Traveling To Belize: Do You Need A Real Id?

If you're planning a trip to Belize, you'll need to make sure you have the correct identification documents. All visitors to Belize must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their arrival, as well as a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay. A REAL ID cannot be used for international travel, so you will need to bring your passport. However, if you are flying domestically within the US to get to Belize, you will need to make sure that your state-issued ID or driver's license is REAL ID-compliant by May 7, 2025.

A passport is required for entry into Belize

Belize grants visitors a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for through the Immigration Department. Visas are not required for citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, and Caribbean and Central American countries. 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.

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

When returning to the United States, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be required to board a domestic flight beginning on May 7, 2025. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card will suffice, as will a U.S. passport.

A return ticket and proof of funds are necessary

To fly to Belize, you need a valid passport and, in some cases, a return ticket and proof of funds.

A valid passport

All visitors to Belize must possess a passport valid for at least 30 days after the date of arrival. If you are not in transit to a third country, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days. If you are travelling to Belize and then immediately on to another country, your passport must be valid for six months.

A return ticket

If you are not in transit to another country, you must have a return ticket. This is also a requirement of US citizens and their families.

Proof of funds

You must also have sufficient funds to cover your stay. This is a requirement of US citizens and their families. Proof of funds is a document or a letter from your bank that verifies you have the capital necessary to complete a particular transaction. This could be a bank, security, or custody statement. It could also be a letter from your bank or financial institution that states the exact amount of accessible or liquid funds you have available.

No visa is needed for stays under 30 days

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Belize as long as your stay is under 30 days. However, you must have a valid US passport for the duration of your stay, as well as proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay.

It is important to note that while a visa is not required for stays under 30 days, you must still comply with other entry requirements. For example, you will need to pay different fees depending on whether your stay is less than or more than 24 hours if you enter Belize by land. Additionally, Belize has specific requirements for travelling with minors. If you are travelling with children, you may be asked to show their US birth certificates. When children are not travelling with both parents, immigration officials often request documentation such as notarized letters from the absent parent(s), custody decrees, adoption papers, or death certificates.

Furthermore, it is important to be aware of the high crime rate in Belize, especially in Belize City. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and follow safety recommendations such as avoiding walking or driving at night, not resisting any robbery attempts, and being vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

Regarding the REAL ID, starting May 7, 2025, US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights within the US. However, a REAL ID is not required for international travel to Belize.

Children must have proper documentation

If you are travelling to Belize with children, they must have proper documentation. This includes a valid passport and a letter of parental consent. If the child is travelling with only one parent, a notarized letter of authority from the other parent is required. This letter should indicate travel consent.

In addition to the above, immigration officials may ask to see the child's birth certificate. If the child is not travelling with either parent, further documentation is required. This could include a notarized letter from the parent(s), a custody decree, adoption papers, or a death certificate if one or both parents are deceased.

It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the country of origin of the child and the specific circumstances of the travel arrangements. It is always recommended to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on travel documentation requirements for minors.

A temporary importation permit is needed for vehicles

If you're planning to drive a foreign vehicle into Belize, you will need to obtain a temporary importation permit. This process can be completed at the border. At the Belizean border, you will first need to get your passport stamped at the immigration booth. Make sure you have your tourist visa card and bank receipt for the payment of the same. After getting your passport stamped, you can obtain a temporary importation permit from customs, which is the desk behind immigration. They will provide you with a 30-day temporary import permit for free, which can be extended up to 90 days. You will need to present your registration certificate and passport, and they will check your vehicle and place a sticker in your window.

It is important to note that you will need to purchase insurance for your vehicle in Belize. Additionally, you will need to have your vehicle fumigated before crossing the border, which can be done at a small hut before reaching the main border crossing.

If you are bringing a dog into Belize, you will need a special import permit from the Agriculture Department in Belmopan, as well as a general health certificate issued within two weeks of your arrival and a rabies vaccination certificate issued at least one month before your arrival.

Frequently asked questions