Lyla Lindsey
If you're planning a trip to Belize, it's important to know the visa requirements and payment methods. While citizens of certain countries, including all EU member states, can enter Belize without a visa, other nationalities will need to apply for one. The cost of a single-entry 90-day visa is USD $50, with an additional $30 shipping and handling fee. Payments can be made via money order, certified cheques, bank drafts, or cash in person to the Embassy of Belize. It's worth noting that personal cheques are not accepted. Additionally, visitors to Belize are required to have a valid passport, sufficient funds (USD $75 per day), and documentation for their next destination. When it comes to spending money in Belize, US dollars are widely accepted, and ATMs are available in bigger towns and tourist areas.
What You'll Learn
US citizens and permanent residents don't need a visa
US citizens and holders of US Permanent Resident Cards/US Multiple Entry Visas do not need a visa to enter Belize. This is good news if you're a US citizen or permanent resident travelling to Belize, as you can save yourself the time and effort of applying for a visa.
However, it's important to note that there are still some requirements you need to meet when entering Belize as a US citizen or permanent resident. Firstly, you must have a valid passport. Additionally, you need to have an onward or return ticket within 30 days of your arrival and sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay. The required amount is USD 75 per day. While you can use US dollars for purchases in Belize, you will receive your change in Belize Dollars, which is the official currency of Belize. The exchange rate between the two currencies is 2:1, and they are used interchangeably.
Credit cards are also gaining popularity in Belize, but they may not be widely accepted outside of restaurants, bars, tour offices, and hotels. It's worth noting that Amex and Discover cards are rarely accepted due to their high merchant fees. Therefore, it's recommended to have cash on hand, especially for tipping tour operators, resort or hotel staff, and service providers such as restaurants and spas.
When carrying cash, it's best to have smaller bills as they are more widely accepted than large denominations, especially in villages or boutique shops and restaurants. ATMs are available in bigger towns and tourist areas, but they dispense Belize Dollars and often have daily limits. Additionally, you will be charged two separate fees for each withdrawal, so it's important to plan your cash withdrawals accordingly.
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The application fee is $50 or $100
The cost of a Belize visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. For a single-entry 90-day visa, the application fee is $50, plus $30 for shipping and handling. For the same visa, you can also opt for an application fee of $100, plus $30 for shipping and handling.
The Belize Dollar is the official currency of Belize, but US dollars are also widely used, with the two currencies interchangeable at a rate of 2:1. This means that you can pay for your visa in either currency. However, it is important to note that the Embassy of Belize does not accept personal cheques. Accepted payment methods include money orders, certified cheques, bank drafts, or cash (in person).
If you are travelling from the US, you can simply bring US dollars with you. However, it is worth noting that smaller bills tend to be more widely accepted than large ones, especially in villages or boutique shops and restaurants. These places may not have enough change for large bills, or they may be concerned about counterfeits. If you do receive large bills, larger supermarkets or bars in tourist areas may be able to help you break them. It is also important to ensure that your bills are in good condition, as some places will not accept bills that are bent, torn, or worn.
If you are not a US citizen, it is recommended that you exchange your money before arriving in Belize. Exchanging USD in Belize will get you a worse rate than the standard 2:1 conversion.
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Payment methods: money order, certified cheques, bank drafts, or cash
When applying for a Belizean visa, the application fee plus shipping and handling charge (and additional overnight mail charge if required) must be paid via money order, certified cheques, bank drafts, or cash (in person) to the order of the Embassy of Belize. The Embassy does not accept personal cheques or liability for any loss incurred as a result of delays in processing or delivery.
Money orders are a secure payment method that can be purchased at most banks, post offices, and money transfer outlets. They are essentially prepaid cheques that the recipient can conveniently deposit or cash out. Certified cheques are also a secure payment method, as they are guaranteed by the financial institution issuing them, and they are typically available at banks and credit unions. Bank drafts are similar to certified cheques, as they are also guaranteed by the issuing financial institution, but they are drawn against the bank's funds rather than the account holder's funds. Finally, cash payments are accepted in person at the Embassy of Belize and can be a convenient option for those who do not want to use other payment methods.
It is important to note that the visa application process requires careful consideration of the requirements and instructions provided by the Embassy of Belize. The application form must be completed, signed, and returned with the necessary supporting documents, including a passport-size photograph, copy of bank statement, letter of employment (if applicable), and a copy of the itinerary. The applicant's passport must also be submitted along with the application form. The processing time for visas is approximately 30 business days, and it is advised that all visitors to Belize must have a valid passport, an onward/return ticket within 30 days, and sufficient funds (USD $75.00 per day) to cover the cost of their stay.
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Belize dollars are pegged to US dollars at a 2:1 ratio
The Belize Dollar is the official currency of Belize, but it's pegged to the US dollar on a 2:1 ratio, so both currencies are used interchangeably. This means that 1 US dollar is worth 2 Belize dollars. You can pay for things in either US or Belize dollars, but expect to receive your change in Belize dollars.
If you're travelling from the US to Belize, you can simply bring your US dollars with you, as many businesses accept them. However, you won't be able to use US coins, and it's recommended to carry smaller bills, as larger ones may not be accepted in smaller shops and restaurants.
ATMs in Belize usually accept foreign cards, but they dispense Belize dollars and often have daily limits. Additionally, you'll be charged two separate fees each time you withdraw money.
If you're planning to exchange money, it's worth noting that the rates offered by banks and financial institutions are set at the official rate of 2 Belize dollars for 1 US dollar. However, a lively parallel informal market usually gives a slightly better rate of BZ$2.05 for 1 US dollar.
When it comes to paying for a Belize visa, the application fee for a single-entry 90-day visa is USD $50.00, plus USD $30.00 for shipping and handling. The payment must be made via money order, certified cheques, bank drafts, or cash (in person) to the Embassy of Belize. Personal cheques are not accepted.
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You can pay with US dollars in Belize
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize. However, all visitors to Belize must be in possession of a valid passport, an onward/return ticket within 30 days, and sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay (a minimum of USD $75.00 per day).
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency of Belize. The exchange rate is hard-pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1. This means that two Belizean dollars will always equal one US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, and you can use your US dollars everywhere – at bars, restaurants, and shops – and get BZD in return. However, US coins are not accepted in Belize.
It is important to note that Belize law allows individuals to bring into the country a maximum of USD $5,000 in cash, checks, or other financial instruments. All visitors must declare their total currency holdings upon entering the country if they exceed this amount. Violators may be arrested and/or fined triple the amount of any undeclared funds.
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