Belize Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

Going on a tour abroad is an effective way to relax. Although there are certain formalities that you need to follow. At the time of visiting Belize, you first need to have a visa for the same. If you are planning on to touring the country, you will need a Belize tourist visa. With this visa, you can even visit your friends and family living in the country. The validity of the visa varies from 30 days to 3 months. Although the stay permitted per visit is for 30 days. It can even be extended as per the requirement.

Before going ahead with the application process, it is important that you meet the eligibility criteria. The process for the Belize tourist visa application is mainly offline and you can apply to the High Commission directly or through the professional visa services. The steps for the process are given as follows:

1. Download the tourist visa application form.
2. Fill the form completely with required details.
3. Sign the visa application form as per the provided signatory proof.
4. Attach the given list of documents to the form.
5. Submit the documents personally to the Belize Consulate.

At the time of filling out the form, you need to make sure that the information provided on the visa application form checks out with the details on your passport and other documents. If there is any incorrect or unverifiable information, there are chances that the visa application may get rejected. This kind of visa rejection can even affect your future applications for any kind of visa to Belize or any other country as well. To avoid the same, you can even pursue consultation from the professionals to make sure not to make a mistake that could have consequences.

When you are applying for a Belize tourist visa, you first must make sure to meet the eligibility criteria. These are the parameters set by the Belize Consulate to sort the eligible applicants easing the process of issuing the visas. The important criteria are listed as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Belize.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Belize.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Belize.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Belize.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

Different types of documents are required as per the type of visa. The list of common Belize tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens are listed as follows:

• An original passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel.
• Visa application form, completely filled and signed
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A cover letter with all the required details
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Travel Health Insurance
• Detailed Itinerary
• Invitee’s passport and residence proof
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc.
• Proof of purpose of visit - invitation letter, exhibition or conference pass, etc. 
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document.
• Proof of identification and nationality - PAN card, Adhaar card

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame - 32 mm x 36 mm. 
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the issuance of the Belize tourist visa varies as per the type. Generally, it takes about 3 to 7 days, however, if the application needs to be verified by the Director of the Immigration and Nationality Services, the processing time may go up to a couple to several weeks. The time will still vary depending on other factors like the workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters. 

The fees for the issuance of the Belize tourist visa is paid to the Belize Consulate. It is mainly paid in cash and in Indian National Rupees (INR). The estimation of the visa fee is based on various factors. It can also be affected by the type of visa, the location of the application or based on the type of passport.

It is important that you follow the guidelines when carrying out the application process. Some of the pointers are listed as follows -

• The documents that are attached to the visa application form must be in good condition.
• You do not necessarily need to book an appointment for the submission of the form and the documents.
• The visa application form must be completely filled and signed which can be submitted to the visa application centre or directly to the Belize Consulate.
• The application form must be submitted in person. 
• You must also make sure to submit the application at least 15 days prior to the date of travel.
• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the consulate/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

The application process for a Belize tourist visa is offline. Therefore, it is convenient to check the status offline. The status of the processing of the visa can be checked by confirming with the visa application centre or by calling the Consulate. You just have to contact the Consulate, make sure you have your visa application number with you as this is required to check the status.

After you have received the visa, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Some of the most important ones are listed as follows:

• Before you travel
• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Belize within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Belize

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.