Visitors to Belize must have a passport to enter, valid for at least 30 days after their arrival, and proof of intent to depart the country. Visas are not required for citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries.
See: Who visits Belize and Belize’s tourism statistics
Tourists are given a 30-day stay, after which a Belize Visitor’s Permit Extension can be applied for in one-month increments for up to six months. There is no entry fee for Belize but there is a mandatory departure fee. The fee will differ based on whether you leave Belize through its international airport or land borders with Guatemala or Mexico.
COVID-19 travel requirements for Belize
As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed its COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions for foreign tourists.
All public health measures at Belize’s land and sea entry points are no longer required. This includes needing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result, having to purchase the Belize Travel Health Insurance, wearing masks indoors, and any curfew mandates.
However, tourists are still recommended to stay at certified gold standard hotels or vacation rentals and to purchase the Belize Travel Health Insurance. The insurance costs US-$18 and it covers up to $50,000 in COVID-19-related medical expenses and up to $2,000 for lodging expenses.
Non-visa nationals
Except for a few countries, most individuals don’t require a tourist visa to visit Belize. Here is a list of countries and territories that don’t need a visa for entry:
Visa-exempt countries and territories
- European Union Member States (EU)
- Caribbean Community Member States (CARICOM)
- United States of America & Territories
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Chile
- Guatemala
- Iceland
- Mexico
- Norway
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
Commonwealth citizens
Most Commonwealth citizens don’t require a visa to enter Belize with the EXCEPTION of a few countries. They include:
Countries that require a visa
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Chad
- India
- Mozambique
- Nauru
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- West African Countries
If you don’t see your country here please consult with your embassy. And if you need to apply for a visa, visit belizeembassyusa.mfa.gov.bz/consular-services.
FAQ:
1. Is there an entry fee for Belize?
There is no entry fee for Belize. However, there is a departure tax that is used for infrastructure development, airport/ border maintenance or expansion, and national conservation efforts.
Belize’s airport exit fee is US$73.50 for tourists and BZ$35 for Belizean citizens or residents. At land borders, the fee is US$20 for tourists only.
2. What are current Belize COVID-19 travel restrictions?
As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all public health measures at its points of entry (land and sea). Travelers do not need a vaccination card/ immunization record or need to provide a COVID-19 test. Masks, curfew, and health insurance rules have also been lifted.
Previously, staying at a Gold Standard Hotel was mandatory. This is no longer the case – tourists are just recommended to stay there. However, by now, most Belize hotels and vacation rentals (over 95%) have gone through the country’s Gold Standard hotel program.
3. How long can tourists stay in Belize? And when is a Visitor’s Permit needed?
Tourists can stay for up to 30 days in Belize. For those that desire to stay for longer than one month, a Visitor’s Permit Extension, which is given in one-month increments, is required. Visitor permits can be obtained from Belize immigration offices throughout the country at a fee of US-$100.00 for every extended period of 30 days for up to six months.
4. Is Proof of Intent to depart Belize needed to enter the country? (E.g. a return ticket or onward ticket)
When entering Belize, international tourists must have proof of their intent to depart Belize, such as a return ticket or onward ticket ( e.g. airline ticket, pre-purchased bus ticket, or proof of passage on a cruise ship). This includes having a valid passport for no less than 30 days after the intended period of stay.
5. What are the protocols for traveling with kids without one or both parents?
Along with a passport, children under 18 years must have a notarized letter of parental consent if they are traveling without one or both of their parents.
6. What are the regulations for traveling with pets in Belize?
Pets must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by a vet from the country of origin and an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).
7. Can visitors bring their car or boat to Belize?
Visitors driving or boating into Belize must secure a temporary importation permit at their point of entry from Mexico or Guatemala. Vehicle/vessel permits are valid for 30 days and must be extended every 30 days.
8. Which passport should dual citizens use to enter Belize?
One of the best aspects of having dual citizenship is that you can use it to your advantage when it comes to immigration requirements. So use the passport that allows you to travel more freely.
Belizeans that have dual citizenship should use their Belize passport to enter and depart Belize so as to avoid any hassle or potential tourist fees.
9. Can visitors to Belize stay permanently?
Yes, there is a large ex-pat community in Belize, in particular in the islands and coastal towns. To stay in Belize long-term, visitors must go through the process of acquiring permanent residency. To be eligible to apply for permanent residence, individuals must stay in Belize for one year and have continuously paid legal residence fees.
