Belmopan Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Belmopan, the capital city of Belize, serves as an entry point for travelers visiting this Central American nation. While most international flights arrive at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport near Belize City, visitors traveling to Belmopan will go through Belize's immigration and customs procedures. Belize maintains a relatively welcoming visa policy for tourists, with many nationalities eligible for visa-free entry for short stays. The country's immigration process is generally straightforward, though travelers should be prepared with proper documentation and proof of onward travel. Upon arrival in Belize, all visitors must present a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, and evidence of onward or return travel. Immigration officers may ask about accommodation arrangements and the purpose of your visit. The standard tourist entry permit is typically granted for 30 days, though this can be extended within the country if needed. Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay and have at least one blank page for entry stamps. It's essential to understand that visa requirements can change, and individual circumstances may affect entry eligibility. Always verify current requirements with official Belizean government sources or your nearest Belizean embassy or consulate well in advance of your trip. Additionally, be aware of any health requirements, customs regulations, and documentation needed for special situations such as traveling with children or pets.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Belize offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries for tourism purposes. The standard initial stay is 30 days, which can be extended up to six months through the Immigration Department in Belize.

Visa-Free Entry

30 days (extendable up to 6 months)

Citizens of these countries can enter Belize without obtaining a visa in advance for tourism or business purposes

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom European Union member states Australia New Zealand Mexico Costa Rica Panama Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states Hong Kong Japan South Korea Norway Switzerland Iceland

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds required. Immigration officers have discretion to grant stays of up to 30 days initially.

Visa Required

Varies based on visa type granted

Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain a visa before traveling to Belize

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Belizean embassy, consulate, or British embassy/consulate (where Belize has no representation). Applications typically require completed forms, passport photos, proof of accommodation, return tickets, bank statements, and application fee. Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks.

This includes citizens of most African, Asian, and some South American countries. Check with your nearest Belizean diplomatic mission for specific requirements. Some nationalities may be eligible for visa on arrival in certain circumstances.

Arrival Process

The entry process for Belize is relatively straightforward. Most international travelers arrive at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport near Belize City before continuing to Belmopan by road (approximately 50 miles/80 km). Some visitors may also enter via land borders from Mexico or Guatemala.

Arrival and Immigration Queue

After disembarking, follow signs to Immigration. Join the appropriate queue (Belizean nationals or visitors). Have your passport and arrival documents ready.

Immigration Interview

Present your passport to the immigration officer. They will verify your documents, may ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with an entry permit. The officer determines the length of stay granted (typically 30 days for tourists).

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim to collect your luggage. Verify all bags are present before proceeding to customs.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if you have items to declare. Proceed through the appropriate customs channel (goods to declare or nothing to declare).

Customs Inspection

Customs officers may inspect your luggage. Be prepared to open bags if requested. Declare all required items including currency over the threshold amount.

Exit and Onward Travel

Once cleared, exit the arrivals area. Arrange transportation to Belmopan via taxi, rental car, or pre-arranged transfer.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay with at least one blank page for stamps

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

Airline tickets, bus tickets, or other documentation showing you will leave Belize within the permitted timeframe

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay (approximately US$75 per day)

Accommodation Details

Hotel reservation, address where you'll be staying, or letter of invitation from a host in Belize

Visa (if required)

Pre-approved visa for nationalities that require one

Customs Declaration Form

Completed form declaring goods, currency, and items being brought into the country

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching the immigration counter

Print copies of hotel reservations, return tickets, and other supporting documents rather than relying solely on electronic versions

Be polite and answer questions clearly and honestly. Immigration officers have discretion in granting entry

Dress appropriately and present yourself professionally to make a good first impression

Have some local currency (Belize dollars) or US dollars available for immediate expenses, as US dollars are widely accepted

Keep the portion of your arrival card given back to you safe, as you'll need to present it when departing Belize

If entering by land from Mexico or Guatemala, ensure you complete all exit procedures from the previous country before entering Belize

Note that there is a departure tax when leaving Belize (often included in airline tickets, but verify to avoid surprises)

Customs & Duty-Free

Belize customs regulations are designed to prevent the importation of prohibited items while allowing reasonable personal effects and duty-free goods. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form and may be subject to baggage inspection.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or wine

Must be 18 years or older. Exceeding this amount may incur duty charges.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Additional quantities subject to duty.

