AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Travel Departure tax for tourists

When did it go up? Is it up to $50.00US or $100.00US now?

Also, any truth in the rumour that there will now also be an ENTRY fee?

Is there any truth in the rumour that the present Government of Belize is trying to sink overnight tourism with their "tax the tourist" policies?

Just got back today from the most fantastic trip I have had in years and the departure tax was $37.50 US. We flew American and it was included in the ticket. If there was an entry fee, it was also in the ticket but I don't think there was. You must pay the $37.50 if you leave the country to visit Mexico or Guadamala. We did. There was no fee to re-enter Belize.

SuzyQ, Any problems at the Airport? or Belize City?

We had no problems anywhere! Our cab driver was listening to the Prime Minister talk and explaining to us what was happening as far as the people being upset with the raise in taxes. But he treated us like we were family telling us stories about his fishing in the Belize River. At the airport, we breezed through customs, no problems. I was really surprized to read about the strikes yesterday. I hope it passes quickly. We found the natives of Belize to be beautiful people, hospitable, and friendly. I can't wait to go back.

The US$50 fee is the renewal fee (per month) if visitors want to extend their tourist card after 30 days.

Exit tax by international air is US$35 or US$18.75 by land. By water you just pay the conservation fee US$3.75. Air exit taxes are now included in most international air tickets so tourists don't really squeal about the pinch, since there are so many air fees and taxes, especially from the U.S.

There's no entrance fee, except if you need a visa (citizens of the U.S., Canada, U.K., EU and most Caricom countries don't need a visa). Visitors from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the People's Republic of Chin, Indian and a few other countries pay a whopping US$2,000 fee for a single-entry visa! I don't understand that.

--Lan Sluder

if you take Continental, it is included now in the ticket.

KE

Thanks for the update Lan.

Hey suzyQ.....Greetings from Colchester, Connecticut. Back in time for the Big storm heading our way. I have a question for you. I am flying American Airlines to Belize on February 20th and they informed me that the departure tax is NOT included in my ticket price. I am traveling in coach and I was wondering if that is how you traveled?

I wouldn't necessarily believe what the AA rep told you. They're only human, and airline employees are superstressed now due to the problems in the industry.

Most airline tickets to Belize now do include the exit fee in the ticket. I know US Air does, CO does and I believe AA does. Not sure about Delta or TACA. Not all, but most. If you look at your ticket and see that there is US$70 to $90 or so in fees and taxes over the base fare it probably is included. If it is not, you'll have to pay it in cash (Belize dollars or U.S. dollars) at the airport. The desk agent at the international airport will tell you.

--Lan Sluder

AA includes it.