Do I need a customs form for Belize?

Yes. Belize uses a single free online immigration and customs declaration (the digital Embarkation/Disembarkation, or E/D, form) that you complete before arrival. It combines immigration and customs into one submission and returns a QR code to present to officers when you land. There is no separate paper customs slip, and the same digital declaration is completed when you depart.

Is the Belize online immigration form free?

Yes. The official online immigration and customs declaration on the Belize Department of Border Management and Immigration Services portal (immigration.gov.bz) is completely free. Third-party websites that charge a fee to file it for you, or that advertise a paid 'travel authorization' or 'eVisa,' are private intermediaries, not the Belize government.

Do I need a passport for Belize?

Yes. All visitors need a valid passport. Belize officially requires it to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date, but many airlines enforce the more common six-month rule at check-in, so carry at least six months of validity whenever possible.

What documents do I need to enter Belize?

A passport (valid 30+ days beyond departure, ideally six months), the QR code from your completed free online immigration and customs declaration, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of accommodation and sufficient funds. A visa is required only for certain nationalities.

What is the Belize digital arrival card or E/D form?

It is Belize's online Embarkation/Disembarkation declaration, rolled out at Philip Goldson International in December 2024 and extended to all ports of entry in 2025. It replaced the old paper arrival and customs cards. You complete it online before you fly, receive a QR code, and show it to immigration and customs on arrival, and again on departure.

When should I complete the Belize online declaration?

Any time before you arrive. Most travellers complete it a day or two before the flight. Have the QR code saved on your phone, plus a printout as a backup, by the time you reach the airport.

Can I complete the Belize declaration at the airport?

It is designed to be completed online before you travel, and doing it ahead is the whole point: it keeps you out of the slow line. Fill it in before you fly rather than relying on airport wifi. If you arrive without it you may be delayed and asked to complete it on the spot.

What happens if I do not submit the Belize declaration before arrival?

You may be delayed and asked to complete it on the spot, which defeats the purpose. Fill it in beforehand and walk past the queue with your QR code ready on your phone.

Is there a Belize eVisa or electronic travel authorization?

No. Belize has no eVisa and no electronic travel authorization. Visa-exempt travellers simply complete the free online declaration, which is an entry form, not a visa. Nationalities that do need a visa must obtain it in advance from a Belize embassy or consulate.

What is the duty-free allowance for Belize?

As a guide, per visitor aged 18 or over: about 1 quart (roughly 1 litre) of spirits or wine, plus 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or about 250g of tobacco, plus a reasonable amount of perfume and personal effects. Declare cash of US$10,000 or more (or equivalent). Anything over the allowance is dutiable. Allowances can change, so confirm current figures with the Belize Customs and Excise Department before you travel.

What items are restricted or prohibited by BAHA in Belize?

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) restricts fresh produce, plants, seeds, meat, dairy and other agricultural products to protect Belize's farms and reef. Live animals and pets require permits and health certificates. Declare any food or plant material on your online declaration; when in doubt, declare it.

Can I bring cannabis, CBD or THC products to Belize?

No. Importing cannabis or any controlled drug across the Belize border is illegal, including CBD oil, THC edibles and vapes, with no medical exemption. Possession of up to 10 grams on private premises has been decriminalised inside Belize, but bringing it in through customs is a serious offence. Leave it at home.

Can I bring firearms or ammunition into Belize?

Only with prior written authorization. Firearms, parts and ammunition require advance permits, and penalties for undeclared weapons, or even loose rounds found in your luggage, are severe. Counterfeit goods, obscene material and certain weapons are also prohibited.

Can I take coral, shells or Maya artifacts out of Belize?

No. It is illegal to remove or export coral, turtle products, marine artifacts and Maya antiquities. These are protected, and exporting them is a serious crime. Buy reproductions or licensed souvenirs instead.

Do I need to declare cash entering Belize?

Yes, if you are carrying US$10,000 or more (or the equivalent in any currency). Declare it on your online customs declaration. Undeclared large sums can be seized.

What currency is used in Belize?

The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency, pegged at a fixed 2 BZD to 1 US dollar. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, so US travellers rarely need to exchange money. Cards are accepted in tourist areas; carry cash for the cayes and remote spots.

Is there a departure tax for Belize?

