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Frequently Asked Questions
About Belize
Customs and Immigrations
Q: Do I need a passport?
A: 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 Uraguary.
Q: How long can I stay in
Belize while visiting?
A: A 30 day visitors permit
will be issued to you upon arrival. Extensions are routinely granted at
Immigration offices location 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 501-822423.
Q: What can I expect going
through Belize 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
purfume.
Q: How much can I bring
back through customs?
A: U.S. residents are
permitted a $400 per person (or $1,100 per family) duty-free tax exemption
upon returning the the U.S., and can also bring back one quart of alcohol
and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Each country is different so call your
customs and immigrations branch for further details for your country.
Q: Can I ship things to
Belize?
A: There are several
methods from which to ship goods into Belize:
BY AIR: You can ship items
via air to the Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport,
P.O. Box 367, Belize City, which is approximately 10 miles from Belize
City (Phone:
025-2013/2014). The main airlines are Belize Air International,
Continental, American Airlines (from Miami, Dallas, Houston), Taca
Airlines (from Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New Orleans)
BY SEA: The main
seaport of entry into the country is the Belize Port Authority, Belize
City. Other seaports of entry are Corozal Town, Cangriga, Punta Gorda
Town, San Pedro and Barranco. The requirements of a boat are the boat's
official documentation, clearance from the last port of call, three copies
of the crew and passenger manifesto, three copies of stores used or a list
of cargo on board (if there are not any, an imballast manifesto). The main
Ocean Carriers are NedLloyd from Europe, Hyde from Miami, Harrison from
Europe, Hapag-Lloyd from Europe, Hamilton Brothers from Tampa, Carol from
the Caribbean and Europe.
Q: Is there an arrival or
Departure Tax?
A: There is a US$.075
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 acceptable).
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 boarder,
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.
Also click here to find general information about
Belize, its location,
climate and culture.
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