Belize Expat Life: British Passport Requirements

If you have a British passport, you can stay in Belize without a visa for up to 30 days. However, if you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension of stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices. If you wish to reside in Belize, you should apply for permanent residence after legally residing in the country for a minimum of one year.

How long can you stay in Belize with a British passport?

Belize is a popular choice for British citizens looking to live abroad. If you are a British citizen and want to stay in Belize for less than 30 days, you do not need a visa. However, if you want to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an extension of stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices. This will cost 200 Belize dollars for each additional 30 days.

To enter Belize, your passport must have an 'expiry date' of more than 3 months after the date you arrive. Some airlines may refuse entry if the expiry date is not more than 6 months after the date you arrive.

If you are asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver's license, you should contact the DVLA.

What are the entry requirements for British nationals?

Entry requirements for British nationals

To enter Belize, British nationals must have a passport valid for no less than six months after the intended period of stay in Belize, proof of an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds to cover the cost of the length of their stay.

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days as a tourist, you must apply for an Extension of Stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices. This will cost 200 Belize dollars for each additional 30 days.

If you wish to reside in Belize, you should apply for permanent residence after legally residing in the country for a minimum of one year, or if you meet the eligibility requirements, 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 should be obtained from the Belize Immigration Department.

What are the requirements to reside in Belize?

To reside in Belize, there are several visa options, each with its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Here are the details:

Tourist Visa

This visa is granted upon entering the country and is valid for 30 days. It can be extended for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days, for an indefinite period.

Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit)

This visa allows you to stay in Belize for up to one year and work for a specific employer. The application process involves three steps:

• Apply online at the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government. If you're working for a company, they will apply on your behalf.
• Submit the required documents, which may include a police report from your local law enforcement agency.
• Pay the work permit fee (usually BZ$1,500) and get a special endorsement on your passport.

Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)

The QRP is for retirees aged 45 and above who can demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least BZ$2,000. It offers residency that is renewable each year, provided you spend at least 30 days in Belize annually. The program includes zero-duty importation on vehicles and personal items during the first year.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency is for those who have made Belize their home and can prove financial stability. To apply, you must have lived in Belize for at least 365 days, with no more than 14 days spent outside the country. You also need to demonstrate that you haven't been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment of 12 months or more in any country. The application process involves an interview with the Immigration and Police Departments and the submission of various documents, including a medical certificate and proof of financial stability.

What are the requirements to work or study in Belize?

To work in Belize, you must apply for a Temporary Employment Permit, which allows you to remain in Belize for up to one year and work for a specific employer. The application must be submitted at any Labour Department Office, and you must hold a valid passport and a valid Belize visa. If your application is approved, you must visit the nearest Immigration Office to the Labour Department office where you made your submission for the permit.

The process involves four steps:

• Submission of Application: If you are employed, your employer must make the submission on your behalf. If you are self-employed, you must make the submission.
• Notification of Application Status: Within 30 days, you will receive a call from the Labour Department to inform you of the status of your application.
• Visit the Immigration Office: Upon approval, you must visit the Immigration Office and bring along the approval letter for the permit to be processed. You will be informed of the temporary employment permit fees, which must be paid at the Immigration Office. You will also be informed to go to the nearest Belize Tax Service to request an Income Tax Letter.
• Issuance of Permit: You must present your valid passport, proof of payment, and Income Tax letter to the Immigration Office as stated on the approval letter. The permit is issued immediately upon confirmation of payment. Then, you must proceed to visit the Social Security Office to apply for your card.

To study in Belize, you must obtain a Belize Student Visa, which is a long-stay multiple-entry visa obtained by foreign nationals who want to enter the country to study. The visa is valid for one year but can be extended depending on the duration of the study program. To apply, you must secure admission from one of the country's higher institutions and then follow these steps:

• Book an appointment: Contact the Belizean embassy, consulate, or visa representative closest to you in your country of residence to book an appointment for your visa interview and give your biometric information.
• Fill out the Application Form: Find the Belize Visa Application Form on the Belize Immigration website, fill it out, and append your signature. Answer all questions truthfully and appropriately.
• Gather your documents: Ensure you have all the required documents, including a valid passport, letter of acceptance from the Belize university, two recent passport photos, school certificates, travel documents, proof of accommodation in Belize, proof of finance, health card, birth certificate, proof of fee payment, and a letter of intent explaining why you want to study in Belize.
• Wait for a response: You will receive a response from the embassy or consulate between 16 and 30 days after your appointment.

What are the healthcare options in Belize?

The standard of healthcare in Belize is considered to be low and does not meet the same standards as medical care in North America or the European Union. However, the country has dedicated, caring doctors who offer personal attention to their patients. The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital. There are also two excellent private hospitals in the city: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. Most expats prefer private hospitals for their superior and more comprehensive care.

The towns of San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda also have 24-hour care hospitals, although they do not offer as broad a selection of medical services as those in Belize City. Currently, there are no hospitals on the cayes or in Placencia or Hopkins. However, the public polyclinic on Ambergris Caye has expanded to offer 24-hour care with a doctor on call. In 2019, the island also gained a rescue response team and ambulance called Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR).

Belize does not have a level one trauma centre in the country, and some expats leave the country for more complicated medical treatments. Many American retirees, for instance, return to the US to take advantage of Medicare. Some expats also go to neighbouring countries like Mexico and Guatemala for more affordable medical and dental care.

Expats are advised to purchase international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and/or the cost of flying home for emergency treatment. Dozens of companies offer such insurance, including Cigna Global, Bupa/IHI, and International Medical Group.

Frequently asked questions