Lyla Lindsey
Belize is a nation on the northeastern coast of Central America, with a rich history and a diverse society. It is famous for its September Celebrations, coral reefs, and punta music. If you are planning a trip to Belize, you may be wondering if you need a passport. The short answer is yes—a passport is required for entry into Belize, and it must be valid for the duration of your stay. In addition, you will need to provide proof of your intent to depart the country, such as a return ticket or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay. There are no specific immunizations required for visitors to Belize, but it is recommended that you review the latest travel advisories and health information before your trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passport needed? | Yes, for all visitors to Belize. |
| Validity period | Valid for at least 30 days after arrival. |
| Visa requirements | Not required for stays of 30 days or less for citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, the Caribbean, and Central American countries. |
| Proof of intent to depart | Required, such as a return or onward ticket. |
| Proof of funds | Required, to cover the length of stay. |
| Extension | Visitor's Permit Extension required for stays longer than 30 days, obtained in one-month increments for up to six months. |
| Exit fee | Approximately US$40, may be included in the airline ticket. |
| COVID-19 requirements | No specific requirements as of July 12, 2022. |
What You'll Learn
Do US citizens need a passport to enter Belize?
Yes, US citizens need a passport to enter Belize. The passport must be valid for the duration of their stay and should be valid for at least 30 days after their arrival. US citizens are also required to have proof of their intent to depart Belize, such as an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Belize.
If you are travelling to Belize by plane, you will need to present your valid US passport to airline officials before being permitted to board the aircraft. If you are travelling by land, you will be charged different fees depending on the duration of your stay. For example, you will be charged different fees if you stay less or more than 24 hours.
It is important to note that US citizens planning to visit Belize for up to 30 days do not need a visa. However, those who intend to stay longer than 30 days must obtain a visa and have a passport. Additionally, all travellers and non-Belizean citizens are required to pay a departure fee of approximately US$40, which may be included in the airline ticket.
It is recommended that US citizens enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before travelling to Belize. This program allows US citizens to receive security messages and makes it easier for the US Embassy to locate them in case of an emergency.
Belize's Time Zone: Central Standard Time
You may want to see also
What about non-US citizens?
If you are not a US citizen, you will need a passport to enter Belize, valid for at least 30 days after your arrival, and a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Belize:
- The United States of America and its territories
- Canada
- The United Kingdom and its territories
- European Union member states
- Caribbean Community member states
- Central American countries
- Most Commonwealth countries
However, citizens of some Commonwealth countries will need a visa. These include:
West African countries
If you are driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, you will need to secure a temporary importation permit at your point of entry. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days and must be extended every 30 days.
If you are travelling with children under 18, you must have a notarised letter of parental consent. If the child is travelling with only one parent, you will need a notarised letter of authority from the other parent.
The Diverse Natural Landscape of Belize
You may want to see also
What if you're arriving by cruise ship?
If you are a U.S. citizen on a closed-loop cruise (i.e., a cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port), you will be permitted to depart or enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. However, if you plan to leave your cruise ship and return by air to the U.S., you will be required to present a valid U.S. passport to airline officials before boarding the aircraft.
It is important to note that some sources indicate that a passport is required to enter Belize, while others suggest that a birth certificate and photo ID are sufficient for cruise ship passengers. To avoid any potential issues, it is generally recommended to carry a valid passport when travelling internationally. Additionally, it is always a good idea to check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documentation for your specific itinerary.
When entering Belize, all international tourists must provide proof of their intent to depart the country, such as a return ticket or onward ticket. This can include a valid passport for no less than 30 days after the intended period of stay, as well as proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay. It is important to note that visitors planning to stay longer than 30 days must have their passports re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay an additional fee for every additional month they wish to stay, up to six months.
Belize: A British Colony
You may want to see also
What if you're driving or boating?
If you are driving or boating to Belize, you must secure a temporary importation permit at your point of entry from Mexico or Guatemala. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days and must be extended every 30 days.
If you are entering Belize by land, you will be charged different fees depending on whether your stay is less than or more than 24 hours.
If you are driving in Belize, be aware that road conditions range from two-lane paved roads to dirt or gravel tracks. Roads often lack markings, reflectors, and shoulders, which can contribute to cars overturning. Even in urban areas, most streets lack lane markings and can be chaotic. Bridges on the major highways are often only a single lane. The Manatee Road (Coastal Road), leading from the Western Highway east of Belmopan to Dangriga, is mostly unpaved, easily flooded after storms and without services. Driving at night is strongly discouraged.
Roadside assistance can be difficult to summon as there are no public telephones along the road and emergency telephone numbers do not always function properly. While cell phone service is fairly reliable, reception in remote areas is spotty or non-existent.
Valid U.S. or international driver’s permits are accepted in Belize only for a period of three months after initial entry.
If you are involved in a traffic accident, contact the local police and explain the emergency. If you or someone with you is critically injured, then go to the nearest hospital. If there are no injuries or risk of life, do not move the vehicles and wait for the police to arrive. If possible, take pictures before any vehicles are moved. Do not leave the scene if there are no injuries. If you hit someone on the road, stop and give assistance; contact the local police and report the accident.
Belize Family Adventure Guide
You may want to see also
What if you're a Belizean citizen?
If you are a Belizean citizen, you will need a valid Belizean passport to enter and depart Belize. This is to avoid any hassle or potential tourist fees. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your arrival.
Belizean citizens also need to pay a lower departure tax than tourists. The airport exit fee is BZ$35 for Belizean citizens or residents, while it is US$73.50 for tourists. At land borders, there is no exit fee for Belizean citizens, while tourists must pay US$20.
If you are a Belizean citizen with dual citizenship, you may want to use the passport that allows you to travel more freely.
The Mountainous Mystery of Belize
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, visitors to Belize must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their arrival.
It depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Citizens of the US and its territories, Canada, the UK and its territories, the EU, the Caribbean, and Central American countries do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. For visits longer than 30 days, a visa is required.
You will need proof of your intent to depart the country, such as a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay.
Belizean citizens must provide a Belize birth certificate or a Belizean citizenship certificate.
It depends. If you are on a closed-loop cruise (one that begins and ends at the same US port), you may not need a passport to enter Belize. However, it is always recommended to carry a passport when travelling to a foreign country.
