Is it legal to bring pepper spray into the country and carry for protection?

Technically it is considered a firearm according to Belize law I have been advised, although it is openly for sale in some places.

This is from the Belize Firearms Act

"16.-(1) No person may without the authority of the Minister import, manufacture,
sell, purchase, carry or have in his possession any weapon, of
whatever description, designed for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas
or other thing, or any ammunition containing or designed or adapted to
contain any such noxious thing.
(2) Every person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an
offence."

Well, noxious is defined as:

"physically harmful or destructive to living beings"

So by that definition, pepper spray which is an inflammatory agent would be illegal but Mace which is simply an irritant would not be???

Generally in most states in the US where Mace is illegal, pepper spray is not.

Is the law interpreted to exclude all self defense sprays whether noxious or not?

Yes

How about a squirt bottle of Tabasco sauce???

"or adapted to contain any such noxious thing."

GOB is just really pro robbery I guess.

You can buy pepper spray at Captain sharks. It has pepper spray, a black light ink, and tear gas all combined. Around $30USD
That stuff is so potent, they'll be lying on the ground so long even the San Pedro police will make it in time to arrest them! (haha)

I would buy it when you get here if you are worried about bringing it on the plane.

If it's illegal, I'm not interested in buying it while I'm there either.

I just know that I'll be carrying about 5k worth of camera equipment around with me while I'm there and this time I won't have the security of the crowd like I normally do as I'll be traveling alone. Was hoping to have some defense besides a few curse words and an oddly feminine punch or two.

How about one of those super razzoo sling shots with surgical rubber and some ball bearings?

Whether legal or not to bring into the country, it's certainly against FAA regulations to carry it in your baggage.

It isn't illegal to carry pepper spray. It would almost def. be illegal to carry it onto a plane....you might get away with bringing it in your checked baggage - check with the airline.

No airline will let you carry it in your checked baggage either....you could try to get away with it but would hate to miss my flight trying to explain why I was carrying it.

I'd suggest you check with the police before accepting any advice you hear on the message board it seems as people are getting and giving conflicting information on something that could get someone in trouble.

I asked the police in San Pedro and they told me that I could be prosecuted for being caught with or by using pepper spray, mace or anything similar. I looked up the law and it seemed to be correct. Much Belize law, especially where firearms are concerned, is related to UK law. It is an offence to possess, transport, use or sell anything like pepper spray, cs gas, mace etc in the UK.

you could always contribute to the local economy and purchase a nice machete and holster to wear it on. it's a visual deterrent at the very least.

We gave our friend a whooping stick I mean a walking stick recently and he quite likes to have it with him. Nothing wrong with carrying a stick lol.

Why are they allowed to sell it at Captain Sharks then?

They probably aren't now.

Buy some wasp spray,for those pests,effective! L.O.L

Some of the Wasp spray brands can shoot an 'almost straight' 25 feet!

Cheaper than what you can buy pepper spray for in Belize but more difficult to conceal in your pocket without raising a few eyebrows - or smiles!



P.S Almost certainly equally illegal for any intent other than spraying Wasps!!!

and tell me again, what is the definition of WASP? LOL

Whimpy Ambergris Street People

My preferred method of self defense is a 3 foot long machete that I carry on the street wrapped up in an old crocus bag.

I can see it now, All Belizian cayes regress three hundred years in dress. All islanders wear pirate clothes and 3' sabres. Avast ye matey!

A woman carrying a machete on Caye Caulker instantly clears the street on Caye Caulker. And yes, I have seen Belizean women chasing their men down the street on Caye Caulker with a machete. I assume it has something to do with the angry feelings that well up with catching them "in the act". Oh, I forgot to add that the machete must be rusty. I find it curious (and I really mean ridiculous) that a person could carry a 3 foot long knife, as long as the blade isn't exposed, on the street, but pepper spray is frowned on, or even illegal. BTW, its also o.k. to wrap up your machete in old newspaper.
Someone please stop me... or I'll go on... because surfing the net is more fun than cleaning the house.

Gives one pause when sitting in a pub and a semi-drunk walks in and lays a rusty machete on the bar.

Gives one more than "pause" - and another reason to stay clear of bars on payday - these guys do a fair amount of chopping whilst under the influence and in the midst of a "misunderstanding"

Is Belize that dangerous that you need to carry pepper spray or machete to be safe?

I have my pepper spray and decided to order a pair of handcuffs off the internet. Bad idea! but I do get a lot of interesting spam. Lovey

Look out Thurston!!!

It's A JOKE!!!

darin111 - everybody is just goofing around. No you don't have to carry pepper spray or a machete to be safe. If you live in the bush (on your ranch) you might want to carry a machete for the purpose of chopping bushes and protecting yourself from a snake. Snakes don't stalk you but if you startle one you could be in for a shock.

In most cases as long as you are wise, don't go to strange places after dark, alone, while you are drunk - you will probably be quite fine.

If you live on a ranch you should certainly consider having a shotgun and let people know you have it and know how to use it. Indeed there are some bad guys out there that might consider robbing or burglarizing your house.

Belize is Utopia to some - but the reality is that Belize has crime. The better you protect yourself, using common sense and being courteous to your fellow man, the less likely you will be to end up as a target.

Don't flash around a bunch of money. If you have a big work crew for construction and such pay them with cheques - not cash.
Don't be too generous until you have figured out who your friends are. Remember in Belize when folks ask for a loan or an advance 9 times out of 10 you will not be repaid.

Belize is an adventure and it works out for some and not for others. Never burn your bridges where you came from in case you decide to return.

Good luck and tell us about your journey.

Forget about the super sling shot with the ball bearings! I go into Belize City 3 or 4 times a week....sometimes at night, and carry a well concealed snub-nose 38. If some one wants to try robbing me.....pulling a knife or machete on me....is not going to do the job...if ya get my drift. Same protection while i'm on my boat. There are too many "low-lifes" sculking around Belize city after the sun goes down. Tenga el cuidado y esté seguro!
Salud