Departure taxes and conservation fees for international air travel are normally already included in your airfare, so most flyers never pay them separately. Confirm with your airline. Land-border departures into Mexico or Guatemala may require a separate payment.

Which side of the road does Belize drive on?

Belize drives on the right, unlike most former British territories. Most tourists can use their home licence for short stays; confirm with the rental company. Note that the cayes (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker) are largely car-free and run on golf carts.

Does the Belize online declaration apply at land borders?

Yes. The same online immigration and customs declaration applies whether you arrive by air at Philip Goldson (BZE) or cross a land border from Mexico (at Santa Elena/Chetumal) or Guatemala (at Benque Viejo). Land crossings may involve stricter document checks.

Do children need a Belize declaration?

Yes, every traveller is accounted for, including minors. You can add family members to a single submission rather than filing a separate form for each child. Children travelling without both parents may be asked for a notarised consent letter.

Do cruise passengers need the Belize declaration?

The digital system covers travellers arriving at Belize's air and land ports of entry. Cruise visitors on a day call are generally processed through the cruise terminal in Belize City; check with your cruise line for what, if anything, you need to file.

Which airport do I fly into for Belize?

Almost everyone flies into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, just outside Belize City. From there, domestic flights on Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, or water taxis from Belize City, connect onward to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker and Placencia.

Do US citizens need anything special to enter Belize?

US citizens need no visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days. Bring a passport valid at least 30 days beyond departure (carry six months to satisfy the airline), complete the free online declaration, and have proof of onward travel. A US REAL ID is for domestic flights only and does not replace a passport for Belize.

Is travel insurance required for Belize?

It is not a formal entry requirement for most visitors, but it is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to dive. Belize has a recompression chamber on Ambergris Caye, but serious medical cases can require evacuation. Choose a policy with medical and evacuation coverage.

Can I extend my stay in Belize beyond 30 days?

Yes. Visit a Belize Immigration office before your current permit expires and pay the monthly extension fee. Extensions are generally straightforward for tourists. Note that working on a tourist stamp is prohibited.

What is the best time to visit Belize?

The peak dry season runs roughly late November to April, with the best reef visibility but the highest prices and crowds. May to June is a good-value shoulder season, and the green/rainy season from June to November is cheapest but hotter, wetter and carries hurricane risk. Whale sharks gather off Placencia around the full moons of roughly March to June.

Belize · English-speaking Central America, on the Caribbean

Belize Customs Form, Entry Requirements & Online Declaration

Here is the short version: Belize requires a free online immigration and customs declaration that you complete before you fly. It combines immigration and customs into one digital form, returns a QR code you show on arrival, and replaced the old paper cards in late 2024. There is no separate paper customs slip and no fee for visa-exempt visitors. What follows is the rest of it: passports and visas, the 30-day stay, what the Customs & Excise Department and BAHA will and won't let you carry, the departure fees nobody warns you about, and how to get from Philip Goldson (BZE) out to the cayes or into the jungle.

Capital: Belmopan
Main airport: Philip Goldson (BZE)
Currency: Belize Dollar, 2:1 to USD
Language: English (official)
Time zone: Central (CST, no DST)
Best time: Late Nov to Apr
Power: 110–120V · Type A & B
Entry form: Online, before arrival

Planning your Belize trip?Lock in your Philip Goldson (BZE) airport pickup and the best reef and jungle experiences before you fly.

Book a Driver Request a Quote

A note on accuracy. Belize rolled out its digital immigration and customs declaration at Philip Goldson in December 2024 and extended it to all ports of entry in 2025. Rules, duty-free values, departure fees and the stay length can change, and figures vary between sources. Everything here was checked against the Belize Tourism Board, the Department of Border Management & Immigration Services and the Customs & Excise Department, but confirm current requirements through the official links below before you fly.

Official sources

immigration.gov.bz customs.gov.bz BAHA travelbelize.org

Belize entry requirements at a glance

The short version, for the impatient. Everything below this is the why.

