The Challenge Of Acquiring A Belizean Passport: Navigating The Complexities

Getting a Belizean passport can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it is achievable. The process requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the requirements. To obtain a Belizean passport, one must become a Belizean citizen, either by birth, naturalization, marriage, or descent through parents. The application process involves gathering essential documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, nationality certificates, and personal identification. Applicants also need to provide recent passport-size photographs and fill out the passport application form, which can be obtained online or at Belizean embassies, consulates, or immigration offices. The application fee for adults is BZ$200, while it is BZ$150 for applicants under 16 years old. The process includes submitting the application and documents in person and providing fingerprints and photographs. The standard processing time is 2 to 4 weeks, but expedited services are available for additional fees. It is important to note that Belize allows dual nationality, except for individuals born in Guatemala, who must renounce their previous citizenship.

Belize citizenship requirements

To become a citizen of Belize, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Citizenship by Registration

Guatemalan nationals do not qualify for Belizean citizenship through registration.

Citizenship for Permanent Residence Holders

You must have held permanent residency in Belize for a minimum of five years. During this time, you must not have resided outside of Belize for periods exceeding thirty consecutive days or a total of three months in any twelve-month period. There are exceptions to this rule if the purpose of extended travel was for employment in Belize or for medical and health reasons.

Citizenship through Marriage

You must be married to a Belizean national for a minimum of one year. This applies to those who acquired citizenship before or after the time of marriage.

Citizenship by Descent

If you were born outside of Belize, one of your parents must be a citizen of Belize. If you were born before Independence Day (21 September 1981), one of your grandparents must be a citizen of Belize.

Women who married a Belizean husband before Independence Day (21 September 1981) are also eligible for citizenship.

Qualified Retired Person Incentive Program (QRP)

Under the QRP, the Belize Tourism Board grants resident visas to individuals aged 45 or older who can prove a foreign source pension or annuity, or another acceptable source of income of at least USD 2,000 per month. Applicants must agree to transfer this income to a bank, credit union, or any financial institution in Belize. This usually requires a deposit of USD 24,000 in a Belizean bank. With the program, you will get a residency visa, which must be renewed every year on 31 December. You must remain in the country for a consecutive period of 30 days per year and meet the required requirements at each renewal. After one year of legal residency in Belize, you will be eligible for permanent residency, and after five years of permanent residency, you may apply for citizenship.

Documentation needed

To obtain a Belize passport, you must be a Belizean citizen. Anyone born in Belize is a citizen of Belize. Alternatively, you may be a Belizean if you have obtained a Nationality Certificate, which is issued to individuals who have become citizens through naturalisation, marriage, or descent through their parents.

If you were born in Belize, you must provide your Belize birth certificate issued by the Vital Statistics Unit. If you were born outside Belize, you must show a Belizean citizenship certificate in your name. If you were born overseas and your Belize nationality certificate does not show your gender and place of birth, you must prove these by providing either your foreign birth certificate or, if you are a child, a foreign birth certificate with details of your parents. If these documents are in a different name to the name on your Belizean nationality certificate, you must also show documents that link the two names.

You must also provide photo identification in the form of a Belize social security card, Belize voter registration card, or a passport from any country. If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you must submit an original marriage certificate and/or divorce decree. If you are an adoptee, you must submit original adoption documents.

You will need two recent passport-sized colour photographs, measuring 2 inches by 2 inches. The photographs must be certified by a recommender with the following quote: “I certify that this is a true [image/picture/likeness] of [insert name of Applicant or child]”, signed by the recommender. The pictures that you supply will be used to vet your application and will not be used to prepare your passport.

You must also fill out the passport application form, which can be obtained online or at any Belize Embassy or Consulate abroad, or at any immigration office in Belize.

Passport application form

The process of obtaining a Belizean passport can be challenging, but with careful preparation, it can be a smooth process. Here is a detailed guide on how to fill out the passport application form:

Step 1: Download the Application Form

The Belize e-Passport Application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Belize Immigration Department. The form must be filled out in English and written clearly in print using black or blue ink. Alternatively, you can obtain the form from any Belize Embassy or Consulate abroad or at any immigration office in Belize.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before filling out the form, ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your birth certificate, evidence of Belizean citizenship, identity documents with your photo and signature, and documents proving any name changes. If applicable, you will also need your wedding certificate or divorce certificate.

Step 3: Prepare Your Passport Photo

Get a passport photo that meets the specified requirements. The photo should be a 2"x2" passport photo with no sleeveless blouse, no smiling, mouth closed, no glasses, no earrings, and with visible ears, chin, forehead, and neck. The back of the photo should be signed by your recommender.

Step 4: Identify Your Recommender

You will need a recommender who is an adult born Belizean or Belizean by descent and has known you for more than a year. They must hold a valid Belize Machine-Readable Passport. You will need their full name, address, phone number, and current valid passport details, including a copy of their passport.

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the application form accurately and completely. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 6 must be completed by all applicants. If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you must also complete Section 4. Section 5 is for reporting a lost or stolen passport, and Section 7 must be completed and signed by your recommender. Don't forget to sign and date the form yourself.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Submit your completed application form, along with all the required documents and photos, in person at the passport office in the City of Belmopan or Belize City. The fee for adults is $50, and for applicants under 16, it is $30. All payments must be made in cash. If you are living abroad, you can submit your application at the Belize Embassy or Consulate in Washington D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, or Taipei, Taiwan.

Passport fees

The cost of a Belize passport depends on your age, the type of passport, and whether you are applying for the first time, renewing, or replacing a lost/stolen/damaged passport.

Applying in Belize

If you are applying for a standard adult passport in Belize, the fee is BZ$200. For children, the fee is BZ$150.

For an additional BZ$100, you can get an emergency passport within 5 days. The 24-hour express service costs an extra BZ$300.

Applying from Overseas

If you are applying from overseas, the fees are in the local currency and include additional administrative costs for shipping and handling. The exact fees vary depending on the location.

Applying for the First Time/Renewing

The fee for a first-time or renewal passport is $200 USD.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Passports

The fee for a lost, stolen, or damaged passport is $300 USD.

Passport photo requirements

To obtain a Belize passport, you must be a Belizean citizen. People born in Belize are citizens, as are those who have obtained a Nationality Certificate through naturalisation, marriage, or descent.

The process of obtaining a Belizean passport can seem challenging, but if you have all your documentation in order, it should be smooth. Here are the passport photo requirements:

• Two recent colour photographs are required, measuring 2 inches by 2 inches.
• The photos must be no more than six months old.
• The photos should show a close-up of your face and the top of your shoulders, with your face taking up between 70% and 80% of the image.
• The background should be white with no pattern, and only the applicant should be in the photo.
• No shadows should be visible on the background.
• You should have a neutral expression with your mouth closed and not laughing, smiling, or frowning.
• Your eyes should be open and clearly visible, with no hair across them.
• The photo should be well-lit, with no shadows or reflections on your face.
• The photo should be printed on high-quality paper with a resolution of at least 600 dpi.
• The photo must be in colour, with natural skin tones, and no alterations or manipulations.
• You should not wear glasses, tinted shades, or sunglasses in the photo.
• You should not wear sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or camouflage clothing in the photo. Your chest area must be covered.
• No head coverings are allowed except for religious, cultural, or medical reasons.
• The recommender must endorse the back of one of the photos with the following statement: "I certify that this is a true likeness of [applicant's name]".
• If you are applying with an infant or very small child, they should be photographed lying down from above. Any hands or arms supporting the child should not be visible.

Frequently asked questions