Is Belize Passport Strong? Visa-Free Countries and Ranking

Belize’s passport ranks around 50th–55th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries, including the United Kingdom, much of Latin America, and parts of Asia.

This provides moderate global mobility, making it a valuable option for expats, investors, and travelers seeking flexible international access.

In this article, we cover key details about the Belize passport, including:

• Belize passport strength
• What are the Belize passport visa-free countries?
• Is it difficult to get citizenship in Belize?
• How much does a passport cost in Belize?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

How Strong is Belize Passport?

Belize has a moderately strong passport, offering reasonable global mobility compared to other Central American and Caribbean nations.

As of 2025, Belize holds the following passport rankings:

• Henley Passport Index: Ranked 46th, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 102 countries.
• Nomad Capitalist Passport Index: Ranked 99th, with a total score of 70, considering factors like taxation, dual citizenship, and personal freedom.
• Passport Index: Ranked 52nd, providing visa-free access to 58 countries, with 39 requiring a visa on arrival and 5 requiring an eTA.

Which Countries Can Belizeans Travel Without a Visa?

Here’s a quick reference to Belize passport visa-free countries across Americas, Europe, and Asia.

How Much is Citizenship in Belize?

Belize does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program.

However, it does offer an investment path to citizenship through residency with a minimum of US$24,000 investment through QRP Program.

The three residency pathways include:

• Temporary Investment Residency: Invest approximately BZ$500,000 in real estate or business; receive a 1-year renewable permit leading to permanent residency.
• Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program: Requires applicants aged 40+ with at least US$24,000 annual foreign income; can lead to permanent residency.
• Work, Self-Employment, or Business Residency: Entrepreneurs and professionals can apply, renew annually, and eventually pursue citizenship.

How Much is a Passport in Belize?

Aside from the investment or residency route, the Belize passport involves fees such as:

• Nationality by registration fee: US$300
• Nationality by descent fee: $40
• Replacement of nationality certificate fee: $100
• Administrative and processing fees: USD 2,000–5,000
• Permanent residency and security bond fees (varies by nationality)

How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport in Belize?

The process is multi-stage, with timelines ranging from about 6 months to more than 7 years depending on residency and citizenship requirements.

• Temporary Residency to Permanent Residency takes about 6 to 24 months, after fulfilling a year of continuous legal residence with minimal absences.
• Citizenship can be applied for after five years of PR, with processing typically ranging from 6 months to over a year.
• Once citizenship is granted, the passport issuance is relatively swift, approximately 3 weeks locally, or up to 16 weeks when applied for through foreign missions.

What are The Key Belize Passport Benefits?

For expats, investors, and citizens, the benefits include:

• Dual citizenship permitted: Belize allows dual nationality, enabling individuals to retain another passport while enjoying the privileges of Belizean citizenship.
• Access to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM): Belizeans can move, work, and study more easily within CARICOM member states, broadening regional opportunities.
• Stable political environment: As a democratic and English-speaking nation, Belize offers political stability and legal systems rooted in common law, which appeals to foreign investors and second passport seekers.
• Affordable living and taxation: Belize has relatively low living costs and a tax-friendly environment, with no capital gains tax or inheritance tax, making it attractive for high-net-worth individuals seeking efficient structures.
• Pathway to the United States: While Belizeans need a visa to enter the US, the country’s strong diplomatic ties can make visa applications smoother compared to some other jurisdictions.

What Are the Disadvantages of Belize Passport?

• Limited visa-free access to major countries: Does not grant visa-free entry to the United States, Canada, or most of the EU Schengen Area, which may inconvenience frequent travelers.
• Moderate global ranking: The Belize passport ranks moderately in global passport indexes, which can affect how immigration officers perceive entry applications.
• Limited diplomatic reach: As a small country, Belize offers fewer consular services abroad compared to larger nations.
• Potential complications with dual citizenship: While Belize allows dual nationality, some foreign governments may impose restrictions or additional tax obligations for dual nationals.

Belize vs Jamaica Passport

Belize and Jamaica both allow access to just over 100 countries without the need for a pre-arranged visa, placing them in the mid-tier range worldwide.

• Belize Passport: Around 102 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, ranking in the mid-40s globally.
• Jamaica Passport: Around 100 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, giving it nearly the same strength as Belize.

The main difference lies in regional access.

While Jamaica and Belize offer similar global travel access, Belize stands out in its regional strength, providing visa-free travel to more Latin American countries due to its geographical and Central American integration.

Jamaica’s access remains solid but is more Caribbean-focused, lacking the same breadth in the Americas.

Is it easy to get citizenship in Belize?

No, Belizean citizenship is generally not quick or simple to obtain.

Most applicants must first secure permanent residency, which typically requires at least 5 years of residence along with proof of financial stability, good character, and compliance with Belize’s immigration rules.

However, citizenship by marriage in Belize is often regarded as one of the easiest paths.

A foreign spouse of a Belizean citizen can apply for nationality after just 1 year of residency in Belize, provided the marriage is legally recognized and ongoing.

This makes the marriage route significantly faster than the standard process, though applications are still subject to official review and approval.

Conclusion

The Belize passport is moderately strong, offering access to over 100 countries and regional advantages through CARICOM membership.

While it does not match the global mobility of top-ranked passports, it remains a practical choice for those seeking dual citizenship, tax efficiency, and a stable base in Central America.

For investors and expats willing to commit to Belize’s residency requirements, the passport provides a balance of affordability, security, and strategic regional access.

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