Belize Visa Grace Period: What You Need To Know

Belize's visa policy is quite flexible, allowing for a range of visa and residency options. For those looking to visit the country for a short period, a 30-day tourist visa is available, which can be extended for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days, for an indefinite period. This visa is granted upon entering the country and does not require a prior application. However, for stays exceeding 30 days, a fee of BZ$25 is required for each additional 30-day period. This visa policy provides a convenient option for travellers wishing to explore the country's natural wonders and cultural diversity.

Who needs a visa for Belize?

Belize offers a range of visa options for visitors, including tourist visas, temporary employment permits, and permanent residency. Here is a detailed overview of who needs a visa to enter Belize:

Visa Exemptions

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Belize and can stay indefinitely unless otherwise noted:

• All European Union member states
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Australia
• Canada
• United States of America
• United Kingdom

Additionally, holders of diplomatic or official/service passports from various countries may enter Belize without a visa for a specified period. It is recommended to check the Belize Immigration Department website for the most up-to-date information.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of countries not listed above may require a visa to enter Belize. The specific requirements and fees vary depending on the traveller's nationality. For example, citizens of China, India, Nepal, and Thailand may need to pay different fees than other nationalities.

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is granted upon entering Belize and allows visitors to stay for up to 30 days. This visa can be extended for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days for an indefinite period by visiting the nearest Immigration Office and paying a fee of BZ$200 for each 30-day extension.

Temporary Employment Permit ("Work Permit")

The Temporary Employment Permit allows visitors to stay in Belize for up to one year and work for a specific employer. The application process involves applying online and submitting various documents, including a police report from your local law enforcement agency. The permit fee is typically BZ$1,500.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency in Belize is reserved for those who have made the country their home and can demonstrate financial stability. The application process includes an interview with immigration and police departments and providing various documents, such as medical certificates and proof of financial stability.

Digital Nomad Visa ("Work Where You Vacation" Visa)

Belize offers a special visa scheme for digital nomads and remote workers from the EU, the UK, the US, and Canada. This visa allows them to work in the country for up to six months while exploring the country. The requirements include a minimum annual income of US$75,000 (US$100,000 for those travelling with children) and employment outside of Belize. The cost of this visa is BZ$500 per adult and BZ$200 for children under 18.

How long can you stay in Belize without a visa?

Belize is a small British Commonwealth country in North America, with easy access to the USA and Canada. It is a popular tourist destination, with its vast mountain ranges and deep-sea wonders.

Belize has a wide range of visa and residency options, and the country is also visa-exempt for many nationalities. Visitors from most countries do not require a visa to enter Belize and can stay for up to 30 days without needing an extension. This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. A valid passport is the only requirement for many nationalities. However, visitors must have sufficient funds (75 USD per day) and documents required for their next destination.

If you plan to remain in Belize for over 30 days, you can request a 60- or 90-day extension for a fee of BZ$200 for each 30-day period. This is known as the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. It is important to note that this is a single-exit visa, meaning that if you exit Belize before your visa expires, you will be granted a new 30-day visa upon re-entry.

For citizens of some countries, such as India, Egypt, and the Philippines, a visa is required to enter Belize. These travelers need to have a valid passport and apply through a Belize consulate. There are two visa categories: sponsored and self-sponsored, each requiring different documentation.

Belize also offers a special visa scheme for digital nomads and other remote workers called the "Work Where You Vacation" program. This program allows citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, or Canada to live and work in Belize for up to six months. Requirements include a minimum annual income of US$75,000 for those without dependents and US$100,000 for those traveling with children.

In summary, the length of stay in Belize without a visa depends on your country of origin. Most nationalities can stay for up to 30 days without a visa, while citizens of some countries may require a visa to enter Belize, and others may be eligible for special visa programs.

What are the requirements for a visa extension?

Belize's 30-day visa can be extended for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days, for an indefinite period. Here are the requirements for a visa extension:

Belize Visitor's Permit Extension

If you plan to stay in Belize for more than 30 days, you will need to visit an Immigration Office in the country to extend your stay. The "Belize Visitor's Permit Extension" is the permit required to extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days. This extension needs to be reapplied for every 30 days and costs BZ$200 each time.

Documentation

When applying for an extension to your tourist visa, it is recommended to have the following documents:

• Completed visa extension form
• Proof of a purchased return airline ticket. If you don’t have one, be prepared to show a lease with your name, demonstrating that you live in Belize
• A current bank statement showing a balance that proves you have the means to support yourself in Belize
• If you are extending the tourist visa for any children, you may be asked to provide the original birth certificate for each child

Other Requirements

Before visiting the local immigration office, it is advisable to ask around and get the latest information regarding extensions. Each office has its own requirements and personality, and these can change from month to month. Knowing the exact documentation currently being requested, and the best days and times to visit, will save you from making multiple trips.

What are the fees for a visa extension?

Belize offers a 30-day tourist visa to visitors upon arrival in the country. This visa can be extended for an additional 30-, 60-, or 90-day period, for an indefinite amount of time. The extension fee is BZ$200 for each 30-day period. For instance, if you are extending your stay by 60 days, the fee will be BZ$400. The extension fee is the same for all nationalities and must be paid in Belize dollars.

To apply for a visa extension, it is recommended that you have the following documentation:

• A completed visa extension form.
• Proof of a purchased return airline ticket. If you don’t have one, be prepared to show a lease with your name, demonstrating that you live in Belize.
• A current bank statement showing that you have the means to support yourself during your stay in Belize.
• If you are extending the tourist visa for any children, you may be asked to provide their original birth certificates.

Please note that the requirements for visa extensions may vary between different immigration offices in Belize, and the requirements may change over time. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the nearest immigration office to confirm the exact documentation required and the best time to visit.

In addition to the tourist visa, Belize offers other visa options, such as the Temporary Employment Permit (also known as a Work Permit) and the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP). The fees for these visas differ from the visitor visa extension fees. For example, the work permit fee is usually BZ$1,500, while the QRP has an application fee of BZ$150, a fee of BZ$1,000 for the applicant, and BZ$750 for each dependent.

What are the requirements for permanent residency?

To become a permanent resident of Belize, you must meet the following requirements:

• Reside in Belize for at least one year before submitting your application, without leaving the country for more than 14 days.
• Demonstrate financial stability and independence by providing proof of income or investments.
• Have a clean criminal record, with no convictions for crimes punishable by 12 months or more of imprisonment.
• Submit various documents, including a medical certificate, health tests, proof of financial stability, and spouse and child's documentation.
• Undergo interviews with the Immigration Department and the Police Department.
• Pay the applicable fees, which vary depending on nationality. For US citizens, the fee is typically US$1,000 per person.
• Obtain a Belizean sponsor, who is a citizen and can post a bond on your behalf.

The process for obtaining permanent residency in Belize can take anywhere from six months to two years, and it is important to maintain a valid visa or work permit during this waiting period.

Frequently asked questions