Belize customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Belize's biggest customs trap is the strict ban on firearms and ammunition without a police permit—even a single bullet can lead to arrest. Cash over BZD 10,000 must be declared. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers entering Belize in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free allowance is BZD 1,600 (approx. USD 800) total for goods including alcohol; above that, duty is 20% on the excess.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$5,000

BZD 10,000 (approx. USD 5,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Declare on the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) at the red channel or to the officer. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Goods duty-free

$800

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is BZD 1,600 (approx. USD 800) total. Above this, a flat 20% duty applies on the excess value. This includes alcohol and tobacco if you exceed the specific limits.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and illegal drugs (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
Firearms and ammunition without a permit from the Belize Police Department
Explosives, fireworks, and pyrotechnics
Pornographic materials (including digital media)
Counterfeit currency and goods
Endangered species and products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells, coral)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Firearms and ammunition (require a police permit—apply well in advance)
Live animals and plants (require a permit from BAHA and a health certificate)
Medications containing controlled substances (require a prescription and may need Ministry of Health approval)
Satellite phones and drones (require a licence from the Belize Telecommunications Authority)
Commercial quantities of goods (may require a trade licence and customs broker)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting your luggage, proceed to the Customs area. If you have nothing to declare or your goods are within the duty-free limits, use the green channel. If you have goods to declare, cash over BZD 10,000, or restricted items, use the red channel. You must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF)—it is handed out on the plane or at the airport.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days' supply are allowed without a prescription, but carry a doctor's note or prescription for controlled substances like codeine or diazepam. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine, diazepam) are controlled in Belize and may require prior approval from the Belize Ministry of Health. Banned drugs include marijuana (still illegal despite regional trends), cocaine, and heroin.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without a permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Processed and packaged foods for personal consumption are usually allowed if declared. Honey, live plants, and soil are strictly banned.

Rules worth knowing

Firearms—zero tolerance without a permit

You cannot bring any firearm or ammunition into Belize without a permit from the Belize Police Department. Even a single round of ammunition is illegal. Apply at least 30 days before travel. Violation can lead to arrest, fines, and confiscation.

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any amount over BZD 10,000 (USD 5,000) in cash or monetary instruments must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a penalty of up to 100% of the amount.

No duty-free on arrival from within Central America

If you are arriving from another Central American country (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama), the duty-free allowance is reduced to BZD 800 (USD 400) for goods, and alcohol/tobacco limits are halved.

Drones require a licence

Bringing a drone into Belize requires a licence from the Belize Telecommunications Authority (BTA). Apply online before travel. Unauthorised drones can be confiscated and you may face a fine.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and phones for your own use are not counted in the duty-free allowance. But if you bring multiple units (e.g., three laptops), customs may treat them as commercial goods and charge duty.

Yes, Cuban cigars are legal in Belize. They count toward your tobacco allowance (50 cigars). No special permit is needed.

You pay 20% duty on the value above BZD 1,600 (USD 800). For example, if your goods are worth BZD 2,000, you pay 20% on the excess BZD 400 = BZD 80 duty. You must declare the excess at the red channel.

Yes, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) has a duty-free shop after security. You can buy alcohol, tobacco, and perfumes within your allowance. But note that if you buy duty-free on arrival, it still counts toward your BZD 1,600 goods allowance.

Codeine is a controlled substance in Belize. You can bring a 30-day supply with a valid prescription and a doctor's note. For larger amounts or other controlled drugs (e.g., diazepam), you need prior approval from the Belize Ministry of Health. Always carry the prescription in English.

Fishing gear for personal use is fine and does not need to be declared as long as it is within your personal baggage. But if you bring commercial quantities (e.g., 10 rods), customs may treat it as goods and charge duty. Also, fishing without a licence is illegal—get one from the Belize Fisheries Department.

Black coral is a protected species and cannot be exported or imported without a permit from the Belize Fisheries Department. Conch shells are allowed only if they are empty and cleaned. Live shells or coral are prohibited. Always check with your airline and Belize customs before buying.

Official source

Belize Customs and Excise Department