by Brian Major
Last updated: 1:35 PM ET, Mon December 2, 2024
Belize’s government has launched a new online departure and
arrival immigration and customs declaration system intended to ease entry and
departure for travelers to the Caribbean nation.
The new platform enables users to complete and submit required
immigration and customs information in advance via a dedicated web link. The new system is designed to enhance
data accuracy and “streamline the travel experience,” said Ministry of Public Utilities,
Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance officials in a statement.
The system went into effect on December 1 for all travelers
entering and exiting through Belize’s Philip Goldson International Airport. While
in operation, the system will undergo a three-month phased introduction to “facilitate
a smooth transition to a fully online process,” said officials.
Both printed and digital forms will be accepted during the test
phase, although the public is “encouraged to utilize the digital option and
embrace the transition,” officials said.
Travelers are being invited to provide feedback regarding
the system “to support ongoing improvements,” officials added. The system will
be extended to all ports of entry in the second phase.
“As the peak tourism season approaches, the transition will
significantly reduce—and eventually eliminate—the need for paper forms,” said Ministry
officials, “ensuring faster and more convenient immigration and customs
processing for all travelers.”
Belize is poised to exceed its year-over-year visitor
arrivals. Through October of this year, the country has hosted 458,969 overnight,
land-based visitors, according to Caribbean Tourism Organization data. Belize welcomed 464,723 land-based visitors during all of 2023.
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