Belize Passport Travel Destinations

Belize passport holders can travel to many countries without needing a visa. For example, citizens of Belize can enter other Central American countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union without a visa. However, for stays in Belize of over 30 days, a visa is required, and visitors must pay an exit fee.

Visa requirements for Belize

To enter Belize, most nationalities require a passport that is valid for at least 30 days beyond their arrival date, proof of their onward journey, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors are typically granted a one-month stay, after which they can apply for a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' in one-month increments for up to six months. Beyond this, visitors may need to provide further documentation to the local immigration office explaining the reason for their extended stay, and they may need to pay additional fees.

Visas are not required for citizens of the following countries and territories:

• United States of America and its territories
• Canada
• United Kingdom and its territories
• European Union Member States
• Caribbean Community Member States (CARICOM)
• Central American countries

However, for visits exceeding 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 180 days, a visa and requisite extensions are required to remain in Belize legally.

If entering Belize by land, different fees apply depending on the duration of the stay. Additionally, visitors driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico must obtain a temporary importation permit at the point of entry, which is valid for 30 days and must be extended every 30 days.

Belize's crime rate

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. The country's crime rate & statistics for 2021 were 31.25, a 20.98% increase from 2020. In 2022, the murder rate per 100,000 population was 25.6, a 9.6% reduction from 2021. However, this is still significantly higher than the regional average of 18.3 homicides per 100,000 population.

Belize also experiences other types of violent crime, including armed robbery, shootings, domestic abuse, and sexual assault. These crimes are a concern for both locals and tourists, as criminals frequently target tourists, even in tourist areas and during daylight hours. In 2022, reported instances of rape increased by 100%, while unlawful sexual intercourse experienced a 30.4% rise.

Serious gang-related violence occurs most frequently in Belize City, particularly in the area south of the Haulover Creek, known as Southside. While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, anyone near an incident could be affected.

In addition to violent crime, theft of cash, credit cards, phones, and other personal belongings is also common in Belize, including in tourist destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended that travellers be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times, avoid walking or driving at night, and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.

Travelling with children

If you are travelling to Belize with children, there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, all children under 18 years of age must have a valid passport and a letter of parental consent. If a child is travelling with only one parent, a notarized letter of authority from the other parent, indicating travel consent, is required. This letter should also specify that the parent has given permission for the child to travel. In addition, immigration officials may ask to see the birth certificates of any minor children. If the child is not travelling with both parents, officials may also request additional documentation, such as custody or adoption papers, or death certificates if one or both parents are deceased. It is important to have all the necessary documentation in order to avoid any issues when travelling with children to Belize.

When travelling to Belize with children, it is also important to be aware of the country's high crime rate. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, armed robbery, and murder are common, even in tourist areas and during daylight hours. While American citizens have not been specifically targeted, there has been an increase in crimes such as theft and burglary in recent years. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and be vigilant at all times, especially when visiting tourist attractions. It is recommended to travel in groups and stick to the main plazas at Maya ruins.

In addition to the above, there are some health considerations to keep in mind when travelling to Belize with children. The country is identified as a Zika risk area, and mosquitoes carrying the virus are active during the day and night. It is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to be up to date on all recommended vaccinations. Medical care in Belize may also be limited, especially in rural and remote areas, so it is recommended to purchase medical evacuation insurance in case of any emergencies.

Lastly, when travelling with children, it is important to be mindful of the local laws and customs in Belize. For example, Belize has strict laws against drug use and possession, and even small amounts of illegal drugs can result in heavy fines or imprisonment. It is also important to respect religious and cultural norms, and to be considerate of the local communities when visiting.

Travelling with pets

Belize does not quarantine cats and dogs that meet the following requirements. All requirements also apply to service and emotional support animals.

Firstly, you must obtain an import permit for your pet. You can complete the application process online by emailing [email protected]. You will need to pay a fee for this service. Failure to file an import permit will result in a fine and may result in your pet being placed in quarantine upon entry.

Secondly, your pet must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Belize. They do not honour the 3-year rabies vaccination. Pets entering Belize before the waiting period has expired will be home-quarantined.

Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus, and cats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleucopaenia. A rabies titer test is not required to enter Belize from any country.

Your pet must also be treated against ticks and tapeworm within 30 days of entering Belize.

Your pet must enter Belize via Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville. Pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo. The Director of Animal Health must be notified two days in advance of your pet's arrival. Veterinary inspection at the point of entry will only be done during daylight hours (9 am – 4 pm).

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to rabies vaccination requirements but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Belize.

If your pet is not a dog, cat, or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case.

Entry requirements for dual citizens

Dual citizenship means being a citizen of Belize and another country at the same time. The requirements for dual citizens depend on the policies of the second country where the citizen is applying for citizenship. Some countries allow people to keep their citizenship after becoming citizens of another country, while others do not.

If you are a citizen of Belize seeking dual citizenship, you must find out if the other country recognizes dual citizenship with Belize. Contact the other country's embassy or consulate to learn if you are eligible.

If you are a dual citizen of Belize and another country, you must use a Belizean passport to enter and leave Belize. If you are not travelling to Belize, you may use whichever passport you prefer.

Different countries have different laws on dual citizenship. Some countries may not permit it. Research the laws on dual citizenship in your destination before you travel. The Country Information Page for your destination is a helpful resource. You may also check in with the embassy of any country where you have a foreign nationality before you travel.

• Entry and Exit Requirements: When travelling to a country where you have citizenship, you may need to use a passport from that country or show an ID from that country. Some countries impose restrictions on its departing citizens. For example, they may need an exit visa.
• Exit Bans: Some countries may impose exit bans on dual citizens as an alternative to criminal detention or in civil or familial disputes.
• Limited Assistance from Belize: Local authorities may not recognize your Belizean nationality if you are also a national of that country. This is especially true if you did not enter the country using your Belizean passport. Even if dual citizens who are detained ask police or prison officials to notify the Belizean embassy or consulate, Belizean consular officials may not be allowed to access them.
• Military Service: Dual citizens may have to do military service in the foreign country where they are a national. This obligation may be imposed immediately upon arrival or when attempting to leave the country.
• Registration: In some countries, you may be required to register your other nationalities.
• Prohibition of Dual Nationality: Some countries prohibit dual nationality. You may be forced to give up that country’s nationality if you are also a Belizean national.

Frequently asked questions