Traveling To Belize: What Documents Do You Need?

If you're planning to travel to Belize, it's important to have all your documents in order. For US citizens, a passport valid for the length of your stay and a return ticket are required. Additionally, you must have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay. While visas are not required for US citizens for stays of 30 days or less, visitors planning to stay longer than 30 days must have their passports re-stamped and pay additional fees. It's also important to note that Belize has a high crime rate, so staying vigilant and taking necessary precautions is essential. Now, let's address the question of whether a marriage license is specifically needed for travel to Belize.

Marriage certificate and name change

A marriage certificate records the names of the couple getting married, but it does not indicate the surname a woman will use after marriage. Women have the right to continue using their maiden name, take their husband's surname, change to a double-barrelled surname, or take their husband's surname and make their maiden name a middle name.

If you decide to take your husband's surname, you can use your marriage certificate as evidence of your name change. Send a copy of your marriage certificate, along with a covering letter, to organisations such as your bank or workplace, and they will update their records with your new surname. For important documents like your passport and driving licence, you will need to send the original marriage certificate. If you got married in a non-English speaking country, you will also need to include an official translation of your marriage certificate or a Deed Poll.

If you decide to change to a double-barrelled surname, you may need a Deed Poll. While some organisations will accept a marriage certificate as proof of a double-barrelled surname, many financial institutions will not. A Deed Poll guarantees that your new surname will be accepted by all organisations.

If you want to keep your maiden name as a middle name, or "mesh" your surnames to create a new one, you will need to apply for a Deed Poll.

Belize entry requirements

To enter Belize, visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their arrival and proof of their intent to depart the country, such as a return or onward ticket. Visitors are given a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for with the Immigration Department. This extension is called the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' and is given in one-month increments for up to six months. There is no entry fee for Belize, but there is a mandatory departure fee.

Visas are not required for citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries. However, visitors driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico must secure a temporary importation permit at their point of entry. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days and must be extended every 30 days.

Children under 18 years of age must have proper documentation, including a valid passport and a letter of parental consent. Children travelling with one parent require a notarized letter of authority from the other parent indicating travel consent.

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all public health measures at its points of entry. There are no COVID-19-related requirements for travellers, such as vaccination cards or tests.

Visa exemptions

Visitors to Belize require a visa unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors are required to have sufficient funds (a minimum of $75 USD per day) and documents required for their next destination.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Belize:

• All European Union member states
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United States of America and its territories
• Canada
• United Kingdom and its territories
• Caribbean countries
• Central American countries

Visa-Exempt Documents

Holders of the following documents are also exempt from requiring a visa to enter Belize:

• Valid multiple-entry United States Visa or Permanent Residency Card
• Valid multiple-entry Schengen Visa
• Valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card for Canada

Temporary Importation Permit

For visitors driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, a temporary importation permit must be secured at the point of entry. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days.

Proof of intent to depart

To enter Belize, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your arrival and proof of intent to depart the country. This can include a return ticket or an onward ticket (e.g. airline ticket, pre-purchased bus ticket, or proof of passage on a cruise ship).

• Your passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the intended period of stay.
• If you are a North American traveller not in transit to a third country, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days.
• If you are driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, you must secure a temporary importation permit at the point of entry. These permits are valid for 30 days and must be extended every 30 days.
• If you are a U.S. citizen, you must have a valid U.S. passport for the duration of your stay in Belize.
• If you are a tourist visiting Belize for 30 days or less, you do not need a visa. However, you must have proof of your intent to depart and proof of sufficient funds to maintain yourself during your stay.
• If you are visiting Belize for purposes other than tourism, or plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must obtain a visa.
• All tourists and non-Belizean citizens are required to pay an exit fee of approximately US$40. This fee may be included in your airline ticket, so be sure to check with your airline before your trip.
• If you are travelling with minor children, you may be asked by immigration officials to show birth certificates for each child. If the children are not travelling with both parents, you will likely need signed documentation (e.g. notarized letters from the parent(s), custody or adoption papers) to establish that they have permission from both parents to travel.

Travelling with children

Travelling to Belize with Children

Children under 18 must have proper documentation, including a valid passport and letter of parental consent. If travelling with only one parent, a notarized letter of authority from the other parent is required. Immigration officials may also ask to see U.S. birth certificates for each child.

Belize is a safe place to visit, especially in tourist areas where there are lower poverty rates and a higher police presence. However, it is important to exercise caution in Belize City, particularly on the south side, where violent crime is common.

There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Belize to keep both children and parents happy. Here are some suggestions:

• Visit the Belize Zoo, where rescued Belizean wildlife roams in large enclosures that mimic their natural habitat.
• Go to a butterfly farm to learn about the butterfly life cycle and see the various colourful types of butterflies that exist in Belize.
• Explore ancient Mayan sites, such as the ruins in San Ignacio or the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal).
• Take a boat, canoe, or kayak and go on a river adventure. Check out wildlife on the river bank as you canoe with your kids on the Macal River, or go kayaking on the Caribbean Sea.
• Visit a beach and relax in the sun, swim, or go snorkelling. Popular spots include Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
• Go cave tubing and zip-lining.
• Take a horse trek through the jungle.
• Learn about the local culture by visiting a farmers' market or taking a day trip to a modern Maya village.

When deciding where to stay, beach resorts and jungle lodges that cater to families are a good option. Some recommended resorts include:

• The Lodge at Chaa Creek in Cayo District/San Ignacio region
• San Ignacio Resort Hotel
• Sweet Songs Jungle Resort
• Xanadu Island Resort in Ambergris Caye
• Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club
• Pelican Reef Villas Resort
• Grand Caribe Belize Resort and Condominiums
• Ramon’s Village Resort

Frequently asked questions