Belize Bound: Understanding The Entry Requirements

If you're planning a trip to Belize, you'll need to make sure you have the correct documentation. The requirements vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. As a US citizen, you will need a valid passport for the duration of your stay, as well as proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover your trip. If you're staying for less than 30 days, you won't need a visa, but for longer stays, you'll need to pay for an extension and may need to obtain a visa. It's also important to be aware of any COVID-19 requirements, which can change, and to follow local laws and customs.

US citizens need a valid passport to enter Belize

If you are entering Belize by air, airline personnel will issue a Passenger Arrival form, which asks travellers to declare certain items such as plants, fruits, vegetables, meats or live animals, arms or ammunition, and currency exceeding $10,000 Belizean dollars.

US citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, if they plan to stay longer than 30 days, they must obtain a visa and have their passport re-stamped by a local immigration office. They will also need to pay an additional fee for every additional month they wish to stay, up to six months. For visits longer than six months, further documentation may be required, and additional fees may apply.

For US citizens travelling with minor children, immigration officials may ask to see the US birth certificate for each child. If the children are not travelling with both parents, officials will also request documentation such as notarized letters from the parents, custody decrees, adoption papers, or death certificates if one or both parents are deceased.

The passport must be valid for the length of stay

If you are a US citizen, you will need a valid passport to enter Belize. This is the case whether you are arriving by air or by land. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. 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 a different fee for stays of less than 24 hours compared to stays of more than 24 hours.

If you are visiting Belize as a tourist, you do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. However, you must be able to show that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your visit and that you have a return or onward ticket. If you are staying for more than 30 days, you must have your passport re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay an additional fee for every month you wish to stay beyond the initial 30 days, up to a maximum of six months. For stays of longer than six months, you may need to provide further documentation to the local immigration office, explaining the reason for your extended stay, and you may need to pay additional fees.

If you are travelling with minor children, you may be asked by immigration officials to show a US birth certificate for each child. If the children are not travelling with both parents, you may also need to show signed documentation to prove that you have permission from the other parent(s). This could include notarised letters, custody or adoption papers, or death certificates if one or both parents are deceased.

Visitors may need to pay a departure fee

Visitors to Belize may need to pay a departure fee when leaving the country. This exit fee is used for infrastructure development, airport/border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. The fee amount varies depending on whether you are departing via an international flight or a land border.

For those flying out of Belize, the departure tax may be included in the price of your airfare. However, it is recommended that visitors check this before departure, as the fee must be paid in cash if it is not included in the ticket price. The departure tax for non-Belizean citizens flying out of the country includes fees for the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), passenger service, airport development, security, and baggage handling. The total amount for this comes to US$73.50.

For those leaving Belize through its land borders with Guatemala or Mexico, there is a different set of fees. Non-Belizean citizens must pay an exit fee that includes a border exit fee, a PACT fee, and a border development fee. The total amount for this comes to BZ$40 or US$20. It's important to note that foreigners staying in Belize for less than 24 hours, such as those transiting from Mexico to Guatemala, are exempt from the conservation fee.

All departure fees must be paid in US cash. It is important to plan accordingly and have the necessary funds available when exiting the country.

US citizens don't need a visa for stays of up to 30 days

If you're a US citizen, you don't need a visa to enter Belize for stays of up to 30 days. However, you must have a valid US passport for the duration of your stay, as well as proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the costs of your visit. If you're 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 plan to stay in Belize for more than 30 days, you must obtain a visa and have your passport re-stamped by a local immigration office. You will also need to pay an additional fee for every month you stay beyond the initial 30 days, up to six months. For visits longer than six months, you may need to provide further documentation to the local immigration office explaining the reason for your extended stay, and you may need to pay additional fees.

It's important to note that Belize has a high crime rate, including violent crimes such as sexual assault, armed robbery, and murder. These crimes are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is recommended to avoid walking or driving at night, and to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.

When travelling to Belize, it is also important to be aware of any COVID-19 requirements, which may include proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Additionally, all international visitors to Belize are required to purchase travel health insurance.

A visa is required for stays longer than 30 days

If you are planning a trip to Belize, you will need to carry a valid passport. US citizens do not require a visa for visits of up to 30 days. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must obtain a visa. Here is some detailed information about the requirements for stays longer than 30 days in Belize:

Visa Requirements

Firstly, you will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay in Belize beyond 30 days. The specific permit required is the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. To obtain this permit, you will need to have your passport re-stamped and pay an additional fee for each additional month you plan to stay, up to six months. The fees and extensions will allow you to legally remain in Belize.

Visa Application Process

To apply for a Belize visa, you must follow these steps:

• Contact the nearest Belize Embassy or Consulate in your home country and schedule an appointment.
• Complete the Belize application form online, print it, sign it, and ensure there are no blank spaces.
• Gather all the required documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photo, fee receipt, flight itinerary, bank statement, health insurance, accommodation proof, letter of invitation, and criminal record.
• Submit your application and supporting documents to the Belize Embassy or Consulate and wait for a response, which you should receive within 30 days.

Additional Considerations

• It is important to note that the visa application fee may vary depending on your country of origin, age, and the type of visa you are applying for.
• If you plan to stay longer than six months, you may need to provide additional documentation to the local immigration office explaining the reason for your extended stay, and you may be subject to further fees.
• It is recommended to refer to the Embassy of Belize in the United States for the most current and accurate visa information.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the latest requirements, you can ensure that you have the necessary visa for your extended stay in Belize.

Frequently asked questions