Visa Requirements For Entry Into Belize: A Comprehensive Guide

Visitors to Belize must have a passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival and a return ticket. Those wishing to stay longer than 30 days must visit an Immigration Office to extend their stay. While some nationalities do not require a visa for visits under 30 days, others will need to apply for a visa for any length of stay in Belize.

Visa Requirements for Belize

Visa exemptions for visits under 30 days

Visitors to Belize must possess a passport valid for at least 30 days after their date of arrival and a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors are given a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for with the Immigration Department. However, there are some exemptions to the requirement of a visa for entry into Belize for visits not exceeding 30 days.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Belize for visits under 30 days:

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

Additionally, Belize has exemptions for Belize Entry Visa for visits not exceeding 30 days if you hold any of the following:

• A valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from the United States of America
• A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa
• A valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from Canada

It is important to note that cruise ship passengers do not require an entry visa or a passport. However, for visitors driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, a temporary importation permit must be secured at the point of entry. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days.

Visa requirements for stays over 30 days

If you are visiting Belize and plan to stay for longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a Belize Visitor's Permit Extension. This extension allows you to remain in the country for an additional 30 days and can be renewed indefinitely. The extension costs BZ$200 for each 30-day period.

To apply for the extension, you must visit an Immigration Office in Belize and provide the following documentation:

• Completed visa extension form
• Proof of a purchased return or onward airline ticket. If you don’t have one, you can provide a lease with your name on it, demonstrating that you live in Belize.
• A current bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
• If extending the visa for children, you may be asked to provide their original birth certificates.

It is important to note that the requirements and personality of each Immigration Office may vary, so it is recommended to ask around and get the latest information before your visit.

For visits 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 required to pay additional fees. You can find the most up-to-date visa information on the Embassy of Belize website.

If you are a citizen of the following countries, you will need a visa for any stay in Belize exceeding 30 days:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Antarctic Territory
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Central African Republic
• Commonwealth of Independent States
• Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
• Holy See (Vatican City State)
• Iran, Islamic Republic Of
• Korea, Democratic People's Republic Of (North)
• Lao People's Democratic Republic
• Micronesia, Federated States Of
• Moldova, Republic Of
• Netherlands Antilles
• Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
• Sao Tome And Principe
• South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
• Sovereign Base Are Dhekelia
• Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri
• Syrian Arab Republic
• Tanzania, United Republic Of
• Turks And Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United States Of America
• United States Virgin Islands

Additionally, holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days.

Passport validity and other documents

To enter Belize, visitors must present a valid passport. This passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date of arrival, or for a minimum of 30 days if the visitor is not travelling in transit to a third country that requires six months' validity and is returning to their country of origin after visiting Belize. In addition, visitors must have a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors are given a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for at an Immigration Office.

It is important to note that driver's licenses and birth certificates are not approved travel documents and cannot be used to enter Belize. Cruise ship passengers are exempt from the passport requirement and do not need an entry visa.

For visitors driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, a temporary importation permit must be secured at the point of entry. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days and can be extended at the Immigration and Nationality Department.

If you are being sponsored, you will need a letter of financial support, your sponsor's identification, and a letter of invitation from your sponsor. You must also provide documentation that links you with your sponsor, such as a birth or marriage certificate. Your sponsor must be a born Belizean or Naturalized Belizean with valid identification, a holder of a Permanent Residence stamp, or a holder of a Temporary Immigration Status.

Visa requirements for driving/boating into Belize

If you are driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, you must secure a temporary importation permit at the point of entry. These vehicle/vessel permits are valid for 30 days and can be extended by the Immigration and Nationality Department if you plan to stay longer.

All visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country. The exception is for cruise ship passengers, who do not need a passport or visa. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the date of arrival and a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors are given a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for with the Immigration Department.

Citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, and Caribbean and Central American countries do not require a visa to enter Belize. However, visitors from other countries should check the Belize government website for the most current visa information.

If you are travelling with children, you will need to provide proper documentation, including a valid passport and letter of parental consent for each child. Children travelling with only one parent will require a notarized letter of authority from the other parent.

Visa requirements for travelling with children

The visa requirements for children travelling to Belize differ depending on the child's age and whether they are travelling with both parents, one parent, or neither. Here are the requirements for children travelling to Belize:

• Children travelling with both parents: If you are travelling to Belize with your children, you may be asked by immigration officials to show birth certificates for each child. It is recommended to carry these documents with you.
• Children travelling with one parent: In this case, the child will require a notarized letter of authority or consent from the other parent. This letter should indicate that the parent gives consent for the child to travel. It is important to have this documentation readily available during your travel to Belize.
• Children travelling alone or with non-parents: Minors who are travelling without their parents, or with only one parent, must carry a notarized letter to prove parental responsibility or consent. This letter should be from the parent(s) or legal guardian, and it must authorize the child's travel.

It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the nationality of the child and the country from which they are travelling. It is always recommended to check with the Belizean embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and specific information regarding visa requirements for travelling with children.

In addition to visa requirements, there are other important considerations when travelling to Belize with children. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Passport validity: Ensure that your child's passport is valid for at least 30 days after the date of arrival in Belize. Some airlines may require a longer validity period, such as up to six months after the date of arrival.
• Other documentation: Besides the visa and consent letters, it is essential to have other necessary documentation, such as proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket. These documents may be checked by immigration officials upon arrival.
• Health and safety: Belize has specific health and safety considerations. It is recommended to review the latest travel advisories and health guidelines, including vaccination requirements, before your trip.

Frequently asked questions