Belize Border Requirements: What You Need To Know Before You Go

To enter Belize, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after your arrival and proof of intent to leave the country, such as a return ticket. Visitors are not required to have a visa and are allowed to stay in Belize for 30 days. However, if you want to extend your stay, it will cost 200 Belize dollars for each additional 30 days. Since July 12, 2022, there have been no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Belize. However, it is important to monitor local and international weather updates and follow advice from the National Emergency Management Organisation as hurricanes and storms can put travellers at risk.

Passport requirements

To enter Belize, your passport must have an expiry date of more than 3 months after the date you arrive. Some airlines may refuse entry if the expiry date is not within 6 months of your arrival. It is recommended that you check with your travel provider to ensure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you must have a valid U.S. passport for the duration of your stay in Belize. No visas are required for stays of up to 30 days, but you must have proof of your intent to depart Belize and proof of sufficient funds to maintain yourself during your stay. If you are visiting for purposes other than tourism, or you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you must obtain a visa.

If you are a Canadian citizen, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Belize.

If you are a Belizean citizen, you must show documents that prove your citizenship. If you were born in Belize, you must show your Belize birth certificate issued by the Vital Statistics Unit. If you were born outside Belize, you must show a Belizean citizenship certificate in your name.

Visa requirements

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all COVID-19-related restrictions at its points of entry. This means that travellers no longer need to show a vaccination card or provide a negative COVID-19 test. However, it is important to note that individual airlines may still have their own requirements, so it is best to check with your airline before travelling.

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Belize:

• United States and its territories
• Canada
• United Kingdom and its territories
• European Union
• Caribbean
• Central American countries

Most Commonwealth citizens are also exempt from visa requirements, with the exception of some West African countries.

For those who do require a visa, the process can be completed online at belizeembassyusa.mfa.gov.bz/consular-services. It is also important to note that all foreign tourists entering Belize must purchase travel insurance prior to or upon arrival.

Upon arrival, tourists are typically allowed to stay in Belize for 30 days. If you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a Belize Visitor's Permit Extension, which is granted in one-month increments for up to six months. This extension can be obtained from any Belize Immigration and Nationality Department office for a fee of 200 Belize dollars (approximately US$100) per additional 30 days.

COVID-19 requirements

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all COVID-19-related public health measures at its points of entry. This means that travellers do not need to show a vaccination card, provide a negative COVID-19 test, or follow mask, curfew, and health insurance rules. However, it is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.

Previously, travellers who were not fully vaccinated and could not show proof of vaccination were required to undergo SARCoV2 testing for entry into Belize. Additionally, all foreign tourists entering Belize through any land border or airport were mandated to purchase travel insurance before or upon arrival.

It is important to note that individual airlines and transportation companies may have their own rules regarding passport validity and other travel requirements, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your travel provider to ensure that you meet their specific requirements.

Travel insurance requirements

As of July 12, 2022, Belize no longer requires foreign tourists to purchase travel insurance. However, the Belize Tourism Board highly recommends purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen events and expenses.

Travel insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected issues such as flight delays, interruptions, or missed connections. It can also provide coverage for specialised situations, such as baggage loss or delay, emergency medical evacuation, and dental care while overseas.

If you plan to rent a car in Belize, consider purchasing rental car protection, as your US car insurance may not cover you in Central America. This can be obtained through your car rental company or as an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Additionally, if you intend to engage in adventure tourism, such as scuba diving, hiking, or mountain biking, it is recommended to buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation coverage.

When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to consider factors such as the number of travellers, their ages, the length of the trip, and the type of coverage needed. The cost of travel insurance to Belize will vary depending on these factors.

Belize has a mandatory travel health insurance policy, which can be purchased online for $18 USD. This insurance will protect travellers against incurred medical and non-medical expenses if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay. It provides coverage for up to $50,000 USD in medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment for 21 days, including lodging expenses of up to $2,000 USD due to quarantine. It also covers emergency assistance services, such as air evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions.

Border crossing times

The Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) and the Northern Border (Santa Elena) are open to foreign tourists from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. All Sea Ports are open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you are entering Belize through the Northern Border, you must use the Chetumal Bridge.

There is a mandatory departure fee when leaving Belize, which differs depending on whether you depart through the international airport or the land borders with Guatemala or Mexico. The airport exit fee is $73.50 for tourists and BZ$35 for Belizean citizens or residents. At land borders, the fee is $20 for tourists only.

If you are driving or boating into 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.

Frequently asked questions