Green Card Travel: Exploring Belize As A Us Resident

Belize is a small British Commonwealth country in North America, with easy access to the USA and Canada. It is a popular tourist destination for Americans, but it has a high crime rate, including violent crimes. Tourists are advised to exercise caution and be vigilant. All visitors to Belize must have a valid passport, except for cruise ship passengers. Visitors must also have proof of their intent to depart and sufficient funds to cover their stay. US citizens and permanent residents do not need a visa to enter Belize for stays of up to 30 days. However, for stays longer than 30 days, a visa and requisite extensions are required to remain in the country legally.

Green card holders do not need a visa to enter Belize

However, it is important to note that all visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country, except for cruise ship passengers. Visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the date of arrival and a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days in Belize, you will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay. The permit required to extend your stay beyond 30 days is the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'.

It is also recommended that visitors to Belize enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate them in an emergency. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the high crime rate in Belize and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding walking or driving at night and being vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

Overall, green card holders can enter Belize without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, but they must ensure they have a valid passport and follow the necessary safety precautions during their visit.

They must have a valid passport and proof of their intent to depart

As a green card holder, you have the right to live and work in the United States and to travel outside of the country. However, certain types of travel can put your green card at risk. To protect your status, you may need to get a travel document, also known as a reentry permit. This document is similar to a passport and is required if you are unable to get a passport from your country of citizenship.

A reentry permit is specifically designed for US green card holders to protect their status. For example, if you leave the United States for six months or longer, you risk abandoning your green card. A reentry permit creates a legal presumption that you do not intend to abandon your green card. It lets immigration officers know that you intend to remain a US permanent resident.

To obtain a reentry permit, you must meet certain requirements, including having the intention to leave the United States temporarily. You must also file a Form I-131 and prove supporting documents. Your Form I-131 must be filed while you are physically present in the United States. Additionally, you must attend a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment.

When travelling to Belize, you must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document. Belize does not require specific immunizations for visitors; however, it is recommended to get vaccinations suggested by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are unable to obtain a passport from your country of citizenship, you may use your reentry permit as a substitute. This means that you can get entry and exit stamps in your reentry permit, just as you would in a passport.

In addition to a valid passport or reentry permit, there are a few other requirements for entering Belize. You must have proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the cost of your length of stay. If you are visiting as a tourist, you do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must have your passport re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay an additional fee for each additional month, up to six months. For visits longer than six months, you may need to provide further documentation to the local immigration office explaining the reason for your extended stay, and you may need to pay additional fees.

They should be aware of the high crime rate in Belize

Green card holders can enter Belize without a visa for a maximum of 30 days. However, they should be aware of the high crime rate in the country.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. In 2021, the murder rate was 31.25, a 20.98% increase from 2020. While the murder rate has been declining since, with official records for 2022 showing a 9.6% reduction in the number of murder victims compared to 2021, other major crimes have increased. In 2022, there was a 100% increase in reported instances of rape, and a 30.4% rise in unlawful sexual intercourse. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Most violent crime is gang-related, and the local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to criminal incidents, leaving most crimes unresolved and unprosecuted.

Due to the high crime rate, travelers are advised to exercise caution when visiting Belize, especially when traveling to the south side of Belize City, where much of the country's violent crime occurs. Tourists are advised to avoid walking or driving at night, to be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. It is also recommended that travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.

They should be cautious and vigilant during their stay

Green card holders can enter Belize visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. However, they should be cautious and vigilant during their stay. Here are some essential safety tips for travellers to Belize:

Crime

Belize has a high crime rate, with violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder occurring even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Much of the violent crime is gang-related, and it is common in the south side of Belize City. Due to a lack of resources and training, local police often struggle to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, leaving most crimes unresolved and unprosecuted. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and be vigilant, especially when visiting high-risk areas like Belize City.

Practical Measures

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots, which are prime locations for pickpocketing and petty theft.
• Avoid walking or driving at night, and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempts. Comply with the robber's demands and prioritise your safety.
• Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewellery or watches.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed and make it easier for authorities to locate you in an emergency.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and familiarise yourself with the Country Security Report for Belize.
• Keep your money and valuables secure at all times. Consider using a money belt or a hidden wallet to safeguard your cash and important items.
• Avoid isolated or secluded areas, especially at night, as they present a higher risk of robbery or assault.
• Understand and abide by local laws and customs. For example, public drinking is prohibited in Belize.
• Use reputable and licensed taxis, especially after dark. Ensure they have green license plates, indicating they are authorised taxis.
• Stay informed about natural disasters and weather conditions, especially during hurricane season. Check with local media and authorities for warnings and updates.

Health and Safety

• Be cautious when swimming or engaging in water activities, and never swim alone or at night.
• Protect yourself against mosquito bites, especially during the rainy season, to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika. Use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net.
• Drink only bottled water and avoid tap water, as it may be contaminated, especially during the rainy season.
• Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and other potential issues.
• Carry a well-stocked medical kit with you, including medications and supplies for basic first aid.
• Be mindful of food and water hygiene when consuming street food or local cuisine.

By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, green card holders can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip to Belize.

They need to pay an exit fee when leaving Belize

When leaving Belize, there is an exit fee, known as the departure tax, that must be paid. The departure tax is used for infrastructure development, airport/border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. The fee amount varies depending on whether you are leaving Belize via the airport or land border.

Airport Departure Tax

Non-Belizeans must pay airport fees that total US$73.50 when flying out of Belize on international flights. It includes US$20 for the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), US$15 for passenger service, US$36 for airport development, US$1.25 for security, and US$1.25 for baggage handling. Foreigners must pay the fees in US cash.

Belize’s airport departure tax is typically included in airline tickets but it is recommended to check if it is included in the ticket price, as it must be paid before leaving the country.

Land Border Exit Fee

Non-Belizeans leaving Belize through its land borders with Guatemala or Mexico must pay an exit fee of BZ$40. This includes BZ$30 for a border exit fee, BZ$7.50 for a Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) fee, and BZ $2.50 for a border development fee. See the table below for prices in USD.

The exit fee must be paid in cash, as credit and debit cards are not accepted.

Frequently asked questions