Requirement	Needed?
Valid passport	Yes, valid 30+ days beyond departure (carry 6 months)
Online immigration & customs declaration	Yes, before arrival, free
QR code from the declaration	Yes, on your phone or printed
Visa (US, Canada, UK, EU)	Usually no, up to 30 days
Onward or return ticket	Usually, may be checked
Proof of funds & accommodation	May be checked
Travel insurance	Recommended, especially for diving

How the Belize online declaration works

Belize replaced its paper arrival cards with a free online Immigration and Customs Declaration (the digital Embarkation/Disembarkation, or E/D, form). It combines the immigration and customs declarations into a single submission, so there is no separate paper customs slip to fill out on the plane. You complete it before you travel, in and out.

1
Complete the E-embarkation form before you fly
A day or two before departure, visit the official Belize Department of Border Management & Immigration Services website at immigration.gov.bz to complete your E-embarkation form. The official form is completely free. Verify the .gov.bz domain and avoid third-party sites that charge a 'processing fee.'
2
Enter your details & customs declaration
Type everything exactly as it appears on your passport, plus flight number, arrival date, port of entry and where you're staying, then answer the customs questions (goods, gifts and any cash to declare). Travelling as a family? You can add other travellers to one submission.
3
Save your QR code & show it on arrival
On submission you receive a QR code. Save a screenshot and print a backup. Show it to immigration and customs officers when you land. You must submit a fresh declaration when you depart Belize.

Is the Belize form free? Watch for third-party sites

Yes. The official online immigration and customs declaration is free on the Belize Department of Border Management & Immigration Services portal (immigration.gov.bz). A number of third-party websites advertise “Belize travel declarations,” “eVisas” or “travel authorizations” and charge for them. For visa-exempt travellers (US, Canada, UK, EU and others) these paid services are not required and not official.

To be clear: the declaration is an administrative entry form, not a visa. Visa-exempt visitors do not need an eVisa or travel authorization to enter Belize. If a site charges you to file the declaration itself, you are paying a middleman, not the Belize government. Verify against the Belize Department of Immigration and the Belize Customs & Excise Department sources listed below.

What documents do I need for Belize?

Have these ready before you reach immigration:

A valid passportBelize requires your passport to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date. Many airlines enforce the more common six-month rule at check-in, so carry 6+ months of validity whenever possible.
A valid onward or return ticketOfficers and airlines may ask to see proof you intend to leave.
Your completed online declaration (QR code)Submit the free E/D form before arrival and have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.
Accommodation & sufficient fundsWhere you're staying, and evidence you can support your stay.

Land borders & minors: the same online declaration applies whether you arrive by air or at a land border from Mexico (Chetumal/Santa Elena) or Guatemala (Benque Viejo), and land crossings may involve stricter document checks. Children travelling without both parents may be asked for a notarised consent letter; carry one if relevant.

Do I need a visa for Belize? Visa requirements by nationality

Most short-stay tourists do not need a visa. Permitted stay is ultimately the immigration officer's call. Confirm your own nationality's status with Belize Immigration before travelling.

Country / region	Visa status (tourism)	Typical stay
USA & Canada	Visa free	Up to 30 days (extendable monthly)
United Kingdom	Visa free	Up to 30 days (extendable monthly)
EU / EEA	Visa free	Up to 30 days (extendable monthly)
Most Commonwealth & CARICOM	Visa free	Up to 30 days (extendable monthly)
Holders of certain valid US/UK/Schengen visas	May be exempt	Confirm before travel
Other nationalities	Visa required in advance	As granted

How long can I stay in Belize?

Visitors are usually granted 30 days on arrival. You can extend your stay month by month at a Belize Immigration office; pay the extension fee before your current permit expires (extensions are typically inexpensive for the first months and step up the longer you stay). Working on a tourist stamp is prohibited.

Belize entry requirements by nationality

The rules are similar across the big visa-exempt markets, but the details differ. Confirm your own status with Belize Immigration before you fly.

US citizens: No visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days. Bring a passport valid at least 30 days beyond departure (carry six months to keep the airline happy), complete the free online declaration, and have proof of onward travel. A US REAL ID is for domestic flights and does not replace a passport here.

Canadian citizens: No visa for stays of up to 30 days. The same passport and online-declaration rules apply, and proof of funds and onward travel may be requested.

UK citizens: No visa for stays of up to 30 days. The UK's own Electronic Travel Authorization does not apply to Belize. Complete the online declaration and carry a passport with the usual validity.

EU / EEA citizens: No visa for stays of up to 30 days for most nationalities. The online declaration is required either way; confirm your specific country's status with Belize Immigration.

