Us Citizens Exploring Belize: Understanding The Stay Limits

US citizens can stay in Belize for up to 30 days without a visa. For visits longer than 30 days, US citizens will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend their stay in Belize. The Belize Visitor's Permit Extension allows visitors to extend their stay in one-month increments for up to six months. Visitors must pay an extension fee of US$100 for every additional 30 days.

US citizens can stay in Belize for up to 30 days without a visa

The process of extending one's stay beyond the initial 30 days is straightforward. Visitors can apply for a Belize Visitor's Permit Extension, which is granted in one-month increments for up to six months. The fee for each 30-day extension is typically US$100. It is important to note that there is a mandatory departure fee, which varies depending on whether one leaves Belize through its international airport or land borders with neighbouring countries.

In addition to the passport, proof of departure, and financial requirements, there are a few other considerations for US citizens travelling to Belize. If travelling with minor children, US citizens may be asked by immigration officials to present US birth certificates for each child. When children are not travelling with both parents, documentation such as notarized letters from the absent parent(s), custody papers, or death certificates may be requested. It is also recommended that US citizens enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in case of an emergency.

While in Belize, it is important to be vigilant and cautious due to the country's high crime rate. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night, and not to physically resist any robbery attempts. It is also recommended to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and make it easier to be located in case of an emergency.

For longer stays, a Visitor's Permit Extension is required

US citizens can stay in Belize for up to 30 days without a visa. For longer stays, a Visitors Permit Extension is required. This extension can be applied for in one-month increments for up to six months. The fee for the Visitor's Permit Extension is BZ$200 for all nationals, and it allows you to stay in Belize for an additional 30 days.

To obtain the extension, visit your nearest Immigration Office in Belize. The visitor's permit extension does not allow holders to enter into any form of employment, paid or unpaid, or engage in any business or profession without the consent of the Director of Immigration.

Please note that visitors to Belize must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their arrival and proof of intent to depart the country, such as a return ticket. There is no entry fee for Belize, but there is a mandatory departure fee, which differs based on whether you leave by air or land.

US citizens must have a valid passport and proof of departure

If US citizens are visiting Belize for purposes other than tourism or plan to stay longer than 30 days, they must obtain a visa. They can apply for a Belize Visitor's Permit Extension, which is granted in one-month increments for up to six months. After six months, visitors may need to provide additional documentation and pay further fees to the local immigration office.

It is important to note that Belize has a high crime rate, including violent crimes such as sexual assault, robbery, and murder. US citizens are advised to exercise caution and be vigilant during their travels. Additionally, there is a mandatory departure fee for all tourists exiting the country, which varies depending on the exit point and mode of transportation.

US citizens should be aware of crime and gang activity in Belize

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize if they are visiting for tourism purposes and their trip is 30 days or less. For visits longer than 30 days, a visa is required, and visitors must pay an additional fee for every additional month they wish to stay, up to six months. For visits longer than six months, further documentation and additional fees may be required.

US citizens should be aware of the high levels of violent crime in Belize, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related, and the local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Much of the violent crime in Belize occurs on the south side of Belize City, which is home to several street gangs. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes frequently occur between gangs attempting to gain control of territories for illegal activities. Due to the high crime rate in this area, travelers are advised to exercise caution when traveling to the south side of Belize City.

While tourists are not usually targeted, it is still possible to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended that you remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid traveling after dark, and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. It is also important to be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs and to avoid resisting if confronted by criminals.

There is a mandatory departure fee for leaving Belize

US citizens can stay in Belize for up to 30 days without a visa. For longer stays, a Visitor's Permit Extension can be applied for in one-month increments for up to six months.

The airport departure tax is typically included in airline tickets, but it is recommended that all visitors investigate whether their airfare includes the mandatory departure tax. If it is not included, it must be paid before leaving the country. The airport departure tax for non-Belizeans is US$73.50, which includes US$20 for the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), US$15 for passenger service, US$36 for airport development, US$1.25 for security, and US$1.25 for baggage handling. The fees must be paid in US cash.

For those leaving Belize by land, there is a border exit fee of BZ$40. This includes BZ$30 for a border exit fee, BZ$7.50 for a Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) fee, and BZ$2.50 for a border development fee. This comes to a total of US$20.

It is important to note that the departure tax must be paid in cash, as credit and debit cards are not accepted.

Frequently asked questions