Belize: What Not To Pack

Belize is a balmy paradise, full of adventure and natural beauty. However, there are some important things you shouldn't bring to this Central American country. Firstly, leave your valuables, electronics and jewellery at home. It's better to be safe than sorry, and these items are unnecessary for a fun-filled trip to Belize. The same goes for fancy clothes and nice jewellery—the dress code is casual, and you'll likely spend your days exploring ancient ruins, hiking through the jungle or lounging by the ocean or pool.

Secondly, don't bring heavy books. They're bulky and risky to bring to a humid place like Belize. Instead, bring a Kindle to store all your desired reads.

Thirdly, don't bring heavy fabrics like denim or white denim. They're not practical in the hot and humid climate. Opt for lighter, quick-drying materials like linen or moisture-wicking activewear.

Other things to avoid bringing include:

- Cold-weather clothing—it's warm in Belize all year round.

- Your computer—it's valuable and unnecessary.

- Meat and meat products—these are restricted from entry.

- Drones without a special permit from the Civil Aviation Department.

- More than $5000 USD per family or you may get into trouble.

- Beer—it's illegal to bring this into Belize.

- More than 200 cigarettes per person.

- More than one bottle of perfume per person.

- Firearms and ammunition—Belize has very strict gun control laws.

- Drugs—these are illegal and will result in punishment.

- More than 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine or dessert wine.

Firearms and ammunition

Belize has very strict gun control laws. If you are caught with firearms or ammunition, they will be confiscated, and you may be fined, arrested, or put on the next plane out of the country.

If you are a non-resident, it is highly unlikely that you will be granted a gun permit. There is a mandatory 2-year prison sentence for each bullet found in your possession if you do not have the right permit.

If you need to travel with your gun, Belize might not be the right destination for you.

Drugs

Belize is a beautiful country to visit, but it's important to know what you can and can't bring into the country. Here is some detailed information about bringing drugs into Belize:

Belize has strict laws regarding drugs, and it is important to comply with these regulations to avoid any legal issues during your visit. Here are some key points to consider:

Prescription Drugs

Prescription medications should be kept in their original packaging with the prescription label. Do not combine different medications into a single container. It is also advisable to bring only the amount necessary for your personal use during your stay in Belize.

Illegal Drugs

Marijuana, for example, is illegal to bring into Belize. While recent laws have allowed residents to possess small amounts for personal use on their own property, it is a punishable offence to purchase, sell, or transport any amount of marijuana. Therefore, it is essential that you do not bring any marijuana with you into the country, regardless of the intended purpose.

Kratom and CBD Oil

Kratom and CBD oil are not currently illegal in Belize. However, it is recommended that you do not advertise that you have them, as customs officials have the authority to confiscate any items they deem suspicious. It is best to be discreet and keep these substances in their original packaging.

Other Prohibited Items

In addition to drugs, there are other items that are prohibited or restricted from entry into Belize. These include firearms and ammunition, drones (without a special permit), and certain food items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products. It is also important to declare any cash amounts over $5,000 USD per family when entering the country.

Remember to always follow the local laws and regulations when travelling to Belize, and if you are unsure about any specific item, it is best to leave it at home or consult the appropriate authorities before your trip.

Drones

To bring a drone into Belize, you must be a commercially licensed drone pilot and have been hired by an approved business or organisation in Belize for a specific drone-related job. You will need to obtain approval from the local business or organisation and authorisation from the Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA).

To obtain authorisation from the BDCA, you must submit a letter to the Director of Civil Aviation stating the purpose of the works and services being provided. The letter must include the following information:

• The company or organisation requesting the work.
• The date of your arrival in Belize.
• Specific locations where the proposed drone operations will take place.

Along with the letter, you must also submit the following documents:

• A copy of your government-issued identification card (e.g. passport).
• A letter of approval for works by the Belize Film Commission.
• A completed Drone Application Form.

Once you have submitted the required documentation, the BDCA will review your request and notify you of approval or denial. If your request is approved, you will need to pay a $30.00 BZE fee for the permit at the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) office located at the Philip Goldson International Airport. After paying the fee, you can obtain your Letter of Authorisation and Permit from the Department of Civil Aviation, also located at the airport.

Even with authorisation and a permit, there are restrictions on where you can operate your drone in Belize. Drone operations are prohibited within three miles of any airport or airfield. Additionally, drones are not allowed in any National Parks or archaeological sites, even with a permit.

Meat and meat products

Prohibited Meat and Meat Products

According to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Supplies Control Unit, the following meat and meat products are prohibited from being imported into Belize:

• Beef
• Pork chops
• Bacon
• Chicken breasts
• Fish fillets

Restricted Meat and Meat Products

The following meat and meat products are allowed to be imported into Belize in small quantities for personal use, but they must meet specific requirements:

• Sliced lunch meats such as turkey, salami, and hot dogs must be in original unopened packages bearing the USDA seal, where applicable, and need to be declared to Quarantine upon arrival.
• Processed meat products such as jerky, canned ham, and spam are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use.
• Meat products that require an import permit or a valid Supplies Control license by law, such as ground beef and pork, need to come in their original unopened packages bearing the USDA seal.

It is important to note that bringing prohibited items into Belize can result in confiscation, fines, or even arrest. It is always best to check with the relevant authorities before travelling to Belize with any restricted items.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to Belize is not as simple as packing them in your luggage. To import plant products into Belize, you need to comply with a series of requirements.

Firstly, you must obtain a Valid Import Permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and any other necessary certification requested by the Authority. Secondly, the products will need to be inspected by Quarantine Inspectors at the Point of Entry to determine whether they comply with Belize's Sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements.

If you are applying to import a product for the first time, a pest risk analysis will need to be conducted. This involves answering a series of questions, which can be obtained from the BAHA website under the Plant Health Section. The responses to these questions, along with a completed import risk assessment form, must be submitted to BAHA.

In addition, there are restrictions on the amount of fresh produce that can be brought into Belize. According to Belize Customs, fresh fruits and vegetables can only be brought into the country in small amounts for personal use and must still be in their original packaging.

Therefore, if you are planning to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to Belize, it is important to familiarise yourself with the relevant import regulations and to obtain any necessary permits and certifications. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your produce being confiscated or other penalties.

Frequently asked questions