Filipino Visa Options For Belize

Filipinos travelling to Belize are required to obtain a visa. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit. For instance, a tourist visa is required for Filipinos travelling for tourism purposes, while a business visa is required for those travelling for business purposes. Filipinos can apply for a Belizean visa at a Belizean embassy or consulate, or through a licensed visa agent if there is no consulate in the Philippines. The visa application process typically involves submitting the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial capability, along with the completed application form and the associated fees.

Filipinos travelling to Belize for business purposes

The basic requirements for a Belizean Visa are:

• A valid passport, with at least six months remaining on it.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Copies of travel itinerary and/or airline round-trip tickets.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservations, contact information for friends or relatives in Belize).
• Proof of financial capability (bank statements from the last six months).
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• Payment of visa fees.

For a business visa, Filipinos will also need to provide:

• Proof of business contract.
• An invitation letter from the organisation they are visiting.

It is important to note that all visitors to Belize must present a valid passport, except for cruise ship passengers. Additionally, visas should be obtained prior to travelling to Belize.

Filipinos travelling to Belize for tourism

Firstly, travellers should ensure that their passport is valid for at least 3 months after the date of their arrival in Belize. It is also important to have a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover the duration of their stay. These documents must be presented to the immigration officers at Belize’s international airport upon arrival.

To obtain a visa, Filipino travellers will need to apply via a Belize consulate. There are two separate visa categories: sponsored and self-sponsored. Each visa category requires a different set of documentation, which can be found on Belize’s immigration website. It is also worth noting that visa fees vary depending on the traveller's country of origin. For example, citizens from China are required to pay BZ$3000 for a single-entry visa, while people from India, Nepal, Thailand and a few other nations pay BZ$750. All other nationals pay BZ$200.

If Filipino travellers wish to stay in Belize for less than 30 days, they may not need to obtain a visa. However, it is always important to check the latest entry requirements before travelling. Additionally, travellers with valid multiple-entry Schengen visas may also be exempt from requiring a visa.

For those who wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days, Belize offers a Visitor's Permit Extension, which allows visitors to stay for an additional 30 days. This process can be repeated as many times as needed, but a fee of BZ$200 is required each time.

Filipinos travelling to Belize for work purposes

The visa application process for Filipino citizens involves submitting an application form to a foreign mission abroad, which will process and issue the visa after a few weeks. The application form can be found on the Belize Visa Application website. Additionally, it is important to note that visas should be obtained prior to arriving in Belize. This can usually be facilitated by a travel agent or the hotel/resort booked for the trip.

The visa fees vary depending on citizenship. For example, for a single-entry visa valid for six months, citizens of China are required to pay BZ$3000, while citizens of India, Nepal, Thailand, and a few other nations must pay BZ$750. All other nationals only need to pay BZ$200.

Upon arrival in Belize, visitors must present a valid passport, a flight itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. It is also recommended to have international travel insurance, especially if driving or boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, as a temporary importation permit and international insurance coverage are required.

It is important to note that the validity of the passport should be checked before applying for a visa. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date, or the application will be rejected. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of arrival in Belize.

For those planning to stay in Belize for an extended period, the "Work Where You Vacation" visa program is available. This program allows digital nomads who are citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, or Canada to work remotely in Belize for up to six months. The requirements for this visa include a minimum annual income of US$75,000 for individuals without dependents and US$100,000 for those travelling with children. The cost of this program is BZ$500 per adult and BZ$200 for children under 18.

Belize also has a separate Long-Term Visa for foreign nationals intending to reside in the country for various purposes, including employment. This visa is offered to nationals from developed countries with proof of income from outside Belize who wish to live there for more than 90 days.

Visa application fees

The cost of applying for a Belize visa varies depending on your nationality. For instance, for a single-entry visa valid for six months, citizens from China need to pay BZ$3000, and people from India, Nepal, Thailand, and a few other nations need to pay BZ$750 to apply. All other nationals need only pay BZ$200.

The Belize visa application fee for a single-entry 90-day visa is USD $50.00 plus USD $30.00 for shipping and handling, or USD $100.00 plus USD $30.00 for shipping and handling. The payment must be made via money order, certified cheques, bank drafts, or cash (in person) to the order of the Embassy of Belize. The Embassy does not accept personal cheques or liability for any loss incurred due to delays in processing or delivery.

Additionally, citizens of China, India, and a few other countries are required to pay a repatriation fee of $600 upon arrival in Belize. This fee is mandatory for the designated nationals.

If you are a citizen of the US, Canada, or the UK, you do not need a visa to enter Belize for stays of up to 30 days. However, you must have a valid passport and a return ticket within 30 days.

Visa application form

The Belizean visa application form can be completed online or by hand. The form must be completed in full and submitted to a foreign mission abroad, which will process the application and issue a visa, usually within a few weeks.

The application form will require the following information:

• Personal details: full name, date of birth, address, etc.
• Passport information: number, expiry date, date and country of issue, etc.
• Travel plans: expected arrival and departure dates, flight numbers, etc.
• Proof of funds: bank statements, financial support letters, etc.
• Accommodation details: hotel bookings, rental agreements, etc.
• Health information: COVID-19 test results or proof of vaccination.
• Character references: a letter of invitation from a sponsor in Belize.

It is important to note that the visa application form must be submitted along with the relevant supporting documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, and proof of sponsorship or invitation from Belize. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date in Belize, and it must have blank visa pages.

Additionally, visitors should be aware of the visa-exempt countries list, which allows citizens of certain countries to enter Belize without a visa for short visits. However, for stays exceeding 30 days, a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' is required, which can be obtained from an Immigration Office in Belize.

Frequently asked questions