Passport Card: Belize City Entry?

A passport card will not work for Belize City, Belize. All travellers to Belize must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay. The passport must be valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Visitors from the US, Canada, and the Schengen area are exempt from requiring a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, they must provide proof of their intent to depart Belize and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

U.S. citizens require a valid passport for entry to Belize

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

It is important to note that Belize is rated high for crime and has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Crime, including violent crimes, remains high in Belize, and U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and good situational awareness in all their travel activities.

Visas are not required for visits of up to 30 days

If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, or Central American countries, you do not need a visa to enter Belize for visits of up to 30 days. This is because Belize has granted visa exemption status to these countries. However, you will need a valid passport for the duration of your stay, proof of your intent to depart Belize (such as an onward or return ticket), and proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay.

If you are a citizen of a different country, you may still be able to enter Belize without a visa if you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or permanent residence card from the United States, Canada, or a Schengen country. Again, this exemption only applies for visits of up to 30 days.

It is important to note that while a visa may not be required for visits of up to 30 days, you will still need to meet other entry requirements for Belize. These requirements include having a valid passport for at least 30 days after your arrival and proof of your intent to depart the country. Additionally, all tourists and non-Belizean citizens are required to pay an exit fee when leaving Belize, which is typically included in the cost of your airline ticket.

If you plan to stay in Belize for more than 30 days, you will need to visit a local immigration office to extend your stay. The "Belize Visitor's Permit Extension" allows you to extend your stay in one-month increments for up to six months. After that, you may need to provide additional documentation and pay further fees to the local immigration office.

Sufficient funds and proof of return or onward travel must be shown

When travelling to Belize, it is important to have a valid passport, proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to ensure you have the correct documentation to meet these requirements:

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay in Belize. If you are not travelling in transit to a third country that requires a six-month validity, your passport only needs to be valid for a minimum of 30 days after your date of arrival. However, it is always good to have a buffer, so ensure your passport is valid for at least the length of your stay. Additionally, your passport should have several blank pages for entry and exit stamps and be in good condition, without any damage that could be deemed as tampering.

Proof of Onward or Return Ticket

Border officials may request to see proof of your intention to leave Belize before your visa or entry permit expires. This can be in the form of a return ticket or an onward ticket indicating your next destination.

Sufficient Funds

You must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Belize. This could be in the form of a credit card with a valid ID, bank statements, or other proof of financial means. Ensure that you have easy access to these documents while travelling to present to border officials if requested.

Additional Tips

It is always a good idea to make copies or backups of important documents and store digital copies in a secure place, such as an encrypted folder or cloud service. Additionally, check for any health requirements or COVID-19 regulations before your trip, as you may need to present specific documentation or test results upon entry to Belize. Finally, if you are travelling with minors, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a notarized letter of authorization from the non-travelling parent.

Belize has a high crime rate, including violent crimes

In addition to the high rate of violent crime, tourists are also vulnerable to theft, especially in popular tourist destinations. It is recommended that tourists use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside banks or businesses, and keep valuables out of sight to reduce the risk of theft.

While the overall homicide rate in Belize has been declining, other major crimes are on the rise. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in crimes affecting women and girls, such as sexual violence and unlawful sexual intercourse. Reported instances of rape doubled, while unlawful sexual intercourse increased by 30.4%.

The local police in Belize lack the resources and training to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents, and as a result, most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. This contributes to the high crime rate and sense of impunity in the country.

It is important for visitors to Belize to be aware of the high crime rate and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes being vigilant and aware of their surroundings, avoiding walking or driving at night, and not displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. By taking these precautions and staying informed about the latest safety and security information, travelers can help reduce their risk of becoming victims of crime in Belize.

An exit fee of around $40 is required for all non-Belizean citizens

When leaving Belize, there is an exit fee that must be paid by all non-Belizean citizens. This exit fee is known as the Belize departure tax and is used for infrastructure development, airport/border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts. The fee amount depends on whether you are departing via an airport or a land border.

For those leaving by air from Philip Goldson International Airport, non-citizens and non-residents of Belize are required to pay a departure tax of $55.50 (USD) plus a security screening fee of $0.75 (USD). This tax is typically included in the price of the airline ticket, but it is important to check before departure as it is only collected in cash and no credit cards are accepted.

For those departing via a land/water border to Guatemala or Mexico, there is a mandatory "Border Development Fee" of $2.50 (BZD), a conservation fee of $7.50 (BZD), and a departure tax of $30.00 (BZD). In total, travellers must pay $40.00 (BZD) or $20.00 (USD) to leave Belize via a land/water border. It is important to note that this fee must also be paid in cash, and US currency is accepted at all border points.

It is worth mentioning that travellers spending less than 24 hours in Belize, such as those in transit between Guatemala and Mexico, are exempt from paying the conservation fee.

Frequently asked questions