Frequently Asked Questions

Citizens from the U.S. do not require a visa to visit Belize.  Travelers should arrive in Belize with a valid passport and an onward plane ticket to be granted permission for a 30-day stay on arrival in Belize.  Prior to expiration, an extension can be sought at any local district Immigration Office.  All tourists and non-Belizean citizens are required to pay an exit fee of US$39.25, though this is sometimes included already in your air ticket.  Kindly visit the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage for more information.

The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) is the Government of Belize’s official trade and investment promotion agency.  It provides information on the priority sectors for investment and a list of the government’s investment incentives

Belize has a year-round subtropical climate with a dry season November to May, and a rainy season from June through October.

Most local businessmen and foreign investors wear a shirt and slacks, sometimes with a jacket, to official government or diplomatic meetings. Suit and tie are sometimes worn for high-level meetings.  Generally, though, long sleeved shirts and slacks are used during routine business meetings or dinner meetings.

Monday to Thursday – 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Fridays – 8:00AM to 4:30PM

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is responsible for the processing and certification of all plant material and animals entering or exiting Belize.

Please review the U.S. Embassy’s Country Commercial Guide (PDF 545KB) if you are considering investing in Belize.  The Country Commercial Guide contains comprehensive information on Doing Business in Belize, Investment Incentives, Investment Climate Statement, and Best Commercial Prospects.

Visit the website of OAS’s Foreign Trade Information System – Belize to find out more about the trade agreements of which Belize is a part.

The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) is Belize’s official trade and investment promotion agency; and the Belize Customs Department is responsible for the collection of all customs duties at the point of importation.  Contact BELTRAIDE or the Belize Customs Department for details on specific duties, taxes, and applicable rates.

 The laws of Belize are available online at www.belizelaw.org or Judiciary of Belize at www.belizejudiciary.org. The website, however, is not comprehensive.