Haiti-Belize Travel: Visa Requirements

As of March 2023, Haitian citizens require a visa to enter Belize. This follows increasing immigration and police busts indicating Belize is being used as a conduit for human smuggling to the US and Canada. Haitian citizens must hold a passport valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in Belize and provide proof of onward travel. Visitors from most countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

Visa requirements for Haitian citizens

As of March 2023, Haitian citizens require a visa to enter Belize. This follows increasing immigration and police busts indicating Belize is being used as a conduit for human smuggling to the US and Canada.

Haitian citizens must apply for a visa to visit Belize for tourism or business purposes. They must hold a Haitian passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in Belize and provide proof of onward travel. They can apply for a visa through the nearest Belize embassy or consulate.

Most visitors to Belize are not required to have a visa if their stay is 30 days or less. This includes citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU. However, visitors must have a valid passport, proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Belize also offers a "Work Where You Vacation" visa for digital nomads who are citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, or Canada. This visa allows them to work remotely in Belize for up to six months.

Exemptions for stays under 30 days

Haitian citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Belize. However, there are some exemptions to this rule for stays under 30 days.

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

• All European Union member states
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• All classes of British nationality

In addition, there are other circumstances in which a visa is not required for visits not exceeding 30 days:

• Holding a valid multiple-entry visa or permanent residence card from the United States of America
• Holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa
• Holding a valid multiple-entry visa or permanent residence card from Canada
• Holding a diplomatic or official/service passport from Russia (although it is unclear whether Russia is included in the list of visa-free countries)

It is important to note that even if you are exempt from a visa, you must still have sufficient funds (75 USD per day) and documents required for your next destination.

Passport validity and other documents

As a Haitian citizen, you will need a visa to enter Belize. You will also need to meet the following passport validity and other document requirements:

• A valid Haitian passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of the intended stay in Belize.
• Proof of onward travel (departure) from Belize.
• A flight itinerary to provide to the immigration officers at Belize’s only international airport.
• A date of departure.
• Sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay.
• Proof of an onward or return ticket.

If you are travelling with children, you may be asked to show U.S. birth certificates for each child. When children are not travelling with both parents, immigration officials often request documentation to establish that the children are travelling with the permission of both parents. Documentation may include notarized letters from the parent(s), custody decree, adoption papers, or death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.

If you are driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, you will need to secure a temporary importation permit at the point of entry. Vehicle and vessel permits are valid for 30 days.

Visa fees and extensions

As a Haitian citizen, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Belize. The visa fees vary depending on your citizenship. For instance, for a single-entry visa valid for six months, citizens of China must pay BZ$3000, while people from India, Nepal, Thailand, and a few other nations pay BZ$750. All other nationals need to pay only BZ$200.

If you are visiting Belize for less than 30 days, you may not need a visa. However, you must have a valid passport and a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover your stay. You will also need to provide proof of an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay. If you decide to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay. The permit required to extend your stay in Belize beyond 30 days is the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. The fee for this extension is BZ$200, and you will need to reapply every 30 days if you wish to keep extending your stay.

Belize has a special visa scheme for digital nomads and other remote workers called the "Work Where You Vacation" program. This program allows citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, or Canada to work remotely in Belize for up to six months. The cost of this program is BZ$500 per adult and BZ$200 for children under 18.

Digital nomad visa

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a wide range of wildlife, culture, and history. It is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its affordability, tropical climate, and natural beauty. The Belizean government has also introduced a digital nomad visa to attract remote workers to the country.

The Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa for Belize is called the "Work Where You Vacation" program. It allows individuals to stay in Belize for six months, with the possibility of extension. The program is open to families and gives children the opportunity to study in the Belizean school system. The program includes a work permit, a student permit for children, and special offers on activities, entertainment, and accommodations.

Who Can Apply?

The Work Where You Vacation program does not have any nationality restrictions. However, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum annual income of $75,000 for individuals or $100,000 for couples/families.
• A valid passport.
• A travel insurance policy with a minimum of $50,000 of coverage.
• A clear criminal record (no more than 6 months old).
• Proof of employment outside of Belize.
• A notarized banking reference and statement of account.

How to Apply

Applying for the Work Where You Vacation program can be done online through the Immigration Department. Applicants must email their application to [email protected] or [email protected]. Once approved, applicants can travel to Belize with their travel documents and pay the program fee at the airport upon arrival.

The cost of the digital nomad visa is not specified, but it is estimated to be around $300, as another type of temporary residency visa in Belize costs the same. The application process is expected to take a few weeks.

Frequently asked questions