Duty-free allowances for Belize

Each arriving visitor aged 18 or over may generally bring the following into Belize duty-free, for personal, non-commercial use:

Category	Allowance
Alcohol	About 1 quart (~1 litre) of spirits or wine, for personal use
Tobacco	200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR ~250g (½ lb) of tobacco (one option)
Perfume	A reasonable quantity for personal use
Goods & gifts	Personal effects free; anything beyond a small personal allowance is dutiable
Personal effects	A reasonable amount of personal items (camera, laptop, phone, dive gear)
Cash & currency	Declare US$10,000 or more (or equivalent)

Treat the figures above as a guide, not gospel. Customs allowances get revised, sources disagree, and the officer in front of you has the final word. Anything over the allowance is dutiable; Belize applies import duties plus a General Sales Tax on the assessed value, so a “duty-free” bargain can quietly stop being one at the counter. Declare honestly, and confirm current allowances with the Belize Customs & Excise Department before you travel.

Prohibited & restricted items (and BAHA rules)

Violations can mean steep fines or prison. When in doubt, declare.

Drugs, including cannabis, CBD and THC, do not importThe nuance trips travellers up: Belize decriminalised possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis on private premises inside the country, but importing it across the border in any form is still illegal, including CBD oil, THC edibles and vapes, with no medical exemption. Bringing drugs through customs is a serious offence.
Firearms & ammunition, permit requiredFirearms, parts and ammunition require prior written authorization. Penalties for undeclared weapons, or even loose rounds, are severe. Counterfeit goods, obscene material and certain weapons are also prohibited.
BAHA: food, plants, meat & live animalsThe Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) restricts fresh produce, plants, seeds, meat, dairy and other agricultural products to protect Belize's farms and reef. Pets and live animals require permits and health certificates. Declare any food or plant material on your online declaration.
Reef life, Maya artifacts & prescriptionsIt is illegal to remove or export coral, turtle products or marine artifacts, and removing or exporting Maya antiquities is a serious crime. Carry prescription medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

Belize airport customs: arriving at Philip Goldson (BZE)

Almost everyone flies into Philip S. W. Goldson International (BZE) in Ladyville, just outside Belize City, the country's main gateway. Domestic hops on Tropic Air and Maya Island Air connect onward to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker and Placencia. The arrivals process is short:

1 · ImmigrationPresent your passport and the QR code from your online declaration. The officer stamps your permitted stay, usually 30 days.
2 · Baggage claimCollect your checked luggage.
3 · CustomsPresent the customs portion of your declaration; head to the declare lane if you've exceeded your duty-free allowance or are carrying anything restricted.
4 · Arrivals hallTaxis (green licence plates), pre-booked transfers, car-rental desks and the domestic-airline counters are right there. If you're island-bound, your puddle-jumper to San Pedro or Caye Caulker often leaves within the hour.

Skip the arrivals-hall scramble

Land, walk out, and find your name on a sign. Book a verified driver from Philip Goldson (BZE) to your hotel, the water taxi or the domestic terminal before you fly.

Book a Private Driver Request a Quote

Money matters

Good news for US travellers: the Belize Dollar (BZD) is pegged at a fixed 2 to 1 with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. The math never changes, and you'll often get change in a mix of both. Carry small US bills and some local cash for the cayes.

Feature	Details
Currency	Belize Dollar (BZD), fixed at 2 BZD = 1 USD; US dollars widely accepted
Cards	Accepted at resorts, dive shops and restaurants in tourist areas; carry cash for the cayes and remote spots
Taxes	A General Sales Tax applies to most goods and services, plus a separate hotel accommodation tax; rates get revised, so verify before you book
Service charge	Hotels and restaurants often add ~10% service; tip on top only for exceptional service
Departure fees	Departure taxes and conservation fees are normally already included in international airfare; land-border departures may require separate payment, confirm with your airline
Currency declaration	Declare cash of US$10,000+ (or equivalent)
Electricity	110–120V; US-style Type A & B plugs (UK/EU travellers need an adapter)
Driving	On the right (unlike most former British territories); most tourists use their home licence for short stays

Best time to visit Belize

Warm and tropical year-round, generally 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). The seasons split on rain, crowds and price.

