Obtaining A Belizean Passport: A Step-By-Step Guide

Applying for a Belizean passport requires careful preparation of documents and in-person submission at specific locations. The process is straightforward but demands attention to detail to ensure a smooth application. Applicants must be Belizean citizens, with relevant documentation, and they must follow the specified photo requirements. Submission of the application must be done in person, and applicants should expect to wait a few weeks for their passport to be ready.

Required documents

To apply for a Belizean passport, you must be a Belizean citizen. You will need to provide the following documents:

• Your birth certificate
• Evidence of Belizean citizenship (if you are not born in Belize, you will need a Nationality Certificate)
• Identity documents with your photo and signature
• Documents that prove any change of name
• A passport photo that meets the specified requirements
• Details of a recommender, including their full name, address, phone number, and current valid passport details and a copy of their passport. The recommender must be an adult born Belizean or Belizean by descent who has known you for more than a year. They must sign section 7 of the application form and the back of your passport photo.
• Your previous passport (if applicable)
• Wedding certificate or divorce certificate (if applicable)
• Adoption documents (if applicable)

All documents must be original, and you will also need to provide copies of some documents. If any of the documents are in a language other than English, they must be translated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy, or Consulate of the country of issue.

Passport photo specifications

You will need to provide two recent passport-sized photographs in colour, measuring 2 inches by 2 inches. The photographs will be used to vet your application and not to prepare your passport. The photographs must meet the following specifications:

• No sleeveless blouse
• No smiling
• Mouth closed
• No glasses
• No earrings
• Visible ears, chin, forehead, and neck

The back of the photograph must be signed by the applicant's recommender, with the following quote:

> I certify that this is a true [image/picture/likeness] of [insert name of Applicant or child]

The recommender must be an adult born Belizean or Belizean by descent who has known the applicant for more than a year. They must also be a holder of a valid Belize Machine Readable Passport.

Choosing a recommender

When applying for a Belizean passport, it is important to carefully select your recommender. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you choose the right person for this role:

Firstly, your recommender must be an adult Belizean, either born in Belize or a Belizean by descent. It is essential that this person has known you for at least a year. This requirement ensures that your recommender can provide an accurate and trustworthy endorsement of your application.

Secondly, your chosen recommender must hold a valid Belize Machine-Readable Passport. This is a crucial document that will be used to verify their identity and eligibility to act as your recommender. Make sure to obtain a copy of their passport for your application.

Thirdly, obtain the full name, address, phone number, and current valid passport details of your recommender. This information will be required to complete the application form accurately. Additionally, the recommender must sign Section 7 of the application form, taking on the responsibility of endorsing your application.

Finally, the recommender will need to sign the back of your passport photo. They will endorse your photograph with the following quote, "I certify that this is the true likeness of [insert your full name here]". This step authenticates the accuracy of your submitted photo and links it to the endorsement provided by your recommender.

Remember, it is important to carefully review the guidelines and requirements for choosing a recommender. By selecting an eligible and trustworthy individual, you can ensure that your Belizean passport application is complete and adheres to the necessary standards.

Submitting your application

The Belize Passport application process must be undertaken in person by the applicant. All applicants are processed by appointment only. To make an appointment, contact:

• Telephone: (202) 332-9636
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

The application package must be complete. Embassy personnel are unable to accept incomplete applications. The package must include all supporting documentation as per the instructions. Please ensure application forms are printed and signed by the applicant, and that all information is accurate.

The application fee for a first-time adult passport is $200 USD. This fee also applies to renewals. For a replacement due to a lost/stolen/damaged passport, the fee is $300 USD.

If you are living in Belize, submit your completed application form and documents in person to the passport office in the City of Belmopan or Belize City, along with the relevant fee. All payments are in cash. Your documents will be vetted and if everything is in order, you will be photographed and fingerprinted. Your passport will be ready in 2 to 4 weeks.

If you are living abroad, Belizeans can apply for a passport at the embassy or consul of Belize in Washington D.C., New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago. Outside North America, you can apply at the Belize Foreign Mission in London or Taipei, Taiwan. The process is the same: you will be photographed and fingerprinted. You will be informed when your passport will be ready, usually within two weeks.

Express passport service is also available. For an additional charge of $200, the immigration department will process and deliver your passport within 24 hours.

Processing times

The processing time for a Belizean passport is dependent on several factors, including the completeness of your application, the location of your application, and the urgency of your request. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

Application Completeness: It is crucial to ensure that your application package is complete and accurate. The Belizean Embassy will not accept incomplete applications. Therefore, carefully review the application instructions and requirements before submission. Any documents in a language other than English must be translated by an official body, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy/Consulate of the country of issue.

Location of Application: You can submit your application at any Immigration Office in Belize or designated Belizean diplomatic or consular missions. The processing time may vary slightly between locations, but generally, you can expect your passport to be ready within a few weeks. For example, the standard processing time in Belize is 2 to 4 weeks, while overseas applications may take longer.

Standard Processing: Typically, you can expect to receive your Belizean passport within 2 to 4 weeks if you submit your application in Belize. This timeframe may differ for overseas applications, and it is recommended to contact the respective Belizean diplomatic or consular mission for specific processing times.

Urgent Applications: In cases of documented medical emergency or urgency, passports may be expedited at the discretion of the officer in charge. The Belmopan Office specifically handles medical urgent applications. Additionally, an express passport service is available for an additional charge of $200, which guarantees processing and delivery within 24 hours.

Emergency Passports: If you require a passport urgently, an emergency passport can be processed within 5 days for a fee of $100. This option is available for applicants living in Belize.

Overseas Applications: For those living outside of Belize, the application process can be completed at various Belizean embassies and consulates, including those in Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, and Taipei. The delivery time for overseas applications may be longer than those submitted in Belize, and specific delivery times can be obtained by contacting the respective diplomatic or consular mission.

Please note that the processing times provided are estimates, and unexpected delays may occur. It is always advisable to initiate the passport application process well in advance of your travel plans to account for any unforeseen circumstances.

Frequently asked questions