Travel Alert: Spanish Citizens Visiting Belize City Need Visas

Belize is a small British Commonwealth country in North America, with easy access to the USA and Canada. It is a popular tourist destination, but it is important to be aware of the potential security risks when visiting. All visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country, except for cruise ship passengers. Belize has visa exemption agreements with several countries, including the USA, Canada, and Schengen countries. Spanish citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize.

Spanish citizens do not need a visa for Belize if they have a Spanish passport

Spanish citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize if they have a Spanish passport. This is because, as of 2024, Spanish citizens are able to enter 194 countries and territories without a visa or with a visa on arrival, according to the Henley Passport Index. This freedom of travel is shared with France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Singapore, with whom Spain is tied for first place.

However, it is important to note that Spanish citizens without a Spanish passport may need a visa to enter Belize. Additionally, all visitors to Belize must present a valid passport, except for cruise ship passengers, who do not need a passport or entry visa. Visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after the date of arrival, as well as a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay. While in Belize, it is recommended that tourists be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, as violent crime is common, even in tourist areas and during the day.

All visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country

All visitors to Belize must carry a valid passport to enter the country. This rule does not apply to cruise ship passengers, who are not required to present a passport or an entry visa. Visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least three months after the date of arrival and a return ticket, along with sufficient funds to cover their stay. US citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days, but they must provide proof of their intention to depart from Belize and have sufficient funds to support themselves. Visitors intending to stay for more than 30 days must obtain a visa extension from the Belize Immigration offices.

Spanish citizens with a valid passport do not need a visa to enter Belize.

Visitors must have a return/onward ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay

When travelling to Belize, Spanish citizens are not required to have a visa. However, visitors must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay. This is a standard requirement for most countries.

Having a return or onward ticket is proof that you will be leaving the country and will not be overstaying illegally. This is a safeguard against illegal immigration. While countries like Costa Rica, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the USA require proof of onward travel, many countries do not have a legal requirement for it. However, airlines are increasingly checking passengers for proof of onward travel before boarding or even at check-in. This is because many countries now put the onus on airlines to perform these checks, and they may have to bear the cost of flying a passenger back if they are denied entry.

There are several ways to provide proof of onward travel. The most common is to simply have a return ticket. However, for digital nomads, spontaneous backpackers, and those with one-way tickets, it is not as easy to prove that you will leave the country. In such cases, you can buy a refundable ticket, a cheap onward ticket with no intention of using it, or "rent" a ticket through a service.

Visitors driving/boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico need a temporary importation permit

Spanish citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize. However, they must have 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. In addition to a valid passport, visitors must have a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

If you are visiting Belize for 30 days or fewer, you do not need a tourist visa. Visitors planning to stay longer than 30 days 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, you may need to provide further documentation to the local immigration office explaining the reason for a longer stay, and you may need to pay additional fees.

Now, if you are a visitor driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, you need to secure a temporary importation permit at the point of entry. Vehicle or vessel permits are valid for 30 days and can be extended by applying to the Customs Department. To receive a permit, visitors must present the following at the point of entry: travel documents and identification, proof of ownership (vehicle registration), proof of insurance (available from any of the companies at the borders), and rental documents for vehicles rented in Mexico or Guatemala.

Belize has high crime rates, including violent crimes

Spanish citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize. However, they should be aware that Belize has a high rate of crime, including violent crimes.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. In 2022, there were 113 murder victims, 9 of whom were women. Firearms are the main weapon used in murders, with eight out of ten murders committed with a gun. Young people are the primary victims of murder, with two in five victims aged between 18 and 29.

In addition to homicides, other violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and gang-related violence are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Violent crime is particularly prevalent in Belize City, especially in the Southside area south of the Haulover Creek River. This area has a high level of gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.

Tourists are generally not the targets of gang violence, but anyone could find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tourists are, however, vulnerable to theft, with cash, credit cards, phones, and other personal belongings frequently stolen, even in popular tourist destinations.

Other crimes that have been reported include sexual violence, unlawful sexual intercourse, and rape, which increased by 100% in 2022. Credit card and ATM fraud are also common, especially in San Pedro.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, and follow the advice of local authorities and your hotel. It is also advisable to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewellery or watches, and to keep valuables out of sight.

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