FAQ - Entering and Departing Belize

What are the entry requirements to get into Belize?
Do I need shots?
What about Customs?
What airlines serve Belize?
May I fly my own plane to Belize?
How about driving to Belize?
How can I enter Belize by Sea?
What about shipping something to Belize?
Is there duty-free shopping?
Is there a departure tax?

Q:   What are the entry requirements to get into Belize?

A:   A valid passport, good for at least six months past departure date is required along with proof of return for everyone in your party. Citizens of the United States, British Commonwealth Nations, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay and Canada do not require a visa. Citizens from other countries should inquire about visa requirements at their local Belizean Consulate or Embassy. Immigration can grant a stay of up to 30 days. Tourists can go to San Pedro or Belize City and apply for an extension, and get their stay extended for up to to six months, at 30 day increments by paying a small fee.

Q:   Do I need shots?

A:   Shots are not required to enter the country. Having traveled there myself on numerous occasions, I have never had shots before my trips. However, one may consider having a gamma globulin for Hepatitis A, Booster for Typhoid, as well as Tetanus. On occasion Malaria has been found in Belize and can be prevented or cured with Chloroquine. Chloroquine can cause liver damage when used for a prolonged time period. Often travelers on long visits choose to carry mosquito repellant while in the jungle in lieu of taking Chloroquine for a prolonged period. For professional advise, consult your local Health Department or family physician.

Q:   What about customs?

A:   After getting off the plane have your passport and travel documents available to go through customs. The officer may ask you to open your bag. Your personal items are allowed in Belize. There is an import allowance of 200 cigarettes or 1/2 pound of tobacco goods, 20 ounces of alcohol and one bottle of personal perfume.

Q:   What airlines serve Belize?

A:   The following airlines serve Belize: American Airlines: (800) 433-7300. Direct flights from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Miami.
Continental Airlines: (800) 525-0280. Nonstop from Houston.
Taca (El Salvador): (800) 535-8780. Flights from Houston, New Orleans, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Flights are also available from Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Cancun and Chetumal. Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica and most other Central American countries offer flights also.

From Europe there are no direct or connecting flights.

Most travelers go through Miami with an overnight stay in Miami, or go through Cuba.

Q:   May I fly my own plane to Belize?

A:   Yes, private aircraft must enter Belize through Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Permission from the Chief Civil Aviation Officer 48 hours prior to arrival must be obtained. Documents will be inspected and a normal flight plan must be filed. Landing and parking fees are also charged.

Q:   How about driving to Belize?

A:   Going through rough roads will take three to six days from Texas. Driving is on the right side of the street. Make sure to bring your driver's permit or license and vehicle registration certificate. To cross the Mexican border, you will need a Temporary Import Permit for your car, which you can get from Belize Customs Officials. Do not speed. In addition, liability or third party insurance in required. When you get to Belize, you will need a temporary driving permit if you have a foreign license. These permits are obtained from the Chief Licensing Officer in Belize City. If you have an international driving license you do not have to get the temporary permit. Overnight parking in a public place is not allowed.

Q:   How can I enter Belize by sea?

A:   Boats must clear Customs and enter at Belize City, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, Big Creek and San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye.

Q:   What about shipping something to Belize?

A:   You may by air. The airport is Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport, P.O. Box 367, Belize City and is actually about ten miles from Belize City. Phone: 011-501-225-2013/2014

The main seaport of entry into the country is the Belize Port Authority, Belize City. Other seaports of entry are Corozal Town, Dangriga, Punta Gorda Town, and San Pedro. The requirements of a boat are the boat's official documentation, clearance from the last port of call, three copies of the crew and passenger manifesto, three copies of stores used or a list of cargo on board (if there are not any, an imballast manifesto). Airlines that ship: Belize Air International, Continental, American Airlines from Miami, Dallas, Houston, Taca Airlines from Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New Orleans. Ocean Carriers that ship: NedLloyd from Europe, Hyde from Miami, Harrison from Europe, Hapag-Lloyd from Europe, Hamilton Brothers from Tampa, Carol from the Caribbean and Europe, Nexos Line from Tampa, Tropical Shipping Service from New York, Houston and West Palm Beach.

Freight Forwarding Agents - Importer/Exporter
Custom House Broker
Ernesto Perera
#7B Neal Pen Rd.
Belize City, Belize, C.A.
Phone: 011-501-227-3112
Home Phone: 011-501-225-2211
Cell: 011-501-614-9367

Bradley Herbert
117 Albert St, Belize City
Phone: 011-501-227-0702

Speed Cargo Service
6480 Mahogany St, Belize City
Phone: 011-501-222-4722

Valdes Billy
160 North Front St, Belize City
Phone: 011-501-227-7436

Q:   Is there duty-free shopping?

A:   U.S. residents are permitted a $400 per person (or $1,100 per family) duty-free tax exemption upon returning to the U.S., and can also bring back one quart of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free.

Q:   Is there a departure tax?

A:   A tax is charged when leaving Belize (payable in cash or travelers' check, credit cards are not accepted for this tax). This tax is not for those who have been in the country less than 24 hours.

There is a visa charge of to enter Guatemala through the western border. To leave Belize through this western border, to see Tikal, for instance, there is a charge to depart.

This charge is subtracted from the US departure tax when finally departing the country at the Airport.