How to Film in Belize FAQ's

If you are an international production company or individual interested in filming in Belize, here is the process.

There are 3 main steps that one needs to follow to shoot their production in Belize as of September 2021.

1. Firstly, hire a Production Manager/Fixer. MoJoe Media can help.

The Belize Film Commission’s Guide to Filming in Belize 2021 explains it as follows:

“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."

2. Secondly, with assistance of your fixer, submit a "letter of intent" to the Belize Film Commission.

The BFC in its Guide to Filming in Belize 2021 describes the letter as follows:

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.”

3. Thirdly, apply for the Film Registration Certificate.

The application and payment process is set out in the BFC’s Guide to Filming In Belize 2021 as follows:

Certificate of Registration Application Form

“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.”

Other Required Information

The following are a list of other required documents or information that must be submitted with your certificate of registration application form.

These include List of Non-Belizean Personnel, List of Belizean Personnel, List of Equipment, List of Locations and Permissions, Production Schedule and Insurance.

List of Non-Belizean Personnel

This list should be submitted before arrival to the Belize Film Commission and include Names, Nationality, Passport Numbers and flight information for clearance by Immigration. Please also include a copy of the biodata page in each person’s passport. Upon ARRIVAL in Belize, please write FILM next to OTHER on the immigration card.

(i) Visas

Citizens of the US and UK do not need visas to enter Belize. If you are not a citizen of either country but hold a valid US visa, there should not be any problems to enter Belize. Just forward a copy of the valid visa with Personnel list. Kindly advise of all the incoming nationalities as early as possible so we can inform if a visa will be required or not. Upon entering the country, you will be given a 30 day stay in your passport. At the end of 30 days you will need to get an extension stamped into the passport from Immigration. This currently carries a fee of Bz$50 per person.

(ii) Work permits

Work permits are not necessary if your stay in Belize is under 30 days. Over 30 days, work permits are required. Depending on the nature of the project and its estimated budget expenditure in the country, the BFC will render assistance with the process to the labour department. Please note that if there are non-key crew positions that can be filled easily by locals (eg. production assistants and drivers etc.) work permits will not be approved for those positions.

List of 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 number, and Begin and Start date with the production.

List of Equipment

A list of any equipment along with their serial numbers and method of importation into Belize should be sent at least two weeks before arrival to ensure duty exemptions. Please list all:

a) image and sound equipment

b) include any communication devices or drones

c) Mention if you are bringing large quantities of wardrobe or props

d) Mention any special food items

Permissions and Filming Schedule

Please provide a copy of your location releases or written approval by owners or managing authorities of the properties you are shooting at to the Belize Film Commission...shooting on which days.

Location Management

In addition to copies of your location releases, large productions such as feature films will additionally be asked to supply:

a) A Map of Location clearly indicating the areas to be used

b) 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.

c) Security Plan

d) Medic on crew

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 as “additional insured” on an additional insured endorsement form. If any additional insurances are required, the OBFC will advise during the vetting process.”

The above information was taken from the Belize Film Commission’s Guide to Filming In Belize 2021, for further information and services contact MoJoe Media.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the steps to follow when travelling to Belize?

Before travelling to Belize

1. Plan your visit: Book your stay. All public health measures at Belize’s land and sea entry points, including proof of purchase for the Belize Travel Health Insurance and proof of vaccination are no longer required.

2. Enjoy: Be safe and enjoy your Belize experience.

For the latest details related to Covid19 see the Belize Tourism Board's https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety

Belize Travel Insurance

Effective July 12, 2022, all Foreign Tourists entering Belize will have the option to purchase the Belize travel insurance. It is no longer mandatory but is highly recommended by the Belize Tourism Board.

NOTE: Do not buy airline tickets until you have gotten approval from the Belize Film Commission to film in Belize.

2. After receiving the registration certificate are you still required to obtain permissions and location releases?

Yes, this is because the Registration Certificate is not a blanket license to film anywhere in the country. Location Releases/permissions will be obtained from the owner or managing authorities of private or public lands independently. Permits are not required to film in public places; but as a courtesy we do notify the appropriate city, town or village council of our intent to film in their jurisdiction. As your local fixer/local producer MoJoe Media will be gathering the various permissions as required.

