Belize Passport Power: Expedited Us Entry?

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, but there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to expedited passports and visas. For U.S. citizens, it is important to note that while a tourist visa is not required for stays of 30 days or less, you must have a valid U.S. passport and may be asked to provide proof of an onward or return ticket, as well as sufficient funds for your stay. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to have your passport re-stamped and pay additional fees. On the other hand, for non-U.S. citizens wishing to travel to Belize, a visa is required and can be obtained through the Embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C. or through expedited visa services offered by private companies. These services can assist with the application process and ensure that your visa is processed quickly. Additionally, expedited passport services are available for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, helping you to obtain your passport on the same business day in case of emergencies.

Expedited Visa Appointment

An expedited visa appointment may be granted at the U.S. Embassy's discretion if you have an urgent or unforeseen travel need. It is important to note that applicants are only allowed one expedited appointment request per receipt.

Criteria for an Expedited Appointment

The U.S. Embassy in Belize will consider the following circumstances for expedited appointments:

• An immediate relative's death, grave illness, or life-threatening accident taking place in the United States.
• Urgent medical treatment for the applicant or their minor child.
• An applicant for a student or exchange visitor visa whose I-20 or DS-2019 has a start date that is earlier than the first available visa appointment.
• An unexpected need to travel to the United States for urgent business purposes that is occurring within 10 days after the first available visa appointment.
• An unexpected visit that is of significant cultural, political, journalistic, sporting, or economic importance that is occurring within 10 days after the first available visa appointment.

Documentation Required

Before applying for an expedited appointment, you must have documentary evidence to prove the urgency of your travel.

Urgent Medical Care

• A letter from your doctor describing the medical condition and why you are seeking medical care in the United States.
• A letter from the physician or hospital in the United States indicating their willingness to treat the case and providing the approximate cost of the treatment.
• Evidence of how you will pay for the cost of the treatment.

Funeral/Death/Family Emergency

• A letter from the funeral director stating their contact information, the details of the deceased, and the date of the funeral.
• A letter from the family member's doctor describing the condition and prognosis of the relative.
• Evidence that the deceased is an immediate relative.

Urgent Business Travel

• A letter of invitation from the corresponding company in the United States attesting to the urgency of the planned visit, describing the nature of the business, and stating that either the U.S. or local company will suffer a significant loss of opportunity if an expedited appointment is not available.
• Evidence of a necessary training program in the United States of three months' duration or less, including letters from both the local employer and the U.S. company providing the training. Both letters should include a detailed explanation of the training and explain why either company will suffer a significant loss of opportunity without an expedited appointment.

Students or Exchange Visitors

• Original Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 indicating a start date within 60 days.
• Evidence that you have paid the SEVIS fee (when applicable).

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program Partner Countries

If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program partner country but have received notice that you are no longer eligible to travel to the United States under that program, you may request an expedited appointment if your travel is imminent.

How to Apply for an Expedited Appointment

To apply for an expedited visa appointment, follow these steps:

• Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
• Pay the visa application fee.
• Schedule a regular visa appointment for the closest available date.
• Sign in to your account, click 'Continue', select 'Request Expedite', and follow the instructions. Include the date and purpose of your travel in your request.

If your request for an expedited appointment is approved, you will receive an email notifying you to schedule your appointment online.

Important Notes

• Travel for weddings, graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in annual business/academic/professional conferences, or last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments.
• Applicants who are granted an expedited appointment but are subsequently refused a visa will not be allowed to utilize this option to obtain another expedited appointment.
• The U.S. Embassy strives to keep wait times for appointments as short as possible. However, wait times for non-residents of Belize may be longer, currently about three months.

US citizens require a passport, not a visa

US citizens require a passport that is valid for the length of their stay in Belize, along with proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay. This passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the date of arrival (unless the traveller is in transit to a third country). Visitors to Belize are initially given a one-month stay, after which they must apply for an extension if they wish to remain in the country.

If you are visiting Belize as a tourist, you do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to visit a local immigration office to get your passport restamped and pay an additional fee for every additional month you 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 your extended stay, and you may need to pay additional fees. The Embassy of Belize to the United States website has the most current visa information.

Non-US citizens need a tourist visa

If you are a non-US citizen and a tourist visiting Belize, you do not need a visa if your stay is 30 days or less. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to visit a local immigration office to extend your stay. You will need to get your passport re-stamped and pay an additional fee for every additional month you 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 your extended stay, and you may need to pay additional fees.

The official website of the Belize Immigration Ministry states that a Belize entry visa allows you to enter the country and remain there legally for a maximum of 30 days from the date of entry. If your stay in Belize is longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'.

The US Department of State advises that you must have a passport valid for the length of your stay, proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the cost of the length of your stay. If you enter Belize by land, you will be charged different fees depending on whether your stay is less than or more than 24 hours. There are no specific immunisation requirements for visitors to Belize; however, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends certain vaccinations for travel to the country.

Visa requirements for non-US citizens on corporate travel

Non-US citizens travelling to the US on corporate business will generally need to obtain a visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the trip. For instance, a B-1 visa is for business trips, while a B-1/B-2 visa is for a combination of business and tourism.

To apply for a visa, non-US citizens must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. This includes uploading a photo that meets the Photograph Requirements. They will also need to schedule a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate, where they will need to present their passport, visa application confirmation, and application fee payment receipt. Additional documentation may be required to establish the purpose of the trip, the applicant's intention to return to their home country, and their ability to pay for the trip.

The wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview can vary depending on location, season, and visa category, so applicants should apply for their visa early. In some cases, an interview may be waived, particularly for applicants who are 13 years old or younger, or 80 years old or older.

It's important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the US. The Department of Homeland Security and US Customs and Border Protection have the authority to permit or deny admission to the country.

Belize passport services

Applying for a Belize Passport

To apply for a Belize passport, you need:

• An application form
• Your previous passport (if you have one)
• Details of a recommender
• Payment

The cost of a standard adult passport is BZ$200.00, while a standard child passport is BZ$150.00.

Passport applications can be made at any of the passport offices in Belize. Alternatively, the Nationality and Passports Department also extends its passport services to the Belize Diaspora in New York.

Expedited Services

Expedited passport applications are only accepted at the Belmopan Headquarters Office. Here, 24-hour passport applications submitted before 12:00 pm can be processed and picked up on the same day by 4:30 pm.

Expedited services are also available for citizens requiring their travel documents for emergencies, including medical or education reasons.

US Passport Services in Belize

US citizens can apply for or renew their passports at the US Embassy in Belize. Passport services are not available on weekends or on public holidays.

Visa Services

The US Embassy in Belize also provides visa services for those wishing to travel to the US. Visa applications can be made online, and applicants can request an expedited appointment if they need to travel imminently.

Frequently asked questions