Getting through Belize Customs and Immigration

Many people traveling to Belize have a fun and exciting time. After all, there is only one International Airport. Why fun you may ask. For starters, clearing the Customs and Immigration area after deplane can take between 20 minutes to an hour (1hr).

Immigration

Be sure to have all the necessary documentation ready because Belize Immigration is the first department you need to clear before Customs.

We have compiled some need to know information before entering the country at Phillip Goldson International Airport.

– – >Belize Entry Requirements during Covid.

Belize Entry / Exit Requirements

All visitors must have a passport valid beyond their planned departure date. No visas are required for citizens of the United States for tourist visits of up to 30 days, but they must have proof of their intent to depart Belize (such as onward or return air tickets) and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Belize. Visitors for purposes other than tourism, or who wish to stay longer than 30 days, must obtain visas.

All tourists and non-Belizean citizens are required to pay an exit fee of approximately US$40 (this fee may be included in your airline ticket, please check with your airline before your trip). Belize allows visitors a maximum of one month’s stay in the country before Belize Immigration requires an extension in one-month increments obtained from Belize Immigration offices throughout the country. No specific immunizations are required for visitors to Belize.

Visitors travelling with minor children may be asked by immigration officials to show Birth certificates for each child.  When children are not traveling with both parents, immigration officials often request signed documentation to establish the children are traveling with the permission of both parents.  Such documentation may include notarized letters from the parent(s), custody or adoption papers, and death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.

Immigration requirements

All passengers arriving and departing Belize through PGIA must be properly documented.

• Completed Embarkation Form on arrival
• Completed Disembarkation Form on departure
• Valid Passport
• Return ticket to country of origin (non-residents)
• Valid visa for countries from which visa is required
• Present at least US$60.00 per day for the duration of stay
• Satisfy Immigration Officers of specific address or hotel reservation

CARICOM citizens who are Secretariat Members can travel on special travel documents.

A line is provided for other citizens of CARICOM and for wheel-chair passengers.

For further information on immigration procedures, call Belize Immigration at:

• Immigration Headquarters  011 501 (822 – 3860)
• Belize City  011 501 (222 – 4620)
• International Airport 011 501 (205 – 2214)

further information on customs procedures, call Belize Customs at 011 501 (205 – 2059)

Belize Customs

The Belize Customs Department conducts an inspection of incoming passengers’ luggage and collects the requisite taxes and/or import duties where applicable.
There are two categories of passengers:  passengers with items to declare and passengers carrying items that are duty-free, thus nothing to declare.

Important:

• Items for declaration should have an invoice and should be listed on the Customs Declaration Form
• One Form may be filled out for family members traveling together and where children are under 18 years of age
• Passengers over 18 years need to complete their own Declaration Form
• Passengers are required to possess a valid passport along with Customs Declaration Form and relevant receipts where applicable
• Items attracting tax or duty may be paid for in cash, VISA and MASTER cards, or certified cheques

The US embassy encourages all Americans to enroll in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program if you will be traveling to or living in Belize. https://step.state.gov/step/