Belizean Visa Requirements For The Uk: What You Need To Know

Belize is a small country in Central America, known for its vast mountain range and deep-sea wonders. For UK citizens, a visa is not required to enter Belize. However, there are a few requirements that must be met. Firstly, the passport must be valid for at least six months from the entry date, with one blank visa page. Secondly, proof of sufficient funds, onward/return tickets, and documents showing the purpose of the trip must be provided. It is important to note that these conditions are subject to change, and travellers should confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa. The maximum duration of a visa-exempt stay in Belize is 30 days, after which an extension can be applied for at an additional cost.

Belize entry visa requirements

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a vast mountain range and deep-sea wonders. It is easy to fly to Belize, and it is just as easy to obtain a visa to enter. In fact, you may not even need one.

Visa Requirements for Belize:

If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Belize if you are visiting for under 30 days. All you need is a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date and have at least one blank visa page. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a Belize entry visa and/or a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'.

To determine if you need a tourist visa for Belize, check the requirements for your country of nationality. You can also visit Belize's Immigration Department website to find out if your country qualifies for visa-free entry.

Visa Application Process:

If you do need a visa, you can apply for a tourist visa if you are:

• Spending a holiday or travelling
• Temporarily carrying on any business, trade, or profession
• Investigating the possibilities of settlement in Belize

The application process typically involves submitting a completed application form and supporting documents to the Belize High Commission. The process can take 2-3 months, and you will need to send your original passport for the visa to be stamped. It is recommended to apply 1-2 months before your travel date.

Additional Requirements:

In addition to a valid passport, you may also need to provide the following when entering Belize:

• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of onward/return airline tickets
• Documents showing the purpose of your trip
• All documents required for your next destination
• Confirmation from your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa (as conditions are subject to change)

Digital Nomad Visa:

Belize also offers a special "Work Where You Vacation" visa for digital nomads who are citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, or Canada. This visa allows remote workers to live and work in Belize for up to six months. Requirements include a minimum annual income of US$75,000 for individuals without dependents and US$100,000 for those travelling with children. There is a fee of BZ$500 per adult and BZ$200 for children under 18.

Belize visa exemptions

Belize is a small British Commonwealth country in North America, with easy access to the USA and Canada. It is aware of potential illegal migrants from Asia and Africa who may try to enter the country with the intention of using it as a gateway to the USA and Canada. As such, it has specific protocols in place to deter this activity.

All visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country, except for cruise ship passengers, who do not require a passport or entry visa. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least three months after the date of arrival and a return ticket, with sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Visa Exemptions

Belize offers exemptions for entry visas for visits not exceeding 30 days under the following conditions:

• If you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from the United States of America.
• If you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa.
• If you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from Canada.

If you are staying 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 in Belize beyond 30 days is the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. This allows you to stay for an additional 30 days, but you will need to reapply every 30 days if you wish to keep extending, and the fee costs BZ$200 each time.

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

Antigua & Barbuda, Austria, Australia, Norfolk Island, Andorra, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greenland, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Antilles, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, La Deserada, Marie Galante, Isle de Saintes, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR China), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, Aruba, Netherland Antilles, New Zealand, Cook Island, Nive, Tokelau, Ross Dependency, Nicaragua, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Republic of China (Taiwan), Romania, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St. Helena & Dependencies (Ascencion, Tristan da Cunha), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Turks & Caicos Islands, United States of America, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Please note that as of 27 January 2022, the visa-free privileges for Venezuela, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic have been rescinded.

Belize visa extensions

Belize is a great place to visit, settle in, or even retire to. The country offers a wide range of visa options, including:

Tourist Visa

Citizens of the US, Canada, and the UK, along with many other nationalities, do not need a visa to visit Belize for under 30 days. For stays longer than 30 days, a Belize Visitor's Permit Extension is required. This extension can be renewed every 30 days for BZ$200 each time.

Temporary Employment Permit

Also known as a "Work Permit", this visa allows you to stay in Belize for up to a year and work for a specific employer. The process involves three steps:

• Apply online at the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government. If you have an employer, they will apply on your behalf.
• Once approved, you will receive a letter detailing the next steps. Contact your local immigration office to ensure they have received the letter.
• At the immigration office, pay the work permit fee (usually BZ$1,500) and get a special endorsement added to your passport.
• Visit your local Belize Social Security office and apply for a social security card, which will be valid for one year.

Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)

This option is for those over 45 who do not intend to work in Belize and can prove a monthly retirement income of at least BZ$2,000. The program includes zero-duty importation on vehicles and personal items during the first year. The fees are BZ$150 for the application, BZ$1,000 for the applicant, BZ$750 for each dependent, and BZ$200 per person for ID cards. The annual renewal fee is BZ$25 per person for a new ID card.

Permanent Residency

To apply for permanent residency, you must have lived in Belize for at least 364 days in the past year, with no more than 14 days spent outside the country. You must also demonstrate financial stability and a clean criminal record. The required documents include a medical certificate, proof of financial stability, and documentation for your spouse and children (if applicable). The process involves several steps, including interviews with immigration and the police department, and can take a year or longer to complete.

Citizenship

After being a permanent resident for at least five years, you may qualify for Citizenship by Registration. During those five years, you cannot have spent more than 30 consecutive days or three months total outside of Belize in any given year. The application process involves submitting the required documents, attending an interview, and paying a BZ$150 citizenship fee.

Belize passport validity

• United Kingdom: A valid passport is required for entry into the UK. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the intended stay.
• United States: A valid passport is required for entry into the US, and it must be valid for the length of the intended stay.
• Canada: For Canadian citizens travelling to Belize, a passport valid for at least six months beyond the expected departure date from Belize is required.
• Belize: For entry into Belize, a passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay is required by all foreign nationals.
• European Union Schengen Area: A valid passport is generally required for entry into the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 European countries. The specific passport validity period may vary depending on the particular country.

It is important to note that passport validity requirements can change, and it is always recommended to check with the appropriate embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some countries may have additional entry requirements, such as proof of return or onward travel and evidence of sufficient funds.

Belize travel advice

Visas

If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Belize. Your passport will be the only document required for entry, and you will be allowed to stay in Belize for up to 30 days.

Passports

To enter Belize, your passport must have an expiry date that is more than 3 months after the date you arrive. Some airlines may refuse entry if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. It is recommended that you check with your travel provider to ensure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Insurance

It is advised that you get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities, and any emergencies.

Vaccinations

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Belize guide.

Children

Children aged 17 and under who are travelling without their parents or with an adult who is not their parent must carry a notarised letter to prove parental responsibility or consent to travel. Children travelling with one parent must also have a notarised letter of authority from the other parent giving consent for travel.

Customs

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Belize. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Items that need to be declared will be listed on the customs declaration form. Contact the Belize Customs and Excise Administration for more information.

Frequently asked questions