Belize Visa Requirements

Belize is a popular destination for tourists, and whether or not a person needs a visa to enter the country depends on their nationality and the length of their stay. Generally, visitors from the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, the Caribbean, and Central America do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. However, those from other countries, such as India, Egypt, and the Philippines, do require a visa. For longer stays, all visitors may need to apply for extensions and pay additional fees.

Visa Requirements for Belize

Visa-exempt countries

Citizens of the following countries do not require 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
• United States of America
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Caribbean countries
• Central American countries

Citizens of these countries can enter Belize without a visa for an indefinite period unless otherwise noted. For example, those entering with a US, Canadian, or Schengen visa can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Additionally, holders of diplomatic or official passports from certain countries may enter Belize without a visa for up to 30 days.

It is important to note that visa-exempt travellers to Belize must still meet other requirements, such as possessing a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and documents for their next destination.

Visa requirements

Citizens of the following countries do not require 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
• United States of America and its territories
• Canada
• United Kingdom and its territories
• Caribbean countries
• Central American countries

Citizens of these countries can enter Belize without a visa for a period of up to 30 days. If visitors wish to stay longer than 30 days, they will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend their stay. The 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' allows visitors to extend their stay in the country for an additional 30 days, which can be reapplied for every 30 days. This extension costs BZ$200 each time.

Citizens of other countries, such as India, Egypt, and the Philippines, will need to apply for a visa to enter Belize. There are two types of visas: sponsored and self-sponsored. Each type of visa requires different documentation, which can be found on Belize's immigration website. Visa fees vary depending on the visitor's country of origin.

Upon arrival in Belize, visitors must provide a flight itinerary and may be asked to provide an intended address in the country. A passport valid for at least 30 days after the date of arrival and a return ticket are also required. Visitors are advised to have sufficient funds to cover their stay, with a recommended amount of 75 USD per day.

Visa extensions

If you are visiting Belize as a tourist, you do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. For visits longer than 30 days, you will need to visit a local immigration office to extend your stay in Belize. The permit required to extend your stay in Belize beyond the initial 30 days is the 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension'. The extension cost is $100 for each 30-day period.

The 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' allows you to extend your stay in Belize for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days, for an indefinite period. To apply for an extension to your tourist visa, it is recommended that you have the following documentation with you:

• Completed visa extension form
• Proof of a purchased return airline ticket. If you don’t have one, be prepared to show a lease with your name, demonstrating that you live in Belize
• A current bank statement showing a balance that proves you have the means to support yourself in Belize
• If you are extending the tourist visa for any children, you may be asked to provide the original birth certificate for each child

Each immigration office has its own requirements and personality, and both can change from month to month. Knowing the exact documentation currently being requested, and the best days and times to visit, will save you from making more than one trip.

For visits longer than six months, you may need to provide further documentation to the local immigration office explaining the reason for a longer stay, and you may need to pay additional fees.

Digital nomad visas

Belize is a small country in Central America with a wide range of wildlife, culture, and history. It is bordered by Guatemala and Mexico and has a population of about 441,000 people. The country has a 174-mile coastline and its capital is Belmopan. Belize is a constitutional monarchy with English as its national language, although other languages such as Spanish and Mayan are also spoken.

Belize has launched a digital nomad visa as part of its Work Where You Vacation Program, which aims to attract foreign visitors to the country. This visa allows digital nomads to stay in Belize for up to six months with the possibility of extension. The program is open to everyone, regardless of nationality, and offers special benefits such as work permits, student permits for children, and discounts on activities and accommodations.

Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Work Where You Vacation program has no nationality restrictions, but applicants must meet certain qualifications. These include:

• Working remotely for a company outside of Belize or owning a business outside of Belize.
• Earning a minimum annual salary of USD 75,000 for individuals or USD 100,000 for couples/families.
• Having a valid passport.
• Possessing travel insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000.
• Providing a clear criminal record (no older than 6 months).
• Providing a notarized banking reference and statement of account.

How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa

The application process for the Work Where You Vacation program is straightforward:

• Gather all the required documents, including proof of employment, income, and residence in Belize, as well as a criminal background check. Ensure that all documents are in English and are original copies.
• Download the application form, also known as the Temporary Residence Visa application form, and fill it out completely.
• Submit your application, along with the required documents, to the nearest Belize embassy or consulate, or send it via email to the Immigration Department of Belize at [email protected] or [email protected].
• Wait for the approval of your visa application, which should take a few weeks.
• Once approved, travel to Belize with your travel documents and pay the visa fee at the airport upon arrival.

The cost of the digital nomad visa is not specified, but it is estimated to be around USD 300, similar to the cost of another type of temporary residency visa. The processing time is also not specified but is expected to be a matter of weeks.

Other Visa Options

It is important to note that Belize has different visa requirements for different nationalities. For example, citizens of the United States, Canada, and countries in the European Union do not require a visa for stays of 30 days or less. However, for stays longer than 30 days, a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' is required, which can be obtained by visiting a local immigration office and paying an additional fee for each additional month.

Documents needed

The documents you need to enter Belize depend on where you are travelling from, how long you plan to stay, and whether you are travelling with children or pets.

Passport

All visitors to Belize must have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for more than six months for those transiting through Belize, and for at least 30 days after the date of arrival for those not travelling in transit to a third country.

Visa

Citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries do not need a visa to enter Belize. However, they can only stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Visitors from other countries, such as India, Egypt, and the Philippines, do need a visa. They can apply via a Belize consulate.

Other documents

All visitors to Belize must have a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay. The recommended amount is 75 USD per day. Visitors must also provide a flight itinerary and may be asked for an intended address in Belize.

If you are travelling with children, you will need to show proper documentation, including a valid passport and letter of parental consent. Children travelling with only one parent require a notarized letter of authority from the other parent.

If you are travelling with pets, you will need to bring an issued import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), a recent veterinary certificate, a valid rabies certificate, and any other relevant documents.

Frequently asked questions