Belize Visa Requirements: What You Need To Know

If you're planning a trip to Belize, it's important to know the visa requirements for your nationality. The visa policy for Belize outlines the laws, conditions, and restrictions that foreign citizens must follow to visit the country. While some travellers may need a consular visa, others may be exempt from visa requirements altogether. Here's what you need to know about visas for Belize and what documents you'll need to ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Visa-free entry for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, and more

Belize is a welcoming nation, and citizens of many countries do not require a visa for entry. This includes citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries. This visa exemption also applies to holders of multiple-entry visas or Permanent Residence Cards from the US, Canada, and the Schengen area.

Citizens of these countries can enter Belize without a visa and stay for up to 30 days, which can be extended at an Immigration Office for a small fee. The extension, known as the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension', allows visitors to stay for up to six months in one-month increments.

It is important to note that while a visa may not be required, all visitors to Belize must have a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of arrival, and visitors must be able to show proof of their intent to depart the country.

In addition to the countries mentioned above, citizens of over 100 countries and territories may enter Belize without a visa. These include:

• European Union Member States (EU)
• Caribbean Community Member States (CARICOM)
• Commonwealth citizens (with a few exceptions)

For those driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, a temporary importation permit must be obtained at the point of entry, and this is valid for 30 days.

Visa requirements for other nationalities

Visitors to Belize from certain countries are exempt from requiring a visa for stays not exceeding 30 days. These include citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries. Additionally, holders of valid multiple-entry visas or Permanent Residence Cards from the United States, Canada, or Schengen countries are also exempt from visa requirements.

For nationalities not listed above, visa requirements and processes may vary. Here are the key details and instructions for obtaining a Belize visa:

Visa Requirements:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended stay in Belize and for at least three months after your date of arrival. Ensure that your passport has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Visa Application Form: The application form must be carefully completed, signed by the applicant, and submitted to the Embassy of Belize. It should include a passport-size photograph, a copy of your bank statement, a letter of employment (if applicable), and a copy of your travel itinerary.
• Processing Time and Fees: The processing time for visas is approximately 30 business days. The visa fee for a single-entry 90-day visa is USD $50, plus USD $30 for shipping and handling. The fee can be paid via money order, certified cheque, bank draft, or cash in person to the Embassy of Belize.
• Sufficient Funds: You must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Belize. The minimum required is USD 75 per day.
• Return Ticket: You must have a return or onward ticket within 30 days of your arrival, demonstrating your intention to depart Belize.
• Sponsor's Information: If you are being sponsored, you must provide a Letter of Financial Support and your sponsor's identification. The letter must be signed by a Justice of the Peace and accompanied by a $1.50 Belize postage stamp.
• Additional Documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide additional documents. For example, if you are travelling with children under 18, they will need proper documentation, including a valid passport and a notarized letter of parental consent. If you are travelling with pets, you will need an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and a recent veterinary certificate.

Visa Extensions:

If you plan to stay in Belize for more than 30 days, you must visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay. The "Belize Visitor's Permit Extension" allows you to extend your stay in one-month increments for up to six months. The fee for each extended period of 30 days is USD $100.

Exemptions for certain passport and visa holders

Visitors to Belize must apply for a visa unless they hold a passport from one of the visa-free countries. There are over 101 countries and territories whose passport holders do not require a visa to enter Belize. The maximum number of days for such a visit without a visa can vary from 30 days, 90 days, or up to 180 days depending on the country of origin.

Belize also has exemptions for Belize Entry Visas for visits not exceeding 30 days under certain conditions. If you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from the United States, a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, or a valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from Canada, you are exempt from the visa requirements to enter Belize.

In addition, holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports do not require a visa for entry into Belize for periods not exceeding 30 days.

It is recommended that travellers falling into this category contact the nearest Belizean Embassy before planning their trip.

Application process for a Belizean visa

The application process for a Belizean visa will vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Belizean visa:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before starting the visa application process, it is important to check if you need a visa to enter Belize. Citizens of certain countries may be exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days, 90 days, or even 180 days. Additionally, holders of valid multiple-entry visas or permanent residence cards from the United States, Canada, or Schengen countries may also be exempt from visa requirements.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

If you do need a visa, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Completed visa application form: This must be completed in its entirety, signed by the applicant, and submitted to the Embassy of Belize.
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for more than six months and valid for at least three months after your arrival in Belize.
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of sufficient funds: This can include a copy of your bank statement or banking financials showing the last six months of transactions. The minimum required is USD 75 per day.
• Letter of employment (if applicable)
• Copy of your itinerary: This includes your flight itinerary showing your expected arrival in Belize and return date to your country of origin.
• Visa application fee: The fee for a single-entry 90-day visa is USD 50 plus USD 30 for shipping and handling.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application form along with all the required documents to the Embassy of Belize. You can submit your application by mail or in person. The processing time for visas is approximately 30 business days.

It is important to note that some nationalities may require additional documentation, such as a clearance document, which provides classified information such as health status and criminal records. This is determined by the Belizean authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Onward travel requirements for visitors

To enter Belize, visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their arrival, and proof of intent to depart the country. This can be in the form of a return ticket or an onward ticket to a third country. Visitors are given a 30-day stay, after which a Belize Visitor's Permit Extension can be applied for in one-month increments for up to six months. This extension can be obtained at the nearest Immigration Department and costs $100 USD for every extended period of 30 days.

If you are transiting through Belize, your flight itinerary must show your expected arrival in Belize and your date of departure to your destination country.

If you are driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, you must obtain a temporary importation permit at your point of entry. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days and must be extended every 30 days.

It is important to note that visitors from certain countries may require a consular visa to enter Belize. Citizens from over 100 countries, including the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries, do not need a visa to enter Belize. However, citizens from West African countries and a few Commonwealth countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, do require a visa.

Frequently asked questions