GUIDE TO FILMING IN BELIZE
As of February 2024
The first step to filming in Belize by non-Belizean production companies (regardless of size of crew or purpose) is to register your production with the Office of the Belize Film Commissioner (OBFC). Our certificate is valid for 30 days and carries a processing fee of US$250. Extensions of 30 days each (up to 90 days max) are available for US$125/ea. OBFC’s extensions also requires that applicants comply with Belize’s immigration policies and work permit requirements which will become relevant after the first 30 days. For applicants who obtain and produce a current research permit from relevant Belizean authorities, the processing fee is US$50.
1. Letter of Intent
Address letter to the Film Commissioner of Belize and submit on company letterhead. Letter should provide brief description of your company, the proposed project and what it is that you wish to film in Belize. If applicable, include proposed locations with descriptions, list of crew positions / talent intended to be sourced locally. Please mention if any special effects, stunts, aerial or water sequences are envisioned.
2. Application Form
Complete, sign and submit application form along with all other requested documents.
2.1. Belize Fixer / Country Manager (UPM, Location Mgr. Prod. Coordinator)
The services of a Belize Fixer/ Country Manager MUST be retained for the duration of production time in Belize. This should be a Belizean citizen or legal resident of Belize. Applications, as a general rule, will not be processed unless a name and contact info are provided. Depending on your production, the service provided is usually comparable to that UPM, Location Manager or Production Coordinator and we ask that you credit them accordingly. While we know some fixers can fill multiple roles within smaller projects, please do not name your taxi driver, boat captain, hotel manager, tour guide or interview subject as your fixer. If necessary, please contact our office for recommendations.
3. Gold Standard Program Manager Letter
The person who is hired as the Gold Standard Program Manager must present a letter from their employer stating that the entity, they work for has indeed received Gold Standard accreditation and that they are aware of the 9-Steps of the Gold Standard Program.
4. Personnel Form
4.1. Non-Belizean Personnel
The names of all non-Belizean personnel traveling to Belize as part of the production should be listed on the Personnel Form and submitted before arrival as part of the Application Pkg. All Names should appear same as in their passport. The list should be accompanied by copy of passport’s biodata page for each person named on the list. Be sure to include the required arrival and departure flight information.
4.2 Belizean Personnel
This list should be submitted to Belize Film Commission as soon as confirmed, preferably in advance of arrival as well, and include Names, Position, Social Security #, Start and End dates on production.
4.3. Visas
If you are traveling to Belize you may require a Tourist Visa which applies to persons temporarily carrying on any business, trade or profession. A visa allows you to enter Belize and remain legal in Belize for a maximum of 30 days from date of entry. To find out if you need a visa or not, click HERE
Exemptions for Belize Tourist Visas for visits not exceeding 30 days apply:
If you hold a valid multiple entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from the USA.
If you hold a valid multiple entry Schengen visa
If you hold a valid multiple entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from Canada
Any visitor exceeding 30, 60, 90, and 180 days will require a visa and requisite extensions to remain legal in Belize. You will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay in Belize. The permit required to extend your stay in Belize beyond the 30 days is the ‘Belize Visitor’s Permit Extension” which currently carries a fee of US$100/BZ$200 for all nationals.
4.4. Work permits
Work permits are not necessary for stays in Belize under 30 days. Over 30 days, work permits will be required. Depending on the nature of the project and its estimated budget expenditure in country, the OBFC may be able to liaise with the Immigration and Labor Dept on your behalf. Please note that if there are non-key crew positions that can be filled easily by locals (e.g. production assistants and drivers etc.) work permits will not be approved for those positions.
5. Equipment Form
Please list on this form all the equipment and props coming into the country on a temporary basis along with their serial numbers and value for Customs purposes. If equipment is coming on different flights, submit separate list(s) that match the flight the equipment is coming in on.
5.1. Shipping
Equipment arriving at the PGIA as excess baggage can be cleared upon arrival easily. Pre-shipped equipment arriving as air or sea cargo will require the services of a certified customs broker. Entry via land border will most likely also require the services of a customs broker depending on the quantity of equipment entering. It’s recommended that productions with large quantities of equipment arriving in the country ensure that their local fixer is there to meet them at entry point into the country,
5.2. Additional permits:
Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) for certain food items, as well as any props that include feathers and seeds
Belize Civil Aviation and the Public Utilities Commission for drones
PLEASE NOTE: There is a no-fly zone of 0-3 miles of any airport or airstrip in the country. Permission for flights within 3-5 miles of the airport are conditional. Beyond 5 miles of any airport is allowed but permission must still be sought to clear the fly areas.
Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for Communications equipment such as radios. The PUC will assign usable frequency(ies). Fees may be charged depending on the make and model.
Police Department for Firearms
Fire Department for Pyrotechnics
6. Insurance
Public liability is required from all productions. Depending on the nature of the production proof of health insurance for entire crew could also be mandatory. Mid-to Large productions will additionally require Employer’s liability insurance covering the length of Applicant’s projected stay in Belize. These insurances must name the Belize Film Commissioner / Carlo Habet as “additional insured” on an additional insured endorsement form. If any additional insurances are required, the OBFC will advise during the vetting process.
7. Location Permits
The Certificate of Registration you are applying for is not to be confused with permits to film on any location in Belize. The use of any location (whether private or public) may require fees which should be negotiated directly with the owner of managing authority in advance. Copies of signed releases, consent letters or emails should be attached to Application if already secured. Alternatively, the owners / managing authorities can email the filmcommissionbelize@gmail.com directly advising that they are aware of your project and giving you permission to use their property for it.
Government Buildings, Tourist Sites and National Parks under control of the Government of Belize normally charge a permit fee for use in filming activity. Any negotiations with these offices should keep the OBFC in the loop for assistance should be need arise. Be prepared to pay normal entry fees pp for any tourist sites you are filming on along with filming fees for the location. If the park or building has to be closed, opened earlier or later than regular working hours, additional fees will most likely be charged. Protected Areas do not usually consider the filming of large-scale major productions because of the impact to the area but are usually open to productions that share similar views.
8. Vehicles with NON-Belize License plates
All vehicles with foreign license plates entering the country will have to pay for the usual temporary vehicle registration and insurance. In some instances, an additional non-refundable bond based on vehicle value may be required. Please note that regular passenger vans from neighboring countries will only be allowed to drop passengers off into the country. They cannot be hired to work in Belize for the duration of the project. You will need to hire Belizean vehicles for your project in Belize.
9. Location Management & Film Schedules
In addition to copies of your location releases, different productions – depending on what they are filming and risk factors – may additionally be asked to supply:
Film Schedule
A Map of Location clearly indicating the areas to be used
A parking plan for all locations in urban areas or near major roadways. Ensure plan indicates where production vehicles will be parked near to the location. This shall include the specific type of vehicle and registration number for each. Parking must comply with local parking regulations.
Security Plan
Name of on-site Medic
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