Belize Exit Strategies: Unraveling The Exit Tax Mystery

There is no entry fee for Belize, but there is an exit fee. This exit tax, or departure tax, is used for infrastructure development, airport/border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. The fee varies depending on whether you are leaving Belize via plane or land/maritime border. For those leaving by air, the departure tax is typically included in the airline ticket price, but not always, so it is important to check. The tax must be paid in cash, and foreigners must pay in US dollars. For those leaving Belize by land, the exit fee is US$20 or BZ$40, which includes a border exit fee, a Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) fee, and a border development fee.

The exit tax when leaving by air

When departing from Belize by air, there is an exit tax that must be paid at the airport before boarding your plane. This exit tax is used for infrastructure development, airport/border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. The amount varies depending on the nationality and residency status of the individual.

Belizean citizens and permanent residents are charged a lower fee than non-citizens and non-residents. For Belizeans, the airport fee is US$17.50 (BZ$35), which includes charges for service, security, and baggage handling. Meanwhile, foreigners are typically required to pay US$73.50, which includes additional fees for airport development and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). It is important to note that the exit tax for Belizean citizens may be higher when purchasing flights directly from international airlines, but they can claim a refund for the additional charges.

The exit tax is typically included in the price of airline tickets, but it is recommended to check beforehand as it needs to be paid in cash at the airport if it is not included. The total exit fee for non-citizens is US$55.50, which includes a US$0.75 security fee for domestic security screening. It is worth noting that some sources mention a departure tax of US$39.25 or US$56, indicating that the fees may change over time or vary depending on the specific circumstances.

In summary, when leaving Belize by air, make sure to arrive at the airport with sufficient cash to pay the exit tax if it is not already included in your airline ticket. The amount you need to pay will depend on your nationality and residency status, with Belizean citizens and residents paying a lower fee than non-citizens and non-residents.

The exit tax when leaving by land

The exit tax when leaving Belize by land

When leaving Belize by land, all foreign visitors must pay an exit tax. This applies to all non-Belizean citizens and residents. The exit fee is BZ$40 or US$20 and includes a mandatory BZ$2.50 "border development fee", a BZ$7.50 conservation fee, and a BZ$30 exit fee. It is important to note that this fee must be paid in cash and that credit and debit cards are not accepted.

For those who have spent less than 24 hours in Belize, there is no conservation fee. However, if you spend more than 24 hours in the country, you must pay the BZ$7.50 conservation fee upon exiting. This fee is payable in either US or Belize dollars.

The exit tax is used for infrastructure development, border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. These efforts include funding for Belize's network of protected areas through the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT).

It is recommended that all visitors check whether their airfare or cruise includes the exit tax, as some companies include it in the ticket price. If it is not included, you must pay the exit tax in cash when leaving the country.

Additionally, there is a $0.75 security fee for domestic security screening, which applies to all individuals departing from the Philip S.W. Goldson airport outside of Belize City, regardless of the length of their stay.

The exit tax when leaving by sea

When departing Belize by sea, there is a mandatory exit tax that must be paid. The total exit fee is US$20, which includes a mandatory border development fee of BZ$2.50 (US$1.25) and a conservation fee of BZ$7.50 (US$3.75). The exit tax must be paid in cash, either in US dollars or Belize dollars. It is important to note that this exit tax is separate from any fees or taxes that may be included in the cost of your cruise or other transportation.

The exit tax is used to fund infrastructure development, border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. These include the country's network of protected areas and conservation programs.

It is recommended that travellers investigate whether their transportation costs include the exit tax, as some cruises and airlines may include it in their pricing. It is also important to be aware that the exit tax is only collected in cash, and credit cards are not accepted.

Additionally, there is a security fee of US$0.75 for domestic security screening that must be paid upon departure.

For travellers spending less than 24 hours in Belize, there is no conservation fee required. However, for stays exceeding 24 hours, the conservation fee of BZ$7.50 (US$3.75) must be paid upon exiting the country.

The exit tax for Belize citizens

Belize citizens and permanent residents are indeed subject to an exit tax when departing the country. The amount varies depending on the mode of transport and the destination.

When flying out of Belize, citizens and residents are charged a departure tax of BZ$35 (US$17.50) which includes service, security, and baggage handling charges. There is also a US$0.75 security screening fee, bringing the total to US$18.25. It is important to note that these fees are often included in the ticket price, but it is recommended to check beforehand as they must be paid in cash if not included.

For Belize citizens departing through the land border, there is no exit fee. However, when departing through a maritime border, there is a BZ$7.50 (US$3.75) conservation fee.

The departure tax revenue is used for infrastructure development, airport/border maintenance, expansion, and national conservation efforts, including funding for Belize's network of protected areas.

The exit tax for non-citizens

Belize has implemented an exit or departure tax for all non-residents and non-citizens leaving the country. This tax is used for infrastructure development, airport/ border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. The fee varies depending on the mode of transport and the duration of your stay in Belize.

If you are flying out of Belize, the departure tax may or may not be included in the price of your airfare or cruise. It is important to check with your airline whether the tax has been paid as it must be paid in cash at the airport if it hasn't. The departure tax for non-citizens flying out of Belize is $35.50 USD plus a security screening fee of $0.75 USD. The total exit fee is $55.50 USD.

For those departing Belize via land or sea borders to Guatemala, Mexico, or Honduras, there is a border exit fee totalling BZ$40 or US$20. This includes a border development fee of BZ$2.50, a conservation fee of BZ$7.50, and a departure tax of BZ$30. Travellers who have spent less than 24 hours in Belize are exempt from paying the conservation fee. All fees must be paid in cash and can be paid in either US dollars or Belize dollars.

It is important to note that the exit tax for non-citizens of Belize is separate from any visa or entry fees, which are not required for travellers with an American, Canadian, European Union, or CARICOM passport.

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