Belize Visa: Nigerians' Guide To Application

Nigerian citizens require a visa to enter Belize for tourism or business purposes. The visa application process can be completed in person or by post, and applicants are advised to begin the process well in advance of their travel, as it can take up to a month or more for processing. The visa application form, along with supporting documents, must be submitted to the Consulate of Belize in Nigeria. The address is Merit House, No. 22 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, and the Consulate can be contacted by phone at +234 9 2900052 or by email at [email protected].

Nigerian passport requirements

Nigerian citizens require a visa and a valid Nigerian passport to enter Belize. The passport must be valid for the duration of their visit and have at least six months' validity remaining prior to their travel.

• Application form: The Nigerian passport application form must be completed and printed online via https://immigration.gov.ng.
• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of Nigeria and have a National Identification Number (NIN).
• Biometric and biographical enrolment: All applicants, including infants, must be physically present at the Consulate General of Nigeria for submission of the application and biometric/biographical enrolment.
• Supporting documents: Original copies of supporting documents for fresh applications, change of name, or correction of data are required for sighting.
• Passport photograph: Applicants must provide a recent passport-sized photograph measuring 2 inches by 2 inches with adequate brightness, contrast, and natural skin tone.
• Birth certificate: A clean copy of the applicant's birth certificate is required. For minors, this must be accompanied by a consent letter signed by a parent and notarized by a notary officer.
• Parent's passport: A clean copy of the parent's passport data page is required for minor applicants.
• Payment: Applicants must provide a passport payment slip. Cash payments are prohibited.
• Return envelope: A self-addressed return envelope with the appropriate postage stamp from the post office is required.

It is advised that applicants apply for a renewal of their passports a maximum of six months before expiration. The processing time for a new passport is typically 6-12 weeks, and applicants should plan ahead to ensure timely receipt of their new passport.

Visa application form

To apply for a Belize visa from Nigeria, you must first gather all the necessary documents, including a valid Nigerian passport and supporting documents. Nigerian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Belize, and the application process must be done in person at the Belize embassy or consulate. Here is a step-by-step guide on filling out the visa application form:

• Obtain the Application Form: The visa application form for Belize can be obtained from the immigration counter at the Belize embassy or consulate. Alternatively, you can try contacting them via email or phone.
• Fill Out the Form: The application form requires you to provide personal information, passport details, and intended travel plans to Belize. Ensure that all sections of the form are filled out accurately and legibly. Incomplete or incorrect forms may result in delays or denial of your visa application, so double-check for errors before submission.
• Supporting Documents: Along with the completed application form, you will need to submit several supporting documents. These typically include a passport photo, your original passport, a round-trip flight reservation, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and a travel itinerary. Some sources also mention the need for a letter of reference from your employer or educational institution and a letter of invitation from your host in Belize.
• Schedule an Appointment: After completing the application form and gathering the required documents, schedule an appointment with the Belize embassy or consulate to submit your application. You can usually do this online or by contacting the embassy directly.
• Submit Your Application: During your appointment, submit your application form, passport, and all necessary documents to the officer at the Belize embassy or consulate. The embassy or consulate will then forward your application to the Belize Immigration Visa Vetting Committee for further review and approval.
• Processing Time: Please note that the processing time for a Belize visa can vary. The Belize Immigration authorities have a backlog, and their Visa Vetting Committee meets only once a week. Therefore, it is recommended to allow ample time for visa processing, and if your visit is time-bound, you may be advised to reconsider your application. The typical processing time can be a minimum of one month or up to four weeks or more.
• Visa Collection: Once your application is approved, you will be notified, and you can collect your passport with the Belize visa from the Belize embassy or consulate.

Supporting documents

To obtain a visa for Belize, Nigerian citizens must submit several supporting documents along with their visa application form to the Consulate of Belize in Nigeria. Here is a detailed list of the supporting documents required:

Passport:

Your international passport must be valid for at least six months before your planned travel date to Belize. Ensure that the data page of your passport is included in the supporting documents.

Recent Passport-Sized Photographs:

Provide one recent passport-sized photograph measuring 2 inches by 2 inches.

Proof of Travel Arrangements:

Include a valid flight booking and travel itinerary as proof of your travel plans to and from Belize.

Proof of Accommodation:

Submit either hotel confirmation or full contact details of your host in Belize as proof of your accommodation during your stay.

Proof of Financial Means:

Provide copies of your recent bank statements to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your trip. If you are travelling for business, you can submit a letter from your company's financial officer instead.

Letter of Reference:

A letter of reference from your employer or current educational institution is required.

Letter of Invitation:

If you are visiting family or friends in Belize, they must send a letter of invitation, which should clearly demonstrate their connection to you. A copy of their passport or Social Security Card should also be included. For business or official visits, a letter of invitation on letter-headed paper from the host organisation in Belize is required.

Visa Fees:

The visa fees must be paid, and proof of payment included with your supporting documents. A single-entry visa costs $100, while a multiple-entry visa costs $150. There is also a $50 due diligence/verification fee.

Other Documents:

In some cases, the Consulate of Belize may request additional documents, such as a recent police clearance certificate. All documents must be submitted in English, and applicants should allow ample time for visa processing, as it can take up to four weeks or more.

Visa processing time

The Belizean Consulate in Nigeria does not provide a clear indication of the visa processing time, stating that it depends entirely on the Belize Immigration Visa Committee. However, they advise that the processing of visas may take a minimum of one month and that applicants should allow ample time for their application to be processed.

The website of the Belizean Embassy in the USA states that the processing time for visas is approximately 30 business days.

Other sources suggest that the processing time for a Belize tourist visa varies. One source states that it generally takes about 3 to 7 days, but if the application needs to be verified by the Director of the Immigration and Nationality Services, the processing time may go up to a couple to several weeks. Another source states that the processing time is 20 to 25 days.

Visa fees

The visa fee is an important part of the application process and must be paid at the embassy/consulate of Belize in your home country. The fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For Nigerian citizens, a single-entry visa (valid for 3 months from the date of issuance) costs $100, while a multiple-entry visa (valid for 6 months) costs $150. There is also a $50 due diligence/verification fee for multiple-entry visas. It's important to note that these fees are non-refundable.

In addition to the visa fees, there are other costs to consider when extending your stay in Belize. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days as a tourist, you must submit an extension application at least 2-3 days before the initial 30-day period expires. This extension application incurs a fee of BZ$100.

For those seeking a longer-term stay, there is the option of applying for a Visitor's Permit Extension, which allows an additional 30-day stay in Belize. This extension fee is BZ$200 for all nationals. However, it's important to note that this extension does not permit any form of employment, business, or profession without the consent of the Director of Immigration.

When planning your trip to Belize, it's essential to be mindful of the various fees and requirements associated with your visa and length of stay. These fees are subject to change, so it's always advisable to check with the official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions