Vacation Rentals (Short-term) Vs. Residential Rentals (Long-term)

Public Notice: Vacation Rentals (Short-term) Vs. Residential Rentals (Long-term)

The Registrar of Hotels hereby provides the following public notices:

Guests/Visitors who arrive in Belize on Tourist Visas and pay for Accommodation/Boarding must stay at an Accommodation Provider that is registered with BTB. Guests/Visitors who arrive in Belize on Tourist Visas and obtain monthly extensions to the initial Visa must also stay at an Accommodation Provider that is registered with BTB, notwithstanding the length of stay. Be it six weeks, six months, two years, etc. This does not include individuals that are staying with family and relatives.

Guests/Visitors who arrive in Belize on Tourist Visas are prohibited from engaging in Residential Rentals, as they do not possess the required immigration status, such as Permanent Residency, QRP Membership, Work Permit, Student Visa Holder, etc. Kindly note that as long as the Accommodation Provider is registered with BTB, proprietors are mandated by Law to remit the 9% Tax to BTB for use/rental of a registered property’s rooms/units. This is notwithstanding the guest’s length of stay or immigration status.

Those found to be contravening this, shall be liable to summary conviction and/or penalties under the Hotels and Tourist Accommodation Act, Chapter 285 of the Laws of Belize.