Visa Regulations for Entering Belize
Visitors to Belize must have a valid passport and a return ticket. Depending on their nationality and the length of their stay, they may also require a visa. Visitors from most countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, can enter Belize without a visa for up to 30 days. Those who plan to stay for longer or who are from countries not covered by this agreement will need to apply for a visa.
Important rules to be aware of in relation to visas:
- A passport with at least six months validity remaining
- A return ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for the length of their stay
- In some cases, a yellow fever vaccine certificate
- Proof of hotel booking or other accommodation arrangements
Visitors can successfully navigate these regulations by ensuring that they have all the required documentation before they travel and by checking with the Belizean embassy or consulate in their home country to confirm the most up-to-date visa requirements.
Types of visas available in Belize:
- Tourist visa: This visa is for visitors who want to come to Belize for a holiday, sightseeing, or to visit friends and family. It is valid for up to 30 days, and can be extended once for a further 30 days.
- Business visa: This visa is for those who want to come to Belize to conduct business activities. It is valid for up to 90 days.
- Student visa: This visa is for students who want to study in Belize. It is valid for the length of the course.
- Work visa: This visa is for those who want to work in Belize. It is valid for up to one year, and can be renewed annually.
Visa Exemptions in Belize:
Visitors from most countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Belize without a visa for up to 30 days.
Relationship Between Visas and Residency in Belize:
A visa is not the same as residency. Visitors who wish to live in Belize permanently must apply for residency, which involves a different set of requirements and procedures. Those who hold a work visa may be eligible to apply for residency.
Reliable Information on Visas for Entry into Belize:
- Belizean embassy or consulate in the visitor’s home country
- Belize Tourism Board: https://www.travelbelize.org/
- Belize Department of Immigration: http://immigration.gov.bz/
To enter Belize as a tourist or for business purposes, most foreign nationals require a visa. It is advisable to apply for a visa before traveling to Belize.
The application process for a Belize visa can be completed online through the Belize eVisa system. The eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. The official eVisa website for Belize can be found at https://evisa.immigration.gov.bz/.
Relevant Authorities
The Belize Department of Immigration and Nationality Services is responsible for processing visa applications. The department can be contacted for additional information on visas and the application process at +501-227-2420 or through their website at https://immigration.gov.bz/.
Where to apply for a visa for Belize
US and UK expats can apply for a Belize visa through the official eVisa website at https://evisa.immigration.gov.bz/. Alternatively, expats can apply for a visa at a Belize consulate in their home country.
Consulates for US expats can be found in Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. The Consulate General of Belize in Miami can be contacted at +1 (305) 599-3560 and the Consulate General of Belize in Los Angeles can be contacted at +1 (310) 575-5555. The Consulate General of Belize in New York can be contacted at +1 (212) 972-3755.
Consulates for UK expats can be found in London and Edinburgh. The Belize High Commission in London can be contacted at +44 (0) 20 7724 7485 and the Honorary Consulate of Belize in Edinburgh can be contacted at +44 (0) 131 225 6260.
Documents required for a visa for Belize
The following documents are required for a Belize visa application:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the date of arrival in Belize
- A completed visa application form
- A passport-sized photograph
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay in Belize
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Belize
Additional information on the required documents can be found on the Belize Department of Immigration and Nationality Services website at https://immigration.gov.bz/.
Translations of documents may be necessary if the documents are not in English.
Application process time for a visa for Belize
The processing time for a Belize visa can vary, but typically takes 5 to 7 working days. Expedited processing options may be available for an additional fee.
Cost of a visa for Belize
The cost of a Belize visa is $50.00. There may be additional fees for expedited processing and any additional services, such as courier delivery of the visa.
Other associated costs may include the cost of travel to a Belize consulate, cost of passport photos, and the cost of obtaining any additional required documents.