Everything you should know about visas for Belize

The word is out about Belize, although experienced travelers have been adding the country’s stunning mountain ranges and underwater marvels to their itineraries for years.

Flying to this Central American gem is a breeze—most major US cities are just a two to three-hour flight away—and getting a visa to enter is equally straightforward. In fact, you might not even need one at all. Here’s our guide to ensure your arrival in Belize is effortless from the moment you step onto the sunlit runway.

If your stay is under 30 days, a visa may not be necessary

Many visitors to Belize on short trips can forgo a visa. A valid passport suffices for numerous nationalities, including travelers from the United States, Canada, and the UK. Depending on your nationality, you may stay in Belize for up to 30 days without needing to apply for an extension.

To check if your country qualifies for visa-free entry, visit the Belize Immigration Department website. Travelers holding valid multiple-entry Schengen visas may also be eligible for exemption.

How to apply for a visa to Belize

Citizens from certain countries, such as India, Egypt, and the Philippines, need a visa to enjoy the beaches of Belize. These travelers must possess a valid passport and apply through a Belizean consulate.

There are two distinct types of visas: sponsored and self-sponsored. Each type requires a specific set of documents. For detailed information on the necessary documentation for these visa categories, visit the Belize immigration website.

Visa fees differ based on your nationality

Visa fees vary based on your country of origin. For example, a single-entry visa valid for six months costs BZ$3000 for citizens from China, while applicants from India, Nepal, Thailand, and a few other countries pay BZ$750. All other nationals only need to pay BZ$200.

You can extend your stay beyond 30 days

A month might not be sufficient to fully immerse yourself in Belize’s rich cultural diversity and vibrant wildlife—and we completely understand why.

If you wish to prolong your visit, Belize provides a Visitor’s Permit Extension, granting an extra 30 days to admire ancient Maya temples or dive into the world’s second-largest barrier reef. However, you'll need to reapply every 30 days to continue extending, with a fee of BZ$200 each time.

There’s a visa program for digital nomads and other remote workers

Belize has turned the fantasy of a Zoom beach background into reality with its “Work Where You Vacation” program.

In response to the surge in remote work, this Caribbean nation welcomes digital nomads from the EU, the UK, the US, and Canada.

They can now spend their work hours at their laptops and their leisure time exploring the islands of Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. The permit allows digital nomads to operate from sunlit co-working spaces or the comfort of their rentals for up to six months.

What are the criteria for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Belize? For individuals without dependents, a minimum annual income of US$75,000 and employment outside of Belize are required.

Those traveling with children need to demonstrate a minimum annual income of US$100,000. In this case, student permits are also available, allowing children to attend a Belizean school during their stay.

Regarding the costs, joining the “Work Where You Vacation” program will cost BZ$500 per adult and BZ$200 for children under 18. For details on the application process, contact the Belize Immigration Department via email.

You will need to present some documentation upon your arrival in Belize.

When you arrive, those ready to explore must show a flight itinerary to the immigration officers at Belize’s sole international airport. A departure date is essential, and they may also ask for your intended address in Belize. While there’s no entry fee, you should be aware of a departure tax ranging from US$30 to US$60.

Belize may be small compared to its more glamorous neighbors like Costa Rica and Panama, but don’t be deceived—its vibrant marine life beneath the waves and majestic forests surrounding national parks offer plenty to experience. The country’s straightforward entry requirements make planning your trip a breeze.