Jamaican Travel Requirements For Belize: Unveiling The Process

Jamaican citizens are required to show proof of fully paid, non-refundable hotel reservations before entering Belize. This is due to the increased number of Jamaican nationals using Belize as a transit country to reach the United States. Additionally, a valid passport and a completed and signed Immigration/Customs C5 form are required. While a visa is not necessary, Jamaican citizens must also have sufficient funds for their stay (75 USD per day is recommended) and documents for their next destination.

A valid passport

As a Jamaican travelling to Belize, you will need to present a valid passport before entering the country. This passport must be in good condition and have at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay in Belize, as well as at least one blank page for any necessary visa stamps. If your passport is not valid or does not meet these requirements, you will need to apply for a new one.

It is important to note that, as of March 2023, Jamaican nationals must also provide evidence of fully paid, non-refundable hotel reservations before boarding flights to Belize. This is due to the use of Belize as a transit country by Jamaican nationals attempting to enter the United States illegally.

Upon arrival in Belize, you will need to go to the immigration counter to begin the immigration clearance process. Here, you will need to fill out a visa application form and have all the required documents ready. If your application is approved, you will receive your Belize visa via email. Download and print this e-visa and be sure to carry it with you when travelling within Belize.

In addition to a valid passport, you may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and for your return journey. This can include personal bank statements, pay slips, or tax records. It is also recommended that you have travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies or evacuations that may arise during your trip.

Proof of intent to depart Belize

Jamaican citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Belize. However, they must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Belize. The passport should be valid for at least 30 days after their arrival. Additionally, they must provide proof of their intent to depart from Belize, such as a return or onward ticket. This can include an airline ticket, a pre-purchased bus ticket, or proof of passage on a cruise ship.

• Return or Onward Ticket: When entering Belize, you must provide proof of a confirmed return or onward ticket. This can be in the form of an airline, bus, or cruise ship ticket.
• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended period of stay.
• Sufficient Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay and for your return journey. This can include personal bank statements, pay slips, or tax records.
• Completed Forms: Ensure that you have completed all the necessary immigration forms, such as the Immigration/Customs C5 form, which must be submitted at the port of entry.
• Travel Itinerary: It is recommended to have a clear travel itinerary, including details of your departure and return flights.
• Visa Requirements: While visas are not required for stays of 30 days or less, for longer stays, you must obtain a visa and have your passport re-stamped by a local immigration office.

It is important to note that these requirements may change, so it is always best to check with the official Belize government websites or embassies for the most up-to-date information.

Proof of funds

When travelling to Belize, Jamaican citizens are required to have a valid passport and proof of their intention to leave the country. This can be demonstrated by providing a return ticket or an onward ticket to another destination.

In addition, visitors to Belize may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. This can be demonstrated in the following ways:

• Credit card with a valid ID
• Personal bank statements
• Payslips from your employer
• Tax records

It is important to note that Belize does not require specific immunizations for visitors, but it is recommended to check for any health advisories or vaccination requirements prior to your trip.

Visa requirements

As of March 2023, visa restrictions have been put in place against Jamaican citizens travelling to Belize. Jamaican nationals must provide evidence of fully paid non-refundable hotel reservations before boarding flights to Belize. This is due to increasing immigration and police busts indicating Belize is being used as a conduit for human smuggling to the USA and Canada.

However, citizens of Jamaica do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Belize. Applicants are required to be present when applying for the Jamaica Visa free. This tourist visa typically allows a short-term stay of up to 6 months. A total of 5 documents are required to apply for the Jamaica Visa free:

• Visa Application Form
• Original passport or travel document of Belize with at least 6 months remaining validity on the date of travel and at least 2 visa pages clear of any markings.
• A round-trip flight reservation for Jamaica, including details of departure and return flights, with confirmed booking references.
• Proof of enough money for your stay and to leave Jamaica, such as personal bank statements, pay slips from your employer, or tax records.
• Immigration form that needs to be submitted at the port of entry.

All visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country, except for cruise ship passengers who do not require a passport or visa. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least 3 months after their date of arrival and a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors can request a one-month extension from the Immigration and Nationality Department.

Citizens of the USA and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries do not require a visa to enter Belize.

Travel warnings

Crime

Belize has a high crime rate and one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang-related crime is also prevalent. Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

Scams and Theft

Scams and theft are common in Belize, especially in resort areas and tourist destinations such as San Pedro Town (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker, and Placencia. Tourists are frequently targeted and are vulnerable to crimes such as pickpocketing, robbery, and extortion. Credit card fraud is also prevalent, particularly in San Pedro.

Medical Care

Medical care for minor ailments is generally available in urban areas, but advanced medical treatment is limited outside of major cities. First responders are typically unavailable outside of major cities, and emergency services may be delayed or unavailable. It is recommended that visitors purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Road Safety

Road conditions in Belize vary from paved two-lane roads to dirt or gravel tracks, and roads often lack markings, reflectors, and shoulders. Driving at night is strongly discouraged due to poor lighting and hazardous conditions. Traffic laws are not always obeyed by drivers and cyclists, and pedestrians and cyclists may be difficult to spot due to a lack of reflectors or bright clothing.

LGBTI Safety

Although the Belizean government has decriminalized homosexuality, there is still significant hostile sentiment towards LGBTI individuals. Outside of tourist-friendly areas, LGBTI persons, especially males, may be reluctant to display affection in public due to the risk of verbal or physical assault. There have been reports of violence against LGBTI individuals, and police have sometimes refused to accept reports of crimes from LGBTI persons.

COVID-19

Be sure to check the latest COVID-19 travel advice before planning your trip.

Frequently asked questions