Belize Border Entry And Exit Protocols: A Guide To Smoothly Navigating In And Out Of The Country

Belize has implemented several border protocols for entry and exit. The country has specific requirements for vaccination proof, insurance, and testing for COVID-19. Additionally, there are costs associated with departure and entry, such as taxes and visa extensions. Travellers should also be aware of the required documentation, including passports, visas, and consent letters for children. It is important to consult official sources and embassies for the most up-to-date information.

Passport validity

To enter Belize, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your arrival date. Some airlines may deny entry if your passport expires within six months of your arrival date. It is important to check with your travel provider to ensure your passport meets their requirements and to renew your passport if necessary.

In addition to passport validity, there are other entry requirements for Belize. All travellers must show proof of sufficient funds and evidence of a return or onward ticket. It is also recommended to have a valid visa for your stay. Tourist visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days, but for longer stays, you must have your passport re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay an additional fee for each additional month, up to six months.

When travelling with children, there are specific requirements to keep in mind. Children under 18 travelling with only one parent or without their parents must have a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). Children under 18 travelling alone must have a passport and a letter of parental consent.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for entering Belize depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Here is a detailed overview of the visa requirements for Belize:

Visa Exemption for Short Stays

If you are a citizen of the United States of America, Canada, or a country in the Schengen area, you are exempt from obtaining a visa for visits to Belize not exceeding 30 days. This exemption also applies if you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from these countries.

Tourist Visa Requirements

If you are visiting Belize as a tourist and plan to stay for 30 days or less, you do not need to obtain a visa beforehand. However, you must have a valid passport, proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your arrival date, and some airlines may require it to be valid for at least six months.

If you plan to stay in Belize for more than 30 days, you must obtain a visa extension, known as the "Belize Visitor's Permit Extension." You can do this by visiting an Immigration Office in Belize and paying an additional fee for each additional month, up to six months. For stays longer than six months, you may need to provide further documentation and pay additional fees.

Entry Requirements at Border Points

When entering Belize through land borders, such as the Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) or the Northern Border (Santa Elena), there are specific requirements to keep in mind:

• As of March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers must show proof of vaccination for entry and are no longer required to present a negative test result.
• Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals aged 5 and above must undergo SARCoV2 testing before entering Belize.
• All foreign tourists are required to purchase travel insurance before or upon arrival in Belize.
• The Northern Border can only be entered through the Chetumal Bridge.
• The Western Border and Northern Border are open to foreign tourists from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, while all sea ports operate from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Documentation Requirements for Sponsored Visits

If you are visiting Belize with a sponsor, you must provide the following documents:

• A completed application form.
• A valid passport with an expiry date of at least six months from the date of arrival.
• A flight itinerary showing your expected arrival in Belize and return date to your country of origin.
• A Letter of Financial Support from your sponsor, signed by a Justice of the Peace and accompanied by a Belize postage stamp.
• Identification of your sponsor, such as a valid Belizean passport, Voter's Identification Card, or Social Security Card.
• Proof of kinship or relationship with your sponsor, such as birth certificates or a marriage certificate.
• An invitation letter from your sponsor, stating the purpose and duration of your visit and your relationship to them.
• Employment letters and banking financials for both you and your sponsor for the last six months.

Requirements for Minors

If you are travelling with children, you may need to provide additional documentation, especially if they are travelling alone or with only one parent. This includes:

• Notarised letters of consent from both parents or legal guardians, authorising the child's travel.
• Proof of parentage, such as birth certificates showing the names of both parents.

Health Requirements

There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry into Belize. However, it is always a good idea to stay up to date with your vaccinations and check for any specific requirements closer to your travel date.

Vaccination requirements

Belize is a popular tourist destination, bursting with culture and tropical fun for all types of travellers. However, it is important to be aware of the country's vaccination requirements before planning your trip. Here is some detailed information on the vaccination requirements for entering Belize:

Recommended Vaccinations:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Belize:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

COVID-19 Vaccination:

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all COVID-19-related restrictions, including vaccination requirements, for travellers entering the country. However, it is still recommended that travellers ensure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date before international travel.

