Belize's No-Go List: What To Leave At Home

If you're travelling to Belize, there are several items that are prohibited or restricted from entry into the country. These include illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, ammunition, knives, and other deadly weapons. In addition, certain food items such as meat and meat products, milk and poultry products, and plant products are also prohibited. Hazardous materials, counterfeit money and goods, and pornographic material are also banned. It is important to declare any cash amounts exceeding the permitted limit, and travellers should be aware of restrictions on the import of alcohol, tobacco, and perfume.

Firearms, ammunition, and explosives

If you are entering Belize by boat, you must declare any firearms and ammunition to Bahamian Customs at the first point of entry. Only declared shotguns and handguns are allowed in Bahamian waters. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, and an exact count of ammunition. Declared firearms cannot be removed from your boat and must be kept locked at all times.

If you are arrested for gun trafficking in Belize, you could be imprisoned, fined, or both, and the State Department will not be able to secure your release.

Drugs and other illegal substances

Belize has strict laws regarding drugs and other illegal substances. It is important to note that bringing illegal substances into Belize can result in confiscation, fines, arrest, or deportation.

Prescription Drugs

When travelling to Belize, it is advisable to keep prescription medications in their original packaging and containers. While it is not mandatory, having a copy of the prescription from your doctor is also recommended. This helps to ensure that you do not encounter any issues with customs officials.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some medications available by prescription in other countries may be available over the counter in Belize. However, it is always best to consult with a local pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure you are obtaining the correct medication and dosage.

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Over-the-counter medications are generally not an issue when travelling to Belize. It is not uncommon for travellers to remove these medications from their original packaging to save space. Customs officials in Belize rarely scrutinize these types of medications, but it is always a good idea to keep them in their original blister packs if possible, as the packs usually state the type of medication.

Illegal Drugs

The import of illegal drugs into Belize is strictly prohibited. Marijuana, for example, is illegal to bring into the country, purchase, or transport. While recent laws have allowed residents to possess small amounts of marijuana on their own property, it remains essentially illegal for tourists.

Other prohibited items include controlled substances such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, and knives. It is also important to be aware that certain goods are restricted for import based on licensing and permit requirements. These include items such as peanut butter, jam, pasta, wheat flour, rice, alcohol, cigarettes, and pharmaceutical medicines.

Natural Substances

When it comes to natural substances, it is worth noting that kratom and CBD oil are not currently illegal in Belize. However, it is advised not to advertise possession of these substances due to the discretion of Belize Customs.

In summary, it is crucial to respect the laws and regulations of Belize regarding drugs and other illegal substances. Always declare any medications or controlled substances you are bringing into the country, and consult with local authorities or healthcare providers if you have any questions or concerns.

Meat and meat products

Fresh, commercially packaged meat is generally not allowed into Belize. However, there are specific requirements and conditions that must be met if you wish to bring certain types of meat into the country. These requirements are stipulated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority and the Supplies Control Unit.

For example, frozen USDA ground beef is allowed, but it must be in its original unopened packages bearing the USDA seal. Upon arrival, it needs to be declared to Quarantine, who will inspect and verify compliance. Additionally, a valid Supplies Control license is required for this type of meat.

Bacon and frozen pork chops are also permitted, but they too must be in their original unopened packages with the USDA seal intact. Similar to ground beef, these meat products need to be declared upon arrival and require a valid Supplies Control license.

On the other hand, frozen chicken breasts and fish fillets are prohibited from being brought into Belize. Sliced lunch meats such as turkey, salami, and hot dogs are allowed in small quantities for personal use, but they must be in their original unopened packages bearing the USDA seal, and they need to be declared upon arrival.

It is important to note that bringing meat into Belize can be confusing, and non-compliance with the regulations can result in confiscation and destruction of the meat, along with fines as determined by the Belizean authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to check the latest regulations and requirements before travelling to Belize if you plan on bringing any meat or meat products into the country.

Alcohol and cigarettes

Alcohol

Belize has strict regulations regarding the amount of alcohol visitors can bring into the country. According to some sources, travellers from non-European Union countries are allowed to bring in a maximum of 1 litre of spirits with an alcohol content of over 22%, or 2 litres of dessert wine with an alcohol content of 22% or less, or 2 litres of wine. However, another source mentions that travellers are only allowed to bring in 1 litre of wine or spirits, not one of each.

It is important to note that beer is prohibited from being brought into Belize. Travellers can purchase alcohol from duty-free shops near the baggage claim area in the Belize International Airport.

Cigarettes

For cigarettes, travellers from non-European Union countries are allowed to bring up to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 250 grams of tobacco, and 50 cigars into Belize.

Drones

Drone licenses are required in Belize and must be procured prior to arrival. Drones are not allowed in any of the National Parks or archaeological sites, even with a permit. It is recommended to leave your drone at home, as it will be confiscated at Customs, and you may not get it back.

If you are travelling to Belize and want to bring your drone, the BDCA lists these special considerations for foreigners who want to fly drones:

> Currently, Belize is only providing authorization to fly UAVs to those foreigners who have been commissioned for works / services from an approved local business / organization in Belize.

If you have approval from a local business or organization for work in Belize, you must submit a letter to the Director of Civil Aviation stating the purpose of the work and services being provided by the drone operator from the said business or organization. This letter must be emailed to both [email protected] and [email protected]. The letter must include the company or organization requesting the work, the date of arrival in Belize, and the specific places where the proposed flight(s) will take place. You must also complete a Drone Application Form, which can be obtained by sending a request via email to [email protected].

Frequently asked questions