If you are a UK citizen travelling to Belize for less than 30 days, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an Extension of Stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices in Belize. It is important to note that British nationals are not permitted to work or study in Belize without a valid permit. For information on the requirements and application process for visas and permits, it is recommended to check the websites of the Belize Immigration Department and the Belize High Commission.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Visa requirement for UK citizens for stays under 30 days | Not required |
Visa requirement for UK citizens for stays over 30 days | Required |
Maximum validity of visa | 30 days |
Visa extension | Required for stays exceeding 30, 60, 90, and 180 days |
Visa extension fee | BZ$200 |
Visa extension validity | 30 days |
Visa application process | Submit application and supporting documents to the Belize High Commission |
Visa processing time | 2–3 months |
Visa confirmation | Required before booking flights |
Visa issuance | Visa stamped on passport page |
Passport validity | At least six months on entry |
Passport blank pages | At least one blank visa page |
Other requirements | Proof of sufficient funds, onward/return tickets, documents showing purpose of trip, and documents for the next destination |
Visa exemption | Holders of valid multiple-entry visas or permanent residence cards from the US, Canada, or Schengen Area |
What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for UK citizens
UK citizens visiting Belize for under 30 days may not need a visa. A valid passport is the only requirement, and travellers can stay in Belize for up to 30 days without an extension. However, visitors must present a passport that is valid for at least six months after the intended period of stay in Belize, proof of an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their trip.
If you are staying in Belize for longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an Extension of Stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices. The permit required to extend your stay in Belize beyond 30 days is the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. This allows you to stay in the country for an additional 30 days, and you will need to reapply every 30 days if you wish to keep extending your stay. The fee for each extension costs BZ$200.
For those wishing to reside in Belize, you should apply for permanent residence after legally residing in the country for a minimum of one year. Alternatively, if eligible, you can apply to enrol in the Qualified Retired Person programme. British nationals are not permitted to work or study in Belize without a valid permit. Information and advice regarding residency, work permits, and student visas can be obtained from the Belize Immigration Department.
Belize has a visa scheme for digital nomads and other remote workers called the "Work Where You Vacation" program. This allows citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, or Canada to work remotely in Belize for up to six months. The requirements for this visa include a minimum annual income of US$75,000 and employment outside of Belize. Those travelling with children must have a minimum annual income of US$100,000. The cost of this program is BZ$500 per adult and BZ$200 for children under 18.
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Visa-free entry for stays under 30 days
UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize if their stay does not exceed 30 days. However, they must have a valid passport with an 'expiry date' more than 3 months after the date of arrival. Some airlines may deny entry if the passport expires within 6 months of the arrival date. It is recommended that travellers check with their airline to ensure that boarding will be permitted without a visa, as these conditions are subject to change.
UK citizens are permitted to stay in Belize for 30 days without a visa. After 30 days, they will need to visit an Immigration Office and pay a fee of 200 Belize dollars to extend their stay by another 30 days. This process can be repeated for stays of up to 180 days. However, it is important to note that the visa extension must be obtained before the previous extension expires.
In addition to a valid passport, UK citizens travelling to Belize should also have proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward or return airline tickets, documents showing the purpose of their trip, and all documents required for their next destination. It is important to note that travellers may be denied entry if they do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Belize has a visa exemption for visits not exceeding 30 days for those who hold a valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from the United States, Canada, or a Schengen country.
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Applying for a visa extension
To apply for a visa extension in Belize, you must visit an Immigration Office in the country. This is because visa extensions are only available once you are in Belize. There are Immigration Offices located throughout the country.
The permit required to extend your stay in Belize beyond 30 days is the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'.
If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Belize if your visit does not exceed 30 days. However, if you are staying longer than 30 days in Belize, you will need to apply for the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'.
The best time to apply for a Belize visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are short on time, you may be able to process your visa on a faster service at the Embassy's discretion.
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Work permits for British nationals
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize if they are visiting for under 30 days. However, they must have a passport valid for at least six months on entry with one blank visa page, proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward/return airline tickets, and documents showing proof of purpose of trip.
If a British citizen wishes to stay longer than 30 days as a tourist, they must apply for an Extension of Stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices in Belize. For those seeking to reside in Belize, an application for permanent residence can be made after legally residing in the country for a minimum of one year. Alternatively, if eligible, individuals can apply to enrol in the Qualified Retired Person programme.
British nationals are not permitted to work or study in Belize without a valid permit. Information and advice regarding work permits and student visas can be obtained from the Belize Immigration Department.
Belize has introduced a "Work Where You Vacation" programme, which allows digital nomads who are citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, or Canada to work remotely in the country for up to six months. The requirements for this digital nomad visa include a minimum annual income of US$75,000 and employment outside of Belize. Those travelling with children must have a minimum annual income of US$100,000. The cost of the programme is BZ$500 per adult and BZ$200 for children under 18.
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Student visas for British nationals
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize for visits not exceeding 30 days. However, they must hold a passport valid for at least six months on entry with one blank visa page, proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward or return airline tickets, and documents showing proof of the purpose of the trip.
If you wish to stay longer than 30 days in Belize as a British citizen, you must apply for an Extension of Stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices. Any visit exceeding 30, 60, 90, and 180 days will require a visa and requisite extensions to remain in Belize legally.
For British citizens who wish to study in Belize, a student visa is required. Student visas must be applied for directly to the Department of Immigration and Nationality Services (DINS) in Belize. The application process can take 2-3 months, and the following requirements must be met:
- Completed application form submitted via email to the Belize High Commission, along with copies of all supporting documents, including proof of payment.
- The required documentation may vary depending on the applicant, but all documents must be in English or be accompanied by a certified English translation.
- Once the visa is approved, the applicant must send or bring their passport and the original application to the Belize High Commission for the visa to be issued.
- Fees charged at Belize's foreign missions include administrative expenses and may vary from fees charged in Belize.
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Frequently asked questions
No, UK citizens do not need a visa if they are visiting Belize for under 30 days. However, they must have a passport valid for at least six months from the intended departure date, proof of sufficient funds, proof of an onward or return ticket, and documents showing the purpose of the trip.
If a UK citizen wishes to stay longer than 30 days in Belize, they must apply for an Extension of Stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices in the country.
British nationals are not permitted to work in Belize without a valid work permit. Information and advice regarding work permits should be obtained from the Belize Immigration Department.