Belize launches new online immigration and customs declaration system for travelers

Friday, November 29, 2024

The Department of Border Management and Immigration Services, in partnership with the Customs and Excise Department and the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and EGovernance, has announced the introduction of a new online system for immigration and customs declarations, aimed at streamlining the travel process for all individuals entering and leaving Belize.

Effective December 1, 2024, the new platform will allow travelers to submit their immigration and customs information online ahead of their arrival or departure.

This new system is designed to simplify the declaration process by allowing travelers to complete the required forms via a user-friendly web portal, which is expected to reduce human error and improve data accuracy.

The first phase of this initiative will focus on travelers arriving or departing from the Philip Goldson International Airport.

The government has planned a three-month phased rollout, during which both digital and printed versions of the immigration and customs forms will be accepted.

This transitional period aims to ensure a smooth shift to a fully online process by March 2025, with the goal of making the entire procedure paperless by that time.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the digital submission option during the trial phase.

The online system will provide a more efficient and faster way to process the required information, helping to alleviate the need for time-consuming paperwork and lengthy wait times at the airport.

By submitting their details ahead of time, passengers can expect quicker processing upon arrival or departure, enhancing their overall travel experience.

The new system will eventually be expanded to include all ports of entry in Belize, as part of the second phase of implementation.

This will further streamline the immigration and customs procedures for all travelers across the country, from sea ports to land borders.

In the long term, the government envisions a fully digital travel experience that ensures smoother processing at every stage of entry and exit, improving the efficiency of the entire system.

The launch of the new online system is part of Belize’s ongoing efforts to modernize its travel and border management processes.

The government has stated that this shift to digital procedures is in line with its commitment to enhancing national security, improving the convenience of travel, and promoting a more efficient public service.

As the tourism season approaches, the new system is expected to significantly reduce delays, eliminate the need for paper forms, and improve the overall efficiency of Belize’s immigration and customs services.

The public is encouraged to provide feedback as the system undergoes further refinement during the test phase, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed before the full transition to the online platform.

The online immigration and customs declaration system is expected to be a game-changer for travelers visiting or leaving Belize, promising a smoother and more streamlined experience for both locals and international visitors alike.