you are up to date with the necessary vaccinations and health requirements for your destination. Be aware of any health risks, such as the Zika virus, and take the necessary precautions.

Frequently asked questions