Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport?

A valid passport and return ticket is necessary for entry into Belize. No visas are required for citizens of the U.S., British Commonwealth nations, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay.

How long can I stay in Belize while visiting?

A 30 day visitors permit will be issued to you upon arrival. Extensions are routinely granted at Immigration offices located in San Pedro, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Orange Walk, and Belize City, or contact the Immigration and Nationality Department in Belmopan at 501-8-22611 or 501-8-22423

What can I expect going through Belize Customs?

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.

Can I ship things to Belize?

There are several methods from which to ship goods into Belize:

BY AIR: your can ship items via air to the Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport, P.O. Box 367, Belize City, which is approximately 10 miles from Belize City (Phone: 025-2013/2014). The main airlines are Belize Air International, Continental, American Airlines (from Miami, Dallas, Houston), Taca Airlines (from Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New Orleans).

BY SEA: 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, San Pedro and Barranco. 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). The main Ocean Carriers are NedLloyd from Europe, Hyde from Miami, Harrison from Europe, Hapag-Lloyd from Europe, Hamilton Brothers from Tampa, Carol from the Caribbean and Europe.

There is a US$0.75 security fee when entering Belize by plane and going on to another in-Belize flight.

A US$20.00 departure tax is charged when leaving Belize, payable in cash or travelers' check (credit cards are not accepted).  This tax will not be charged for those who have been in the country less than 24 hours.  There is also a visa charge of US$5.00 to enter Guatemala through the western border.  To leave Belize through this western border, to see Tikal, for instance, the charge is US$3.50 to depart.  This charge is subtracted from the US$20.00 departure tax when finally departing the country at the Airport.