Belize - Formalities

Arrival

The estimated time of arrival (E.T.A.) must be received by the Belize Port Authority no later than 48 hours in advance. Send the information via Fax: 223-0710 or Email: info@portauthority.bz

All boats must contact Belize Port Authority on VHF Channel 16 (or HF Channel 2182) who will direct boats as necessary upon their arrival.

All boats must clear immeditately on arrival with Customs, Immigration, Health and Currency. Bear this in mind if arriving at the weekend as clearance on a Sunday or out of hours will incur overtime charges, which can be high.

At Belize City and Big Creek, Customs and Immigration offices are close to the Port Control office.

Those arriving at any other port-of-entry can handle all necessary procedures with the Belize Port Authority through Immigration at San Pedro which is located on Barrier Reef Drive, 1 block north of Central Park (directly across from the Tropic Air Terminal and above ScotiaBank).

Customs require copies of crew lists, stores lists, ship's papers and zarpe from previous port.

If arriving from Guatemala or Mexico, a temporary importation permit must be secured at the point of entry. These permits are valid for thirty days. If an extension is required, this can be requested from the Immigration Department.

Departure

After clearance to depart has been completed, yachts must leave promptly, or within 24 hours. The authorities do patrol their waters to enforce this regulation.

There are some departure taxes. The total is usually approximately BZ$40, which is broken down as follows:
BZ$7.50 - Protected Area Conservation Trust tax
BZ$2.50 - Border Development Fee
BZ$30.00 - Border Exit Fee

Last updated January 2018.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of the intended stay in the country.

If required, a 30-day visa will be issued on arrival, and extensions (up to six months) may be obtained from any Immigration Office.

Visas are not required for most nationalities including: citizens of the U.S.A., the EU, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Tunisia & Uruguay, Panama, San Marino, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela and the CARICOM countries (except Haiti), British citizens, citizens of Commonwealth countries (except India, Parkistan and Sri Lanka).

Visitors from other countries need to check with the local Belizean consulate or contact the Immigration and Nationality Service, in Belmopan. All visitors are permitted to stay for up to 30 days. To apply for an extension contact the Immigration Office in Belize City.

If you're crossing into Belize from Mexico by land, visas can be obtained from the Belizean Consulate in Chetumal, just north of the international crossing.

Ensure your passport is stamped on entry otherwise you could be fined (or imprisoned).

NOTE: Belize is a popular locale for retirement or owning property as a non-resident. The long-term stay policy is relatively lax, but there are some legal hoops to jump through. See the Department of Immigration and Nationality Services website for more information.

Last updated January 2018.

Yachts may remain in Belize for up to six months without importation requirements.

If arriving from Guatemala or Mexico, a temporary importation permit must be secured at the point of entry. These permits are valid for thirty days. If an extension is required, this can be requested from the Immigration Department.

Firearms and ammunition are usually removed and kept in custody by Customs until clearing out.

The importation of fruit or vegetables is prohibited and all fresh produce (wherever is was bought, including Belize) will be confiscated on arrival. The authorities will request a list of ship's stores (i.e. fresh produce) on arrival.

There is a special tax on importing ham and turkey for human consumption. See this section of the Belize Customs & Excise website for more information on this tax.

The removal, sale and exportation of the following are prohibited by law in Belize: any kind of coral without a licence; archaeological artefacts; orchids; shells, fish and crustaceans; turtles and turtle parts.

Everyone is required to declare any currency in their possession in excess of $10,000.00 BZ or foreign currency equivalent.

For more up to date information see the Belize Customs website.

Last updated January 2018.

Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Typhoid, hepatitis A and polio vaccinations are also recommended by most doctors. Belize now ranks number one in Central America for Aids.

Tap water is potable in some towns and resort areas but tap water in the cayes or in the south of Belize is not recommended for drinking. Drink bottled water which is sold at all gas stations, grocery stores, etc.