Locations & Permits In Belize

Due to the paperwork involved, for best results, please allow a minimum lead time of 2 weeks to secure a location in Belize. Almost all locations will require the payment of a location fee and the amount is usually based on the type of production whether: advertisement, documentary, TV, feature film, corporate film

Street Permits in Belize

Please note that there is no such thing as a general street permit covering all streets in Belize - the permit application must list the names of the streets you wish to film on and indicate the times you plan to be there. Street Permits do not cover Municipal Parks, Markets, Canals, or National parks - all of the above are subject to specific permits from the appropriate authorities.

Applications must include:

a synopsis of the project
a list of precise locations and times you plan to be there
a detailed list of equipment
a list of crew members
In some cases all requests for a permit will require proof of public liability insurance for the duration of the shoot

Parks in Belize

Permission has to be secured from the respective governing authority of any national park, national archaeological sites, monuments, jungle reserve, and marine reserve. Locations Fees and criteria for approval vary and are based on the type of production whether: documentary, TV movies, advertising or Feature Film.

A lead time of at least 21 business days is required to process a permit application.

3. Want some facts about Belize?

Approximately a 2 hours flight from Miami, Belize is located in Central America and is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. It is is a pristine place to shoot a film. Geographically it is bordered by the north with Mexico, west and south by Guatemala and East by the Caribbean Sea. It is the only English speaking country in Central America. It has a population of approximately 400,000 people living on 8,867 sq. miles. The people are a diverse, multi-culture of ethnicity. They include primarily the indigenous Mayas, the creoles (English and African), the Garifuna (African, Arawak and Carib Indian), the Mestizo (Spanish and Mayas), East Indians, Chinese, Mennonites, American and English among others.

Cell phones in Belize - In order to have mobile cellular service in Belize all that is required is your unlocked smartphone with SIM card capability. A pre-paid SIM card can be purchased from one of the two local telecommunications companies: Digicell and Smart. Prepaid service works using phone top-up that can be bought at various stores around the country.Of course wireless internet hotspots are also available in some places.

Time observed in Belize - Time observed year round is GMT-6, which is the same as United States Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed in Belize.

4. What is MoJoe Media?

MoJoe Media is a production services company; we are your one stop shop for international companies or individuals filming in Belize. We organise productions of all budgets and we operate at competitive and negotiable prices. We also provide professional video production services and digital media content creation services.

Our Services

We offer production and location support to international companies filming in Belize. These include:

Production Fixer | Local Coordinator | Local Producer| Production Manager Services

Location scouting, Film permits, Customs/immigration, Production crews, Casting, Translators, Accommodation, Transportation, Equipment rental, Lighting and grip

Video production, Live streaming, Virtual meetings and Digital media content creation Services

We produce video and digital media content of various formats for individual, commercial, corporate, real estate, web and more.

5. Do you offer any services for broadcast news?

Yes, we assist broadcasters and journalists in fixing their stories.

6. Who will be my primary contact in Belize?

You will be provided with an experienced producer to manage your account, oversee your shoot, coordinate local support and arrange everything your production requires.

7. How will I be billed?

You will receive a single, detailed invoice from MoJoe Media.

8. What is the exchange rate? How do I make payments in Belize?

The Belize dollar (BZ$) is the official currency of Belize. The official value is pegged at 2 BZ$ = 1 US$. This allows you to shoot your production in Belize for practically half the cost and at the same value.

US cash is readily acceptable. It is recommended that for security purposes you combine the use of ATM cards, traveler's checks and credit cards, which are all acceptable options. ATMs are available in the towns and cities. US Traveler's checks are accepted at larger establishments and at all banks. Credit cards are accepted in the larger restaurants and stores as well.

9. What is Belize's drone policy?

All requests for permits to import and operate drones in Belize must be approved by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) after which a permit may or may not be issued. It will help that applications are filled out in detail including information such as specifics concerning, the use of the drone, the description and model, schedule and locations of use amongst others. Applications are usually approved within 10 to 21 days.

Please know that the Belize Film Commission’s Certificate of Registration is a required part of the application for drone approval with Civil Aviation but not a guarantee that you will be approved for drone importation. Please also know in advance that there is a NO DRONE policy on any archaeological sites in the Country. Discuss your idea with us and we can advise you on the best way forward to get your footage.

Drone Rental

Drones and drone pilots are available, if you require that service contact MoJoe Media for details.

For more information on the use of drones in Belize visit the following:

https://www.civilaviation.gov.bz/index.php/drones

https://www.civilaviation.gov.bz/index.php/forms/category/28-drone-forms

If you have any questions contact us.