Gun Control In Belize: Understanding The Regulations

Gun ownership in Belize is legal, but it is a privilege, not a right. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit, with around 800 licences issued each year. The country has strict laws in place to restrict gun ownership.

Belize's gun laws can be sobering for North American nationals, especially those from the US, who are accustomed to a constitutional right to bear arms.

To own a gun in Belize, you must be a permanent resident or citizen and pass a background check, which includes criminal history, mental health and medical records, and previous firearm ownership. The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm. Only certain types of guns are permitted, and gun owners can only have 100 rounds of ammunition at any one time.

Gun laws in Belize are restrictive and difficult to navigate

Gun ownership is possible for permanent residents or citizens of Belize, but a thorough background check is conducted, and the waiting period can be as long as six months. The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm, and only 100 rounds are permitted at any one time. Anything above 9mm is deemed a prohibited firearm.

Belize has strict gun license laws. For example, gun owners who forget to renew their license on time can be detained by the authorities and incarcerated without bail for a month. It is also unlawful to possess a firearm while intoxicated, and those caught will usually be arrested and incarcerated without immediate bail.

There are several types of gun licenses available in Belize, including Special Protection Licenses, Hunting Licenses, and Farmer Gun Licenses. The latter is the cheapest option, at BZ $5 per annum for citizens and BZ $25 for non-citizens. It is also the easiest option for immigrants to obtain, as it does not require certification of competence to handle a firearm.

The process of obtaining a gun license in Belize is detailed and stringent. Applicants must pass a background check, including criminal history, mental health and medical records, and previous firearm ownership. They must also demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety and the law by passing a theoretical and/or practical training course.

In summary, while gun ownership is legal in Belize, the process is challenging and heavily regulated. The laws are designed to restrict ownership and deter unlicensed possession, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit

Gun ownership in Belize is restrictive and difficult to navigate, especially for North American nationals who are used to more relaxed gun laws. As of 2024, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit. The Board consists of a magistrate, a representative from the Belize Police Department, and the Home Affairs Ministry. It is headed by the CEO in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sharole Carr-Saldivar.

The Board issues around 800 gun licenses every year. These licenses are available to permanent residents or citizens of Belize. Applicants must undergo a thorough background check and wait up to six months for approval. The maximum calibre allowed in Belize is 9mm, and anything above this, such as a .38 magnum or .45, is prohibited.

Belize has strict gun license laws, and failure to renew a gun permit on time can result in detention and incarceration without bail for one month. It is also unlawful to possess a firearm while intoxicated, and this rule is enforced similarly to Belize's Alcohol Laws. Other regulations include restrictions on modifications to firearms and ammunition limits.

There are several types of gun licenses available in Belize, including Special Protection Licenses, Gun Repair Licenses, Sport Hunter Licenses, Farmer Gun Licenses, and Shooting Range Licenses. The application fee for a firearms license is BZ$100 and is non-refundable. The cost of the license depends on the type and the applicant's status as a citizen or non-citizen. For example, a Farmer Gun License costs BZ $5 per year for citizens and BZ $25 for non-citizens, while a Special Protection License costs BZ $225 for citizens and BZ $1500 for non-citizens.

There are three classes of gun ownership in Belize: for farmers, for hunters, and for special protection

Gun ownership in Belize is restrictive and difficult to navigate. It is not a right, but a privilege. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit, with about 800 gun licenses issued annually.

Farmers

Farmers can obtain a gun license to protect their livestock from predators and vermin. The size of the farm or vermin does not matter, and the weapon should only be taken off the farm once a year to get relicensed at the district police station. A farmer gun license is the cheapest option, at BZ $5. per annum for citizens, and BZ $25. for non-citizens. Additionally, the license holder does not need to be certified as competent to handle a firearm.

Hunters

Hunting is a popular pastime in Belize, and while many animals are protected, specific hunting seasons are in place for non-endangered game animals. Hunting licenses are available for rifles or shotguns, which can be carried openly but must be unloaded and in a case or wrapped in cloth in towns or villages. Non-Belizeans must also buy hunting tags for some specific game animals.

Special Protection

This license is the most difficult to obtain, as it is vetted by the police before being issued. It covers the right to carry a concealed sidearm or a pump-action shotgun for security or self-defense. To qualify for this license, individuals must show a genuine need, such as operating a business that carries cash, living alone, spending time in remote areas, or being an elderly couple.

Regardless of the type of gun license, gun owners in Belize must pass a background check, including a criminal background, mental health and medical check, and previous firearm ownership records. They must also understand firearm safety and the law and pass a theoretical and/or practical training course. Licensed firearm owners are permitted to possess only the number of firearms and quantity of ammunition indicated in their license.

Strict gun laws mean that draconian measures are in place for those found with unlicensed guns or ammunition

Belize has strict gun laws and regulations in place, with the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board being the only entity authorised to issue gun permits. The process of obtaining a gun license is difficult to navigate, with a limited number of permits issued each year. Those seeking a gun license must undergo a thorough background check and a lengthy waiting period.

Belize's gun laws impose strict measures for gun owners, including the requirement to renew their gun permits before their birthday, with failure to do so resulting in detention and incarceration without bail. Additionally, it is unlawful to possess a firearm while intoxicated, with violations leading to arrest and incarceration. The laws also outline specific requirements for gun licenses, ammunition possession, and the types of firearms allowed.

The penalties for violating Belize's gun laws are severe. Possession of unlicensed guns or ammunition can result in jail time for each bullet and gun. The laws apply to both citizens and non-citizens, with specific permit types and fees for each category. The laws also outline prohibited firearms, such as certain calibres and types of weapons.

Belize's gun laws are designed to restrict gun ownership and impose stringent consequences for violations. The laws aim to maintain public safety and reduce the risk of gun-related incidents. While gun ownership is not impossible, it is highly regulated, and those seeking to obtain a gun license must carefully navigate the strict laws and regulations.

In summary, Belize's strict gun laws include draconian measures for those found with unlicensed guns or ammunition. The laws outline specific requirements for gun ownership, possession, and use, with severe penalties for violations. These measures are in place to maintain public safety and reduce gun-related incidents in the country.

The right to bear arms does not apply in Belize

While the right to bear arms is recognised in several countries, including the United States, Switzerland, and Mexico, it does not apply in Belize.

Belize has restrictive gun laws that are challenging to navigate. Gun ownership is not impossible, but it is difficult. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits in Belize. The country has a complex web of laws aimed at restricting gun ownership.

Belize's gun laws can be particularly sobering for North American nationals, especially those from the US, who are accustomed to a different legal context surrounding gun ownership. While it is possible for permanent residents or citizens of Belize to own a gun, there are strict regulations in place. A thorough background check is conducted, and the waiting period can be as long as six months.

Belize has strict gun license laws, and failure to comply with these laws can result in incarceration without bail. For example, gun owners who forget to renew their license on time or are found in possession of a firearm while intoxicated can be detained and incarcerated without bail for a month.

The types of gun licenses available in Belize include Special Protection License, Gun Repair License, Sport Hunter License, Farmer Gun License, Shooting Range License, Shooting Club License, Firearm Safety Instructor License, Heirloom Firearm License, and Company Gun License. The process of obtaining a gun license in Belize can be expensive and time-consuming, and it is important to carefully navigate the country's complex gun regulations.

Frequently asked questions