Juntos Belize | Essentials for Travel

This list contains a bit more information and a few packing suggestions for your upcoming trip to Belize. It’s been curated by several people over numerous trips, but let us know if we’ve missed anything.

Belize Immigration

Belize Immigration requires a valid passport with an expiration date beyond your planned return to the US. Visas are NOT required for U.S. citizens for visits <30 days.

On the airplane into Belize, you’ll be asked to complete and sign an Immigration form that will ask for a few details about your visit, so bring a pen and plan to provide:

  • Airline and flight number

  • Passport number, issue and expiration dates

  • Where you plan to stay (Warrie Head Resort, 54 George Price Hwy, Ontario Village)

The Immigration form is also available online: https://ideclare.gov.bz/Belize_Digital_Forms/. After you complete the online form, the app will present a QR code for checking in with Belize Immigration and Customs. Suggest screenshot the QR code for easy access later.

Once you arrive in Belize City, you’ll exit the plane through the front or rear door and walk into the airport. There are restrooms just inside the airport.

To check-in with Belize Immigrations, you’ll need your passport and completed Immigration form (or QR code). The Immigration agent might also ask you questions about about your planned length of stay and purpose of visit.

Collect your luggage and proceed to Belize Customs.

Belize Customs

As you approach Customs, you’ll find two lines to exit the airport for passengers with/without any items to declare. Unless you’re bringing anything of significant value into the country, suggest taking the without line.

Customs may ask you to pay duty based on retail value of anything you might be bringing into the country other than personal items. Duty typically varies by item but generally averages ~20% of retail value. Additional taxes may be applicable, including General Sales Tax (GST) with is applied at a rate of 12.5 percent of the customs value. Bring receipts or Amazon listings to help establish retail value. Typically Customs will be looking for anyone bringing an excessive amount of supplies that they intend to sell.

Other options:

  • Duty will unlikely apply for items you plan to donate locally or use in ministry. Be prepared to explain the nature of the donation and purpose of your organization. (Practically, since 2017 I am not aware of anyone required pay duty on anything they've brought to donate locally or leave in country.)

  • The Ministry of Finance may grant formal duty exemption for humanitarian aid imported by churches and other organizations (NGOs) for local distribution. To qualify, you will need to submit a letter in advance requesting an exemption stating the description and quantity of items imported and short explanation of the objectives of your organization. (I’ve used this process successfully for bringing sports equipment, eyeglasses, tracks and other items into the country for religious outreach programs.)

  • Customs will usually allow you to bring donations of school supplies duty-free. Books are always considered duty-free.

If you’re travelling with minors (age 17 and under) …

Children of all ages are required to travel with a valid passport. Visitors travelling with minors may be asked 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; that may include notarized letters from the parent(s), custody or adoption papers, and death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.

What to Pack | Essentials:

  • Valid Passport

  • Valid Driver’s License

  • Emergency contact information (at least two)

  • Lightweight, quick dry clothing 

  • Comfortable walking and/or work shoes 

  • Rain jacket

  • Sleepwear

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat or cap

  • Swimsuit

  • Smartphone w/ charger and backup battery

  • Dopp kit

  • Prescription meds

  • Bug spray (w/ Deet)

  • Itch cream w/ Benadryl 

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Small flashlight

  • Cash (~$100 USD, small bills for customs and tips mostly)

  • Credit Cards (1-2)

  • Water bottle w/ IV hydration packs

Things you might not think of:

  • Night light

  • Extension cord

  • Headphones and Charger (for the flight to/from)

  • AirTags (Luggage, purse, anything else that might wander)

  • Ear plugs, Sleep Sound Machine (CPAP)

  • Backup Power Module for Smartphone

  • Backpack

  • International plan for your smartphone (check with your service provider)

What NOT to Bring:

  • Valuables (Subject to loss and disappointment)

  • Heavy Clothing (Hot and retains moisture, especially in the summer)

  • Flashy Jewelry or revealing clothing (Attracts undesirable attention)

  • Drones (prohibited for recreational/personal usage)

  • Camo anything (Reserved for Belize Military)

  • Firearms, ammunition or weapons (Belize has very restrictive firearms laws)

  • Any controlled substances

Other Suggestions

  • Download the map of Belize on your smartphone before you leave the U.S. Cell/wireless service in remote areas of Belize is unpredictable, but the GPS in your phone will still work for navigation.

  • Pack prescription meds, personal items, and clothing for 1-2 days, a few snacks, and an airtag in your carry-on bag … just in case.

  • Bring a couple dozen IV hydration packs, especially if you’re traveling to Belize in the summer. Those IV packs are helpful to keep hydrated without drinking your bodyweight in water every day, and they’re not generally available in Belize.

  • Tipping is optional. Some people do, some don’t. Your call.

  • Let me know if you’d like someone to meet you upon arrival to help with luggage and/or transportation.

In summary, Belize is a beautiful country and Belizeans are generally friendly and courteous. Tourist destinations along the coast and mountains are pleasant, but living conditions in the rest of the country can be modest. Commit to invest yourself in the people and culture, and enjoy the surroundings.

Hope this helps,
Richard Talbot | Contact: Open a WhatsApp chat | Don’t have WhatsApp yet? (download)