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Fishing licence in Belize: what anglers need

To sport fish in Belize you need a Sport Fishing Licence from the coastal authority CZMAI, shore fishing included. Visitors buy one day for BZD 20 or one week for BZD 50 online; the annual licence for BZD 100 is for residents only. Bonefish, permit and tarpon are catch and release only.

Checked on 15.10.2026 against official sources. Not legal advice.

Go to the official licence page
Sea
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Freshwater
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Do you need a licence for sea fishing in Belize?

You may not sport fish in Belize without a valid Sport Fishing Licence. According to CZMAI, sport fishing includes shore fishing, deep sea fishing, saltwater fly fishing, reef fishing, flats fishing and tournaments.

Source: Coastal Zone Management Authority (Sport Fishing) Regulations, CAP. 329, Reg. 3 (Revised E

Do you need a licence for freshwater fishing in Belize?

The regulations refer to Belizean waters without naming inland waters. The purchase portal lists the Belize River near Belize City as a destination. Whether inland rivers and lagoons are covered is not officially settled. not confirmed yet

Source: CAP. 329 Reg. 3

How much is a fishing licence in Belize?

Fees under the regulations: 1 day BZD 20, 1 week BZD 50, 1 year BZD 100. On October 15, 2026 the CZMAI purchase portal offers the day (BZD 20) and the week (BZD 50).

Source: CAP. 329, Schedule II (Revised Edition 2020, über FAOLEX)

Where do you buy a fishing licence for Belize?

You buy the day or week licence online in the CZMAI portal, where it is called Sport Fishing (Catch and release only). The annual licence must be applied for in person at the office in Belize City or through an approved agent, with photo ID.

Source: CZMAI-Kaufportal

What about children, teens and seniors?

The regulations set no age limit. The minister may waive fees. Exemptions for children or seniors appear only in third-party sources.

Source: CAP. 329 Reg. 3 und 6 (Revised Edition 2020, über FAOLEX) (abgerufen 15.10.2026)

What applies to visitors from abroad?

Only permanent residents with proof of residency can get the annual licence, so visitors buy day or week licences. Carry your licence and photo ID while fishing and show them on request.

Source: CZMAI, Sports Fishing Program Unit

Which catch and take-home rules apply?

Bonefish, permit and tarpon are protected and may only be caught and released. Recommended: barbless hooks, keep the fish in the water, wet hands.

Source: CZMAI, Sports Fishing Program Unit (abgerufen 15.10.2026)

What else should you know?

A long list of species is reserved for sport fishing, including marlin, sailfish, wahoo, dorado and several snook species. Fishing without a licence can cost up to BZD 500 or six months in prison. Marine protected areas have their own rules.

Source: CZMAI-Faltblatt, Fish Species Designated for Sport Fishing

Official licence pages by state or region

Each state or region sells its own licence. These are the official agency pages.

Not confirmed yet

Whether inland rivers and lagoons are covered is unclear. A revision of the regulations (fees, catch limits, tournaments) was under consultation in 2025; we found no adopted version. Exemptions for children or seniors and any guide requirement for visitors appear only in third-party sources.

Do you know more or have an official source? Let us know.

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Not legal advice. Rules and prices change; the linked authority and the local water permit are what count. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

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