Yellow Fever Vaccination:

While yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry into Belize, it may be necessary if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is important to check with the Belizean authorities or a healthcare professional for the most up-to-date information.

Other Vaccination Considerations:

In addition to the recommended vaccinations, travellers should also ensure that their routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, are up to date. Additionally, mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue, and malaria are present in Belize, so insect repellent and protective clothing are strongly recommended.

Proof of Vaccination:

Although vaccination requirements are minimal for entry into Belize, travellers may be asked to show proof of certain vaccinations upon arrival, especially yellow fever. It is essential to carry valid certification of any recommended vaccinations and keep them together with your other important travel documents.

Travel insurance

While travel insurance is not a requirement for entry to Belize, it is highly recommended that visitors purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen events and expenses. This is especially important given the country's limited medical facilities and the potential for natural disasters and inclement weather.

• Cost: The cost of travel insurance varies depending on factors such as the number of travellers, their ages, the length of the trip, and the type of coverage. Comprehensive plans that include trip cancellation, medical coverage, and specialised coverages like baggage loss or emergency evacuation will be more expensive.
• COVID-19: While there are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry into Belize, it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related expenses. This includes quarantine costs if you test positive during your stay.
• Medical Emergencies: Belize has limited medical facilities, especially in rural areas. Ensure your travel insurance includes medical coverage and emergency evacuation in case of illness or injury.
• Adventure Activities: If you plan to participate in outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, hiking, or adventure sports, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation related to these activities.
• Transportation: Depending on your mode of transportation, consider flight insurance, cruise insurance, or rental car protection.
• Trip Cancellation: Comprehensive travel insurance plans include trip cancellation coverage. This can protect you financially if you need to cancel your trip due to medical emergencies or other unforeseen events.
• Gear Theft Protection: If you plan to bring expensive equipment or electronics, consider purchasing gear theft protection or baggage insurance to cover the cost of lost, damaged, or stolen items.
• Credit Card Coverage: Check with your credit card company to see if they offer any travel insurance perks, such as trip cancellation insurance or rental car protection.
• Comparing Providers: Shop around and compare quotes from multiple travel insurance companies to find the best coverage and rates for your specific needs.

Border crossing options

The main border crossing between Mexico and Belize is the Santa Elena border, which separates Belize from the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Campeche. This border crossing officially reopened in August 2021.

By rental vehicle

If you're renting a car, one of the few companies that allow their vehicles to be taken outside of Mexico is America Car Rental. They have locations in tourist hotspots like Cancun and Tulum. You'll need to bring the following documents:

• Immigration papers/visa (if required)
• Driver's license
• Car rental documentation
• Plane ticket receipt showing you've paid the Mexican tourist tax

You may also be subject to additional fees, such as car fumigation and Belize liability insurance.

By public bus

There are day and night buses that can bring you to Belize City from Mexico. The main bus companies are ADO (departs from Cancun) and Marlin Espades (departs from Chetumal).

The ADO bus is the most popular option for the Cancun to Belize City route, with comfortable seats, video screens, USB/AC outlets, bathroom facilities, and air conditioning. The price is around $50 USD and the journey takes between 8 and 9 hours.

The Marlin Espades bus goes from Chetumal to Belize City. This is a more budget-friendly option, costing around $8 USD, but it can be confusing to locate the right bus.

By taxi

Entering Belize from Mexico by taxi can be a bit of a headache due to Covid-19 regulations. You will need to show accommodation documents and pay a fixed fee of $180 USD. You are not allowed to share a taxi with a stranger, but you can share with someone you are travelling with.

On foot

It is not possible to walk through the "no man's land" between the two borders.

Frequently asked questions