Belizean Passport Power: Exploring The World With A Belizean Passport

Belizean passports are issued to Belizean citizens to travel outside of Belize. The passport is a CARICOM passport, as Belize is a member of the English-speaking Caribbean Community. The Belize passport currently ranks 55th in the world, with Belizean citizens enjoying visa-free access to 100 countries. The process of obtaining a Belizean passport can be challenging, but with the correct documentation, it can be a smooth process.

Visa-free access to 103 countries

Belize passport holders can travel to various countries without needing a visa. The number of visa-free countries for Belize passport holders varies between 99 and 104, depending on the source. This includes countries such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, Taiwan, Israel, and Ireland.

In addition to these visa-free countries, Belize passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in around 25 countries, and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for travel to another 2 countries.

However, it's important to note that the duration of stay and permissible purposes for travel may vary among these countries and are subject to their respective visa regulations. Belize passport holders should always check the specific entry requirements of their intended destination before travelling.

• Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba
• British Virgin Islands
• Palestinian Territories
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Turks and Caicos Islands

Belize passport ranking

As of 2024, the Belizean passport is ranked between 49th and 98th in the world, depending on the index used. The rankings take into account factors such as the number of countries that can be visited without a visa, visa on arrival, or electronic travel authorization (eTA), as well as international taxation laws, global perception, dual citizenship, and personal freedom.

Visa-Free Travel

Belizean citizens can enter around 59 to 74 countries without a visa, depending on the source. This includes countries such as Singapore, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Israel, and Ireland.

Visa on Arrival

Belize passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in 25 to 37 countries, depending on the source.

ETA

There are 2 to 4 eTA destinations for Belizean passport holders.

Visa Required

Belizean citizens require a visa for entry into about 107 to 150 countries, including the entire European Union, the United States, and Australia.

Passport application process

To obtain a Belizean passport, you must be a Belizean citizen. Citizenship is granted to anyone born in Belize, or to those who have obtained a Nationality Certificate through naturalization, marriage, or descent through their parents.

The process for applying for a Belizean passport is as follows:

Prepare your documents

You will need to provide the following:

• Birth certificate
• Wedding certificate or divorce certificate (if applicable)
• Nationality Certificate (if applicable)
• Personal identification, such as a previous passport, voter identification card, or social security card
• Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (2 inches by 2 inches). The photographs must be certified by a recommender with the following quote: "I certify that this is a true [image/picture/likeness] of [insert name of Applicant or child]", signed by the recommender.

Fill out the passport application form

The passport application form can be obtained online, at any Belize Embassy or Consulate abroad, or at any immigration office in Belize. If you are a Belizean living abroad, you are limited to three choices for recommenders: a medical or legal practitioner, or a registered minister of religion. Your application form must also be notarized.

Submit your application

If you live in Belize, submit your completed application form and documents in person to the passport office in the City of Belmopan or Belize City. The cost is $50 for adults and $30 for applicants under 16 years old. Payments must be made in cash. Your documents will be vetted, and if everything is in order, you will be photographed and fingerprinted. Your passport will be ready in 2-4 weeks.

If you live outside of Belize, you can apply for a passport at the embassy or consul of Belize in Washington D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago. Outside of North America, you can apply at the Belize Foreign Mission in London or Taipei, Taiwan. The process is the same: you will be photographed and fingerprinted, and your passport will be ready in about two weeks.

Additional services

In cases of emergency or urgency, passports may be expedited at the discretion of the officer in charge. An express passport service is also available for an additional charge of $200, and your passport will be processed and delivered within 24 hours.

Belize citizenship

Belizean nationality law is regulated by the 1981 Constitution of Belize, the Belizean Nationality Act, and various British Nationality laws. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Belize.

Belizean nationality is typically obtained either by descent or registration. Descent relies on the principles of jus soli, i.e. by birth in Belize; or under the rules of jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth abroad to parents with Belizean nationality. Registration, meanwhile, applies to obtaining nationality after birth.

Citizenship by Descent

Any individual born in Belize is automatically a Belizean. Any individual born outside Belize with at least one Belizean parent is automatically deemed a Belizean citizen by descent. Children of Belizeans have the right to Belizean citizenship. Recognition of citizenship by descent is done via an Application For Registration. Forms are available from any Belize embassy or consulate but must be presented in person at the Immigration and Nationality Department in the City of Belmopan, Belize.

Citizenship by Registration

Citizenship by registration applies to applicants who are spouses of Belizeans and those who are eligible to be naturalised. Applicants must be adults of legal capacity and good character. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration considers the risk the person may pose for public morality and safety, such as criminal acts or activities that might upset legal or public order. Upon approval, applicants must take an Oath of Allegiance.

Citizenship by Marriage

A foreigner who marries a Belizean can apply for citizenship and this is usually granted within one year. Once citizenship is granted, the person is free to come and go as they wish or even relocate permanently to any country they wish to live in. A foreigner who marries a Belizean automatically gains residency status.

Citizenship by Investment

Belize does not currently have a program for citizenship by investment, as the previous program lapsed in 2002. However, the Qualified Retired Person Incentive Program (QRP) grants resident visas to individuals aged 45 or older who can prove a foreign source pension or annuity or other acceptable source of income of at least USD 2,000 per month. Applicants must also have no criminal record, be in good health, and deposit at least $24,000 in a Belizean bank. After one year of legally residing in Belize, individuals will be eligible for permanent residency, and after five years of permanent residency, they may apply for citizenship.

Passport fees

The passport fees for Belize vary depending on the type of passport and the location of the applicant. Here is a breakdown of the fees:

Application Fees

For applicants residing in Belize, the fee for a 10-year validity e-passport (for individuals aged 16 and above) is BZ$200. For children under 16, the fee for a 5-year validity e-passport is BZ$50 for applicants living in Belize and BZ$30 for those living abroad. These fees have increased by 400% due to increased printing costs.

Renewal or First Issue

The fee for renewal or first issue of a Belizean passport is $200 USD for adults and children, including shipping. This applies to applicants both within and outside of Belize.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Passports

The fee for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport is $300 USD for both adults and children, including shipping. This fee is applicable for applicants worldwide.

Expedited Service

The Nationality and Passports Department offers an expedited service for an additional fee of BZ$300. This service is only available at the Belmopan Headquarters office and ensures that the passport is processed within 24 hours.

Emergency Passport

In cases of medical emergency, an emergency e-passport can be issued at the Belmopan Headquarters Office for a fee of BZ$100. The application is processed within five working days and is subject to the approval of the passport office.

Additional Fees

When applying from overseas, additional administrative fees, including shipping and handling charges, are included in the passport fees. For applicants in the United States, the expedited service is not available.

Frequently asked questions