Canadians Traveling To Belize: Visa Requirements Explained

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize. They can stay in the country for up to 30 days with a valid Canadian passport. However, they must have an onward or return ticket within 30 days and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. If Canadian citizens wish to stay longer than 30 days, they must apply for a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' at an immigration office in Belize.

Canadians don't need a visa for Belize

However, Canadians planning to stay longer than 30 days in Belize will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend their stay. The 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' is required to extend your stay beyond 30 days.

It is important to note that entry requirements may change, so Canadians planning to travel to Belize should verify the latest information with official sources before their trip. Additionally, Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and may need to meet other entry requirements, such as proof of sufficient funds and return or onward travel tickets.

Canadian Permanent Resident Card doesn't guarantee entry

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize. However, they must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their departure date. They can stay in Belize for up to 30 days without a visa. If they wish to stay longer, they must apply for a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' from an Immigration Office in Belize.

Canadian permanent residents with a valid Permanent Residence Card can also enter Belize without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. However, it is important to note that a Permanent Resident Card does not guarantee entry into Belize or any other country besides Canada. The card is only valid for travel to Canada. To enter other countries, permanent residents of Canada may need to obtain a visa or a travel document, depending on the requirements of the country they wish to visit.

In addition to the entry requirements mentioned above, there are several other things that travellers to Belize should keep in mind. Firstly, Belize has a high level of violent crime, including gang and drug-related violence, murders, and shootings. Tourists are not usually targeted, but it is important to remain vigilant and avoid areas with high levels of criminal activity, such as border areas and Southside Belize City. Secondly, there is a risk of contracting diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, influenza, and Zika virus in Belize. Travellers are advised to get vaccinated and take necessary precautions to reduce their risk of infection. Thirdly, road conditions and road safety are poor in Belize, and accidents are common. When driving in Belize, it is recommended to familiarise oneself with the route beforehand, avoid travelling after dark, and keep windows and doors locked at all times. Finally, medical facilities in Belize may be underequipped and lack adequately trained professionals, especially in rural areas. Travellers are advised to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Canadians must have a valid passport

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize. However, Canadians must have a valid passport to enter the country. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from Belize. It is important to note that the passport should not expire during your intended stay in Belize.

In addition to a valid passport, there are other requirements that Canadians must meet before entering Belize. It is recommended to have an onward or return ticket within 30 days and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay. It is also important to carry valid identification at all times when in Belize, especially when travelling to areas under a state of emergency.

While Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits of up to 30 days, they will need to apply for a visa if they plan to stay longer. This can be done by visiting an Immigration Office in Belize and applying for a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. The fee for this extension is $50 BZ for the first six months and $100 BZ thereafter.

It is always recommended to check the latest travel advice and entry requirements before travelling to Belize, as requirements may change. Canadians can refer to the Government of Canada website for official travel advice and updates.

Canadians must prove sufficient funds for their stay

Canadians do not need a visa for stays in Belize of up to 30 days. They are given a 30-day tourist visa upon entry. However, Canadians must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. This is usually US$60 a day.

If you are staying longer than 30 days, you will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay in Belize. This can be done by applying for a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. This costs US$100 and allows you to stay in the country for an additional 30 days. You must not enter into any form of employment, paid or unpaid, and must not engage in any business or profession.

If you are staying for longer than 60 days, you can apply for a Visitor Long Stay Permit, also known as a Digital Nomad Visa. This costs US$500 and is valid for six months. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, or Canada. Applicants must also be employed outside of Belize and have a minimum annual income of US$75,000 if applying alone, or US$100,000 if applying with dependents.

If you are planning to retire in Belize, you can apply for the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program. This is a Permanent Tourist status that allows eligible persons who meet the income requirements to permanently live and retire in Belize. To qualify, you must be at least 45 years old (soon to be lowered to 40) and be able to show that you have adequate resources to deposit a monthly income of US$2,000 or more into a local bank. To maintain your QRP status, you must spend a minimum of 30 days every year in Belize.

Canadians must have a return ticket

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize. However, they must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Belize. If you are a Canadian citizen, you can stay in Belize for up to 30 days without a visa. If you intend to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa from the immigration authorities. You can find immigration offices in the major towns and cities. If you overstay the 30-day period without the required visa, you may be fined, detained, or deported.

Canadian citizens must also have a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. Customs officials may ask to see these documents upon entry.

It is important to note that Belize has a high level of violent crime throughout the country, including gang and drug-related violence. It is recommended to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Belize and avoid non-essential travel to certain areas, such as Southside Belize City, due to safety concerns.

Frequently asked questions