Belize Travel: Passport Or Not?

If you're planning a trip to Belize, you'll need to make sure you have the correct documentation. Visitors to Belize must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their arrival, as well as proof of their intent to depart the country, such as a return ticket. Visitors are given a 30-day stay, after which they can apply for a Belize Visitor's Permit Extension in one-month increments for up to six months.

Do I need a passport to go to Belize?

Yes, you need a passport to go to Belize. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Belize. If you are not travelling in transit to a third country that requires six months' validity and you are returning to your country of origin immediately after visiting Belize, your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 30 days. If you are visiting as a tourist, you do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. However, you must have proof of your intent to depart Belize, such as an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Entry requirements for U.S. citizens

U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport for the duration of their stay in Belize. No visas are required for U.S. citizens for tourist visits of up to 30 days, but they must have proof of their intent to depart Belize and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Belize. Visitors for purposes other than tourism, or who wish to stay longer than 30 days, must obtain visas. 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 please check with your airline before your trip).

Entry requirements for citizens of other countries

Citizens of Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries do not require visas for tourist visits of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for children

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.

Entry requirements for pets

Travelling with pets requires bringing an issued import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), a recent veterinary certificate, a valid rabies certificate, and other applicable conditions.

What is the minimum passport validity required to enter Belize?

To enter Belize, visitors must possess a passport valid for at least 30 days after their date of arrival. This requirement does not apply to those in transit to a third country. However, if the third country requires six months' validity on passports and the visitor is returning to their country of origin immediately after visiting Belize, their passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days.

In addition to a valid passport, visitors must have a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors are typically granted a one-month stay, after which they can apply for an extension with the Immigration Department.

It is important to note that the above requirements apply specifically to visitors entering Belize. For U.S. citizens, the passport must be valid for the entire length of their stay.

Do I need a visa to enter Belize?

All visitors to Belize must carry a valid passport, except for cruise ship passengers, who do not need a passport or a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months after the date of arrival, and visitors must also have a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors are usually given a one-month stay, after which they can request an extension from the Immigration and Nationality Department.

Citizens of certain countries do not need a visa to enter Belize as a tourist for a period of 30 days. These include citizens of the European Union Member States (EU) and their dependent territories, citizens of the Caribbean Community Member States (CARICOM) except for Haiti, citizens of the United States of America and its territories, citizens of the United Kingdom and its territories, citizens of Canada, citizens of Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguay, citizens of Switzerland, citizens of Commonwealth Realms and Monarchies and their dependent territories, and citizens of Commonwealth Republics (except West African countries).

Citizens of all other countries require a visa to enter Belize. Visas can usually be obtained from your travel agent or the hotel or resort you have booked for your visit.

What is the maximum duration of stay in Belize without a visa?

To enter Belize, visitors must possess a passport valid for a minimum of 30 days if they are not travelling in transit to a third country that requires six months' validity and are returning to their country of origin immediately after visiting Belize. Visitors are given a one-month stay without a visa, after which an extension can be applied for with the Immigration Department. This extension is called the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for visits not exceeding 30 days:

• The United States of America and its territories
• Canada
• The United Kingdom and its territories
• European Union countries
• Caribbean countries
• Central American countries

Additionally, holders of valid multiple-entry visas or Permanent Residence Cards from the United States, Canada, or countries in the Schengen area are exempt from requiring a Belize entry visa for visits of up to 30 days.

For visits longer than 30 days, visitors must have their passport re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay an additional fee for every additional month they wish to stay, up to six months. For visits longer than six months, further documentation and additional fees may be required.

What documents do children need to enter Belize?

When travelling to Belize, visitors must have a passport valid for at least 30 days after their arrival, and proof of their intent to depart the country. This includes having a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Children under the age of 18 must have a valid passport and a letter of parental consent. If travelling with only one parent, children require a notarized letter of authority from the other parent, indicating travel consent. This letter should include the dates of travel and the parent or guardian's contact information. If the child is travelling without either parent, both parents should provide a notarized letter of consent.

In addition to the above, immigration officials may ask to see birth certificates for each child. If the child is not travelling with both parents, officials may also request documentation to establish that the child is travelling with the permission of both parents. This could include a notarized letter from the parent(s), a custody decree, adoption papers, or death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.

Frequently asked questions