Medical care for minor conditions is generally available in urban areas. Trauma or advanced medical care is limited, even in Belize City; it's extremely limited or unavailable in rural areas. Serious injuries or illnesses often necessitate evacuation to another country.

ZIKA Virus
There have been recent safety alerts from the US State Department, UK Foreign Office, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding travel to parts of Central and South America, Africa, southern Asia, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific islands. Belize is an area of interest with multiple reported cases and active virus transmission. There is growing concern about the rapid spread of the ZIKA Virus and the impact of the virus on pregnant women and babies. ZIKA is transmitted by mosquitos in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and there is currently no cure or vaccine. This situation is evolving rapidly, so please refer to the CDC’s dedicated website if you are intending to cruise in one of the effected areas.

Hyperbaric Chamber
There are two hyperbaric chambers in Belize for the treatment of decompression and diver-related issues. Both offer 24-hour emergency services.

Subaquatic Safety of Belize, LTD
Emergency Phone: +501-226-2851
belize@sssnetworks.com
SSS Network / Belize Subaquatics of Belize, LTD
# 11 Lions St., San Pedro Town, Belize

Belize Chamber Project LTD
Emergency Phone: +501-226-2660
bzechamberproject@gmail.com
Ambergris Hopes Clinic
# 2 Laguna Drive, San Pedro Town, Belize CA

Last updated January 2018.

Immigration generally charges US$20 per person, however latest reports from clearing into San Pedro are that no fees were charged by Immigration.

Visa extension cost BZD$50/month for up to 6 months and BZD$100/month beyond that.

Customs officials charge US$40 (cash) - but again, recent reports from San Pedro are that no fees were charged by Customs.

Health officials charge between US$25 and US$40 (cash)

Port Authorities charge US$50 plus US$2.50 per day while in port.

Fees are charged for sailing in the marine parks, the eight of which cover most of the water inside the barrier reef. These vary from US$5 to US$10 per person, per day. These fees are not for use of the mooring buoys, which are now in place in some of the cayes, but are simply a fee to be in the marine reserve.

In practice, there appears to be large variations in the fees actually charged.

Last updated January 2018.

National Parks

Nature conservation is a high priority and there are many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves, such as Half Moon Cay Natural . When anchoring, it is very important not to damage any coral either with the anchor or chain. The penalties for doing so can be very severe.

It is prohibited to remove or export black coral, turtles or turtle products, to pick orchids in forest reserves, and to remove archaeological artefacts.

Fishing

No conch are to be caught in-between the months of July and September, no lobster are to be caught in-between February 15th-June 14th. The capture of certain fish, such as grouper, is only allowed in certain locations.

At Monument and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, damaging or catching any wildlife is prohibited. A permit is needed to hunt or collect any kind of wildlife and this will be granted only if it is for scientific or educational purposes.

No spear fishing is allowed.

Up-to-date information regarding the details of these interests can be obtained from the Immigration office upon arrival.

Bareboat Charter

To charter a yacht in Belize without a skipper, you must obtain a Temporary Certificate of Competency & Disclosure and send it along with a color copy of your passport and photo to the Belizean Port Authorities. Your charter company should be able to assist with the necessary forms.

In the case of dogs and cats, passengers are required to present the animal's most recent health and vaccination certificate.

Animals must be accompanied by a certificate of freedom from infection/contagious disease by a veterinarian following examination not more than 48 hours prior to shipment; animals must also be certified as having been vaccinated against rabies not less than one month nor more than six months prior to departure; and must be free of open wounds.

Dogs must have a valid certification of vaccination against distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. Animals may be required to be re-vaccinated against rabies on arrival if certifications are deemed unsatisfactory.

Import permit can be obtained from the Veterinary Clinic in Belize on Tel/Fax 011 501 2 45230 email deshield@btl.net

Further details can be obtained from Embassy of Belize, 2535 Massachusettes Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: 202.332.9636 - belize@oas.org. or www.travelbelize.org