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Belize (BZ)

Belize is an English-speaking Central American country known for its barrier reef, rainforest, and cultural mix of Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo and Creole heritage.

Capital: Belmopan
Region: Americas
Language: English
Currency: BZD (BZ$)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 33)
Emergency: 911
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Bringing Pets to Belize

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies (valid certificate required; vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before entry) Distemper/Parvovirus (combination vaccine) General health vaccinations as certified by a licensed veterinarian

Restricted Breeds

American Pit Bull Terrier — subject to special permit requirements; verify with BAHA before attempting importFila BrasileiroDogo ArgentinoTosa Inu

💰 Costs

BAHA import permit fee: BZ$25–50. Veterinary health certificate (home country): USD 50–150 depending on vet and country. Airline pet cargo fees: USD 100–400+ depending on airline, route, and pet size. If using a freight forwarder: USD 200–600 additional. Total estimated cost: USD 300–800 for a single small-to-medium dog or cat.

🐕 Dog Tax / Registration

No annual dog tax/licence system equivalent to UK or EU systems exists in Belize at the national level. Some town councils (e.g., Belize City) require annual dog licensing; check with your local council.

No mandatory pet registration with a national database. Microchip registration is handled through international microchip databases (e.g., HomeAgain, PetLink). Register your pet's microchip with an international database and keep the registration card with your pet's documents.

📋 Relocation Process

Step 1: Contact BAHA (Belize Agriculture Health Authority; baha.org.bz; Tel: +501 278-0006) at least 4–6 weeks before travel to obtain an import permit for your pet. Step 2: Visit your home-country veterinarian within 10 days of travel to obtain a health certificate confirming your pet is healthy, vaccinated (rabies and combination vaccines), and microchipped. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Step 3: Get the health certificate endorsed by your home country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for US residents). Step 4: Book a pet-friendly flight—check airline cargo and cabin pet policies for routes to Belize (most pets fly as cargo on international routes). Step 5: On arrival at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (Belize City), present your import permit, health certificate, microchip documentation, and vaccination records to BAHA at the border inspection post.

The 10-day health certificate window is critical—do not get the certificate earlier than 10 days before your travel date or it will be invalid. Book your BAHA import permit well in advance (4–6 weeks). Live reptiles, birds, and exotic species have additional or different import requirements—contact BAHA for species-specific guidance. For pets leaving Belize to return to the USA or EU, check the destination country's rules: EU pets typically need an EU-format pet passport or country-specific certificate; USA rules depend on destination state.