Season	Months	What to expect
Peak / dry	Late Nov to Apr	Driest and sunniest, best reef visibility, busiest and priciest, book well ahead
Shoulder	May to Jun	Warm, good value, building humidity and short showers
Green / rainy	Jun to Nov	Lowest prices, lush jungle, hotter and wetter with hurricane risk, insure the trip

Whale sharks gather near Gladden Spit off Placencia around the full moons of roughly March to June, one of Belize's great wildlife spectacles. Dates vary year to year; go with a licensed operator.

Health, water & food in Belize

Before you goCheck current advice with your doctor and an official health authority (the CDC or your national equivalent). Mosquito-borne illness (dengue, and malaria in some rural/jungle areas) is a consideration; pack repellent. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended, especially if you're diving.
WaterDrink bottled or filtered water in most areas to be safe. Resorts and dive operators provide it widely.
Sun, sea & reefThe sun is strong and the reef is fragile; pack reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard and shade for midday. Water shoes help on rocky entries and seagrass.

Food, the part that matters

Belize eats like the crossroads it is: Maya, Creole, Garifuna and Mestizo all working the same small kitchen. Rice and beans with stew chicken is the daily bread, and you should eat it until you stop noticing it. Fry jacks for breakfast, ceviche off the back of a boat, lobster and conch when the season says yes, and Garifuna hudut down south that will quietly humble your idea of a fish dinner. Put Marie Sharp's habanero sauce on all of it; it's closer to a national flag than a condiment. Trust the shack with the hand-painted sign and the line of locals.

Top things to do in Belize

A barrier reef you can fall into off the beach, a perfect blue sinkhole, jaguar jungle and Maya cities the rainforest nearly swallowed. For a country this small there is no business finding this much to do.

The Great Blue Hole

A near-perfect circular sinkhole on Lighthouse Reef, more than 300m across and 120m deep. A bucket-list dive, and a jaw-dropping scenic flight for everyone else.

Tropical fish and coral seen while snorkeling Belize's barrier reef, with a palm-lined caye above the waterline

Snorkeling the barrier reef

Belize sits on the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere. Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, an easy boat ride from the cayes.

Ancient Maya stone temples and plaza rising above the rainforest at dusk

Ancient Maya cities

Climb the temples of Xunantunich and Caracol, or take a river trip to Lamanai and Altun Ha. Belize's interior is dense with Maya ruins.

Caye Caulker

The island that runs on its own motto, 'Go Slow.' No cars, sandy lanes, golf carts, and the Split for sunset and a cold drink.

Guided group wading through turquoise water inside the cathedral-like ATM cave

The ATM Cave

Actun Tunichil Muknal: swim and scramble into a sacred Maya cave past pottery and the calcified 'Crystal Maiden.' One of the most humbling half-days in the Americas.

A howler monkey and a jaguar amid dense green jungle foliage

Jungle & wildlife

Cave-tube through the Cayo jungle, listen for howler monkeys, and visit Cockscomb Basin, the world's first jaguar preserve.

A sample day in Belize

Built around Ambergris Caye and the reef; adapt it to your island or the mainland. Beat the boats to the water, snorkel before the crowds, fresh ceviche on the dock, and a rum sour as the sky goes pink.

7:30 am
Slow startFry jacks and Belizean coffee, then down to the dock.
9:00 am
Hol Chan & Shark Ray AlleyBoat out to the reserve to snorkel with rays and nurse sharks while the water's calm.
1:00 pm
Ceviche on the dockConch or lobster ceviche (in season) with a cold Belikin beer.
3:00 pm
Bike or golf-cart the islandPotter up the beach to Secret Beach, or laze in a hammock.
6:00 pm
The Split or a beach barSunset over the water with a rum sour in hand.
7:30 pm
Grilled catch of the dayWhatever came off the boat, with rice and beans and Marie Sharp's.

More time? Fly or bus to the mainland for the ATM Cave, the Maya ruins around San Ignacio, or whale sharks off Placencia in season.

Where to stay: best islands & areas in Belize

Belize divides neatly into reef and rainforest, and your base shapes the whole trip. Here is how the most popular visitor areas compare.

Stone-clad beachfront resort with a lagoon pool and grotto on Ambergris Caye

Main island

Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)

The hub: the biggest island, with the most resorts, restaurants and dive shops, right on the reef. Best for first-timers, diving and beach life.

Island