Currency

Amounts over BZ$10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency, approximately US$5,000) must be declared

There is no limit on the amount you can bring, but declaration is mandatory above the threshold. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and used items for personal use are generally duty-free

New items, commercial goods, or excessive quantities may be subject to duty. Reasonable amounts of perfume and toiletries for personal use are permitted.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - zero tolerance policy with severe penalties
Firearms and ammunition - without proper permits and authorization
Obscene or pornographic materials
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Certain plants, fruits, vegetables, and soil - to prevent agricultural contamination
Meat and dairy products - from countries with disease outbreaks
Endangered species products - protected under CITES (ivory, turtle shells, certain corals)
Spearfishing equipment - prohibited for use in Belizean waters

Restricted Items

Pets - require import permits, health certificates, and rabies vaccination records (minimum 30 days before travel, maximum 12 months)
Prescription medications - should be in original containers with prescriptions; large quantities may require documentation
Drones and aerial photography equipment - may require permits from civil aviation authority
Professional photography/video equipment - may require temporary import permits or duty deposit
Marine equipment (diving gear, fishing equipment) - certain items restricted; check regulations
Archaeological artifacts - export strictly prohibited; import requires documentation

Health Requirements

Belize has specific health requirements for entry, particularly regarding yellow fever vaccination. While other vaccinations are not mandatory for most travelers, several are recommended for health protection.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required ONLY if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or having transited through such a country. Proof of vaccination (yellow fever certificate) must be presented. This does not typically apply to travelers arriving directly from North America or Europe.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers as contamination can occur through food or water
Hepatitis B - Recommended for those who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Malaria prophylaxis - Recommended for some areas; consult with a travel medicine specialist
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or those who may have contact with animals

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Belize are limited, and serious medical conditions may require medical evacuation to the United States or other countries, which can be extremely expensive. Ensure your insurance covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. US Medicare and many domestic health insurance plans do not provide coverage outside your home country.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly, particularly in response to disease outbreaks. Check current COVID-19 requirements, testing, and vaccination policies before travel as these may still be in effect or could be reinstated. Visit the official Belize government health websites or contact your airline for the most current health entry requirements. Consider consulting with a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before your trip.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Belize Immigration Department

Official immigration authority for visa extensions and immigration matters

Located in Belmopan. Website: www.immigration.gov.bz (verify current URL)

Your Country's Embassy/Consulate

Contact your nation's embassy or consulate in Belize for citizen services

Emergency Services

Emergency services number: 911

For police, ambulance, and fire services throughout Belize

Police (Direct)

Belize Police Department: 227-2222 or 911

For non-emergency police matters in Belmopan, contact the local police station

Tourism Board

Belize Tourism Board

For tourist information and assistance: 1-800-624-0686 (toll-free from US/Canada) or +501-227-2419

Medical Emergency

Western Regional Hospital (Belmopan): +501-822-2264

Main hospital serving Belmopan area. For serious emergencies, evacuation to Belize City or international facilities may be necessary.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the child to travel. This letter should include contact information, travel dates, and be signed by both parents. If one parent has sole custody, bring certified copies of custody documents. Divorced parents should carry divorce decrees. These documents may be requested by immigration officers to prevent child abduction.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) require an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), obtained in advance. You'll need a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued within 14 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry), and treatment for parasites. Some breeds may be restricted. Birds require special permits and quarantine. Contact BAHA well in advance (at least 4-6 weeks) to obtain permits and confirm current requirements. Fees apply for permits and inspections.

Extended Stays

The initial tourist permit is typically 30 days. To extend your stay, visit the Immigration Department in Belmopan or Belize City before your current permit expires. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments up to 6 months total stay. You'll need to pay an extension fee (approximately BZ$100 per month), provide proof of sufficient funds, and explain the reason for extension. After 6 months, you must leave Belize and can re-enter for a new tourist period. For longer-term stays, consider applying for temporary residency or other visa categories through the Immigration Department. Working on a tourist visa is prohibited.

Business Travelers

Business visitors entering for meetings, conferences, or negotiations can typically enter on the standard tourist visa-free entry or tourist visa. However, you cannot engage in gainful employment or receive payment from Belizean sources without a work permit. Carry documentation supporting your business purpose including invitation letters, conference registration, or business contact information. If you plan to work in Belize, you must obtain a work permit before commencing employment, which requires employer sponsorship.

Students and Volunteers

Students planning to study in Belize or volunteers working with organizations need to obtain appropriate permits. Contact the Belize Immigration Department regarding student permits or volunteer work permits. You'll typically need acceptance letters from educational institutions or sponsoring organizations, proof of financial support, and may need police clearance certificates. These permits must be obtained before engaging in study or volunteer activities.

Land Border Crossings

If entering Belize by land from Mexico or Guatemala, ensure you complete proper exit procedures from the previous country and receive exit stamps. At the Belize border, you'll go through the same immigration and customs process. Border posts may have limited hours of operation. Ensure you have all required documents and be prepared for potentially longer processing times. Some borders charge entry/exit fees. Vehicle import permits are required if bringing a car into Belize.