If you are traveling to Belize, the government has introduced a new digital system for providing your arrival and departure information. The Belize Travel Declaration is the required online submission that replaces the traditional paper immigration and customs forms.
Completing the Belize Digital Declaration form online before your trip is the best way to avoid filling out paperwork and waiting in line upon arrival, allowing you a much faster entry to Belize. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to complete your Belize Travel Declaration quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is the Belize Travel Declaration?
- Do I Need the Belize Travel Declaration?
- Belize Travel Declaration vs. Belize Visa: The Difference
- Applying for Your Belize Travel Declaration: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official Belize Travel Declaration Process: A 3-Step Process
- Beyond the Travel Declaration: Other Belize Entry Requirements
- Belize Travel Declaration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Belize Travel Declaration?
The Belize Travel Declaration is an official, mandatory online form that combines the Immigration and Customs declarations required for entry and exit. It is also sometimes called the E-Embarkation Form.
Do I Need the Belize Travel Declaration?
Yes, you need the Belize Travel Declaration. Submission is mandatory for all arriving and departing visitors (residents and tourists alike) at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA).
You must submit the Travel Declaration if you are:
- Any traveler arriving in Belize by air.
- A U.S. citizen visiting Belize for tourism or business.
Note: The Travel Declaration is an administrative form, not a visa. U.S. citizens do not need a separate visa for short tourist stays, but the Travel Declaration is mandatory for border processing.
Belize Travel Declaration vs. Belize Visa: The Difference
| Document | Purpose | Mandatory Status |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Declaration | Digital Declaration for Immigration & Customs clearance. | MANDATORY for all travelers. |
| Visa | Entry Permission (Required only if your nationality/purpose demands it). | NOT REQUIRED for U.S. citizens for stays up to 30 days. |
Applying for Your Belize Travel Declaration: DIY vs. Full-Service
The government strongly encourages all travelers to use the free online system to ensure a smooth transition upon arrival.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): The form is available exclusively via the official government portal: https://belizetravel.immigration.gov.bz/Belize_Digital_Forms/. The system encourages completion before arrival (typically up to 72 hours in advance). The U.S. Department of State states your US passport must be valid for the length of your stay, but a minimum of 6 months’ validity is always recommended for international travel.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer a simplified application process and expert review, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the submission process, checks documentation, and provides 24/7 multilingual support, allowing you to focus on your trip preparations.
The Official Belize Travel Declaration Process: A 3-Step Process
The process is fast, free, and designed to save time on arrival at the airport.
- Official Gov. Fee: $0.00 USD (FREE)
- Processing Time: Instantaneous digital submission.
- Use: Border officials use the confirmation to retrieve your information electronically.
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid U.S. passport. Must be valid for the length of your stay, but a minimum of 6 months’ validity is always recommended for international travel.
- Travel itinerary and flight details.
- Accommodation confirmation (e.g., hotel or host details).
- The address of your accommodations in Belize and contact information.
Step 2: Complete the Online Submission
- Access the official Belize Digital Forms portal or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Select the appropriate form (E-Embarkation/Disembarkation Form).
- Fill in all required sections: personal details, customs declaration, and immigration information.
Step 3: Submit and Save Your Confirmation
- Double-check all information for errors and accuracy.
- Submit the form online.
- Upon successful submission, you will receive an electronic confirmation or acknowledgement.
- Keep a copy of your confirmation email/screen. Upon arrival, you will present your passport, and the Immigration Officer will retrieve your digital declaration electronically.
Completing Your Departure (Disembarkation) Form
The Belize Travel Declaration system is used for both entry and exit. You must also complete the digital form before your departure.
- When to Complete: Access the same official portal within 72 hours of your flight leaving Belize.
- What to Select: Choose the "Disembarkation Form" (departure) option.
- Process: The steps are similar to your arrival. You will be asked to fill in your personal details, passport information, and the flight details for your departing flight.
- Confirmation: Upon submission, you will receive another electronic confirmation. We recommend keeping a digital copy accessible until you have boarded your flight.
Beyond the Travel Declaration: Other Belize Entry Requirements
The Belize Travel Declaration is mandatory, but final entry remains at the discretion of the Belize Immigration Department. The Travel Declaration does not grant visa permission. Immigration officials retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Valid US Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay, but a minimum of 6 months’ validity is always recommended for international travel.
- Proof of Onward Travel: A confirmed return or onward ticket proving your planned departure from Belize at the end of your stay.
- Sufficient Funds: Evidence of adequate funds to cover your stay (typically US$75 per day) in Belize.
Duration of Stay and Exit Fee
- Duration: U.S. citizens are typically granted a visa-exempt stay of up to 30 days upon arrival.
- If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for monthly extensions at a local Immigration office.
- Departure Tax: An exit fee of approximately $40 USD is typically charged to all tourists upon departure from Belize, although this fee is usually included in your international airline ticket price. Check with your airline.
Belize Travel Declaration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. The Travel Declaration is a mandatory, electronic form for Immigration and Customs clearance. It does not replace a visa. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 30 days .
A: No. The official Belize Travel Declaration application submitted directly through the government portal is free of charge. Optional third-party services, like iVisa, offer assistance such as application review and support for a service fee, but the form itself has no government cost.
A: Yes. The system is designed for both arrival and departure (Embarkation/Disembarkation Forms).
A: U.S. citizens are typically granted up to 30 days of stay upon entry. If you wish to extend your stay in Belize, you must purchase extensions from the Immigration Department.
A: The official requirement is passport validity for the length of your stay. However, most travelers are recommended to maintain 6 6-month validity to avoid potential issues with airline check-in or transit countries.
Need a fast, simple way to secure your Belize Travel Declaration? Apply for your Belize Travel Declaration quickly and securely with iVisa today! Let iVisa help you prepare your mandatory documentation for a smoother arrival and departure.
