Belize has introduced a new online immigration and customs declaration system designed to make the travel experience smoother for visitors. This digital system allows travelers to submit their immigration and customs details ahead of their arrival or departure, helping to speed up the process and ensure more accurate data.
Launched on December 1, the system is currently in a phased rollout, starting at the Philip Goldson International Airport. Officials from the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance described the new platform as a step toward modernizing Belize’s travel procedures. The system is expected to streamline entry and exit for travelers by reducing paperwork and making the process more efficient.
During this initial phase, both digital and printed forms will be accepted, but travelers are encouraged to use the online option as the country moves toward a completely digital process. Officials are hoping that by the time the system is fully implemented, travelers will no longer need to complete paper forms at all, which will further speed up customs and immigration procedures.
The transition to an entirely digital system will be tested over the next three months. Belize's government is keen to receive feedback from travelers during this time to address any issues and improve the process before it’s fully launched across all ports of entry in the second phase. As the peak tourist season approaches, officials are confident that the new system will help handle the expected increase in visitors, making travel through the country faster and more convenient.
Belize’s tourism numbers are on the rise, with the country welcoming a significant number of visitors this year. By October 2024, Belize had already hosted 458,969 land-based visitors, and it is expected to surpass last year's total of 464,723 visitors by the end of the year. The introduction of this new digital system comes at a time when Belize is looking to improve its tourism infrastructure and continue attracting more international travelers.