Belize Passport Renewal: A Guide For Us-Based Applicants

Renewing a Belize passport in the US requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The process must be undertaken in person, and applicants are required to book an appointment at a Belize embassy or consulate. It is essential to have all the necessary documentation, including proof of Belizean citizenship, identity documents, and passport photos that meet the specified requirements. The application form must be completed and signed, and fees must be paid. This article will outline the steps and requirements for successfully renewing a Belize passport while in the United States.

Gather documents: birth certificate, Belize citizenship proof, photo ID, etc

To renew your Belize passport in the US, you will need to submit a range of documents as part of your application. These include:

Birth Certificate

Your birth certificate is a crucial piece of documentation that you will need to provide when renewing your Belize passport. This certificate serves as primary proof of your identity and citizenship. Make sure you have the original document or a certified copy, as only these will be accepted during the application process.

Belize Citizenship Proof

In addition to your birth certificate, it's essential to provide evidence of your Belizean citizenship. This proof can come in various forms, such as a Nationality Certificate or other official documentation that establishes your citizenship status. Remember that Belizean citizenship is a prerequisite for obtaining or renewing a Belize passport.

Photo ID

You will also need to present identification documents that include your photo and signature. These photo IDs help verify your identity and ensure that your passport application is secure. Examples of acceptable photo IDs include your previous passport, a driver's license, or other government-issued identification cards.

Other Supporting Documents

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may also need to provide additional supporting documents. For instance, if you have changed your name, you will need to submit documents that prove this change. Moreover, if you are applying for a renewal, you will need to present your previous passport. In the case of a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, be sure to follow the specific guidelines provided by the Belizean authorities.

It's important to remember that all documents must be in their original form or certified copies, and translations may be required for documents in languages other than English. The Belizean authorities will retain these documents during the application process and return the originals when your new passport is delivered.

Get a passport photo

To renew your Belize passport in the US, you will need to submit a passport photo with your application. Here are the requirements you need to follow to ensure your photo is accepted:

Firstly, the photo must be a colour photograph and measure 2 inches by 2 inches. It should also be recent, and you will need two copies of the same photo. The photo must be signed on the back by your recommender, who must be an adult born in Belize, a Belizean by descent, or a registered minister of religion, medical or legal practitioner who has known you for over a year.

When taking the photo, there are several standard requirements that must be met. These include: no sleeveless blouses, no smiling, mouth closed, no glasses, no earrings, and your ears, chin, forehead, and neck must be visible.

The recommender must also endorse the back of the photo with the following quote: "I certify that this is the true likeness of [insert first, middle, and last name of the applicant]". They should then sign the photo. This ensures that your application can be properly vetted.

Once you have your photo, you can proceed with the rest of your application.

Find a recommender

To renew your Belize passport in the US, you will need to find a recommender. A recommender is someone who has known you for more than a year and is either an adult born in Belize or a Belizean by descent. They must hold a valid Belize Machine-Readable Passport.

Your recommender must be willing to provide their full name, address, phone number, current valid passport details, and a copy of their passport. They will also need to sign Section 7 of the application form and the back of your passport photo. It is important to note that your recommender is certifying that the photo is a true likeness of you, so choose someone who can honestly vouch for your identity.

If you are a Belizean living abroad, your choices for recommenders are limited to three options: a medical or legal practitioner or a registered minister of religion. This restriction is important to keep in mind when selecting your recommender.

When choosing a recommender, consider individuals who meet the criteria and with whom you have a good relationship. It is also essential to ensure that they are comfortable with providing the necessary personal information and documentation. Remember that your recommender plays a crucial role in certifying your identity and application, so choose wisely and provide them with all the necessary information and support throughout the process.

Complete the application form

To renew your Belize passport in the US, you must complete the Belize e-Passport Application. This must be done in person at the Embassy of Belize, and you will need to make an appointment. You can do this by calling (202) 332-9636 or emailing [email protected] or [email protected].

The application form must be signed and dated by the applicant, and all information must be accurate. It is important to carefully read the instructions before completing the form, as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The application form requires the following information:

• Your recommender's full name, address, phone number, and current valid passport details. The recommender must be an adult born in Belize or a Belizean by descent who has known you for more than a year. They must also hold a valid Belize Machine-Readable Passport and sign section 7 of the application form.
• A copy of your recommender's passport.
• Your birth certificate. If you are a Belizean by descent (non-born Belizean), you must submit your original Nationality Certificate.
• Evidence that you are a Belizean citizen.
• Identity documents with your photo and signature.
• Documents that prove any change of name.
• One 2"x2" passport photo, signed on the back by your recommender with the following quote: "I certify that this is the true likeness of [insert your full name]". The photo must meet the specified passport photo requirements, including no sleeveless blouses, no smiling, mouth closed, no glasses, no earrings, and visible ears, chin, forehead, and neck.
• Your expired Belize passport. If your previous passport is unavailable (lost or stolen), you must report this to the Embassy of Belize.
• Valid photo ID, such as a Belize Social Security Card, Belize Voter Registration Card, Valid Passport from any country, Consular Identification Card, Valid US Driver's License, or State ID.
• If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you will need to submit an original marriage certificate and/or divorce decree.
• For adoptees, original adoption documents must be submitted.

Submit application and pay the fee

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, completed your application, and taken your passport photo, you are ready to submit your application and pay the fee.

Submitting Your Application

To submit your application, you can either go in person or mail your application package. If you are applying in person, you will need to make an appointment by contacting the Embassy of Belize via telephone at (202) 332-9636 or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. When submitting your application, you will need to bring your application form, your photo, and original documents. If you are applying by mail, you will need to print and sign your application and include all required documentation in the package. The package can then be mailed via SPEED IT/DHL to the U.S. Passport Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belize.

Paying the Fee

The fee for a standard adult passport is BZ$200.00, while a standard child passport costs BZ$150.00. The fee can be paid at any of the Nationality and Passport Department offices or at a Belizean diplomatic or consular mission authorized to accept passport applications. If applying in person, you can pay by debit or credit card at your appointment. Alternatively, you can make a money order payable to the Embassy of Belize. If applying by mail, you can pay the passport application fee via the U.S. government's secure payment site and include the electronic payment confirmation in your application package. You can also pay by local bank draft made out to the 'U.S. Embassy' from one of the accepted banks.

It is important to note that the passport processing stations in the United States are not able to offer expedited services. Additionally, ensure that your application package is complete, as incomplete applications will not be accepted by the Embassy of Belize.

Frequently asked questions