Belize, like most countries, wants to protect its borders, so there are entry requirements for anyone who wants to visit. They’re different depending on your country of origin, but it’s usually pretty simple to understand, and in many cases you won’t need to do anything at all.

The main requirements are listed below. Making sure you understand the rules is definitely worth the effort. That way, your vacation can begin, headache-free, the moment you arrive in Belize.
Countries ‘no visa required’
Visitors from the countries below do not require a visa to enter Belize, but there may be a minimum length that your passport must be after your departure; verify this with your home consulate. You will also need to provide proof that you intend to leave Belize; a return plane ticket will suffice for this.

There is visa-free entry to Belize for nationals of:

– US and Territories (or US permanent residents)
– Canada (or permanent residents of Canada)
– Member States of the European Union (EU)
– Schengen visa holders
– Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
– Central and South America: Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay
– Others: Iceland, Norway, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom
Countries with ‘Visa Required’
Visitors from several other countries will require a visa to enter Belize. You can check the full list on the Belize Government Immigration website.
Applying for a visa: cost and process
There is a fee to apply for a Belize visa, and the cost varies depending on the visa you are applying for.

Visas allow you a visit of up to 30 days, but if you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension, a ‘Belize Visitor Permit Extension’, so you can stay 60, 90 or even 180 days. The cost of each expansion is BZ$200.

You can apply for your Belize visa through your home country’s consulate or a travel agent, and your visa must be approved and issued before you arrive in Belize.

There are two types of visas available to tourists:
Single Entry Visa
– One entry into Belize is allowed
– Valid for 6 months from the date of issue
– The cost depends on where you are from, but the rates are currently:
– People’s Republic of China: BZ$3000
– India, Nepal, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka: BZ$750
– All other countries: BZ$200
Multiple entry visa
– Multiple entries into Belize are allowed
– Valid for 12 months from the date of issue
– The cost depends on where you are from, but currently the rates are:
– People’s Republic of China: BZ$4000
– India, Nepal, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka: 1000 BZ$
– All other countries: BZ$300
Entering Belize with children
If you plan to travel to Belize as a single parent with one child, be sure to bring a notarized letter of authority from the other parent with you, as you will need to show it when you arrive.
Belize and COVID-19
Due to COVID-19, there are currently additional requirements to enter Belize. These are changing rapidly, so check your country’s consulate or the Belizean government website for the latest updates.