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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La información contenida en este artículo es meramente orientativa. No constituye asesoramiento financiero, jurídico o fiscal, ni una recomendación o solicitud de inversión. Algunos hechos pueden haber cambiado desde el momento de su redacción.
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.
| Entry Type | Number of Destinations | List of Countries/Regions |
| Visa-Free | 58 | Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Bahamas; Barbados; Benin; Botswana; Brazil; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; Eswatini; Fiji; Gambia; Georgia; Grenada; Guatemala; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Hong Kong; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Kiribati; Kosovo; Lesotho; Malaysia; Mauritius; Mexico; Micronesia; Nicaragua; Palestinian Territories; Philippines; Panama; Peru; Russian Federation; Rwanda; St. Lucia; Singapore; South Africa; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Suriname; Taiwan; Tanzania; Trinidad & Tobago; Türkiye; Uganda; Uruguay; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu; Venezuela; Zambia; Zimbabwe |
| Visa-on-Arrival/eVisa | 39 | Armenia; Bolivia; Burundi; Cambodia; Cape Verde; Comoros; Congo (Dem. Republic); Cuba; Djibouti; Egypt; Equatorial Guinea; Ethiopia; Gabon; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; India; Iran; Laos; Lebanon; Macao; Madagascar; Maldives; Marshall Islands; Mauritania; Mozambique; Nepal; Nigeria; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Samoa; Sierra Leone; Solomon Islands; Sri Lanka; Timor-Leste; Togo; Tuvalu; Ukraine; Vietnam |
| Pre-enrolment / eTA | 5 | Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast); Israel; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Seychelles; United Kingdom |
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 revise and approval.
Conclusión
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.
Preguntas frecuentes
Does Belize allow dual citizenship with the US?
Yes. Belize permits dual citizenship, including with the United States.
Americans can hold both US and Belizean passports legally.
What is the crime rate in Belize?
Based on the latest data from Macrotrends, Belize crime rate per 100K population for 2021 was 31.25, a 20.98% increase from 2020.
Can I live in Belize for $1000 a month?
Yes, it is possible to live in Belize on $1000 a month, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas where housing and food costs are lower.
However, expats in popular areas like Ambergris Caye or Placencia often spend more, closer to $1500–$2500 monthly, depending on lifestyle.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa for Japan?
Yes. Belizeans require a visa to enter Japan for tourism or business purposes. Applications must be submitted in advance through Japanese consular services.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa for Canada?
Yes. Belizean citizens must obtain a Visitor Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. They are not eligible for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is reserved for visa-exempt travelers.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa to Go to England?
Belizean citizens no longer need a visa for short-term visits (up to six months).
However, as of January 8, 2025, they must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance.
The ETA is valid for multiple entries over two years but does not guarantee admission at the border.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa to Go to the Philippines?
No. Belizean citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free for short stays up to 30 days for tourism or leisure. However, they must complete the eTravel pre-registration online within 72 hours before departure.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa to Go to the US?
Yes. Belizean citizens must obtain a US nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B-1 for business or B-2 for tourism) before traveling.
The process requires submitting Form DS-160, scheduling an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate, attending a visa interview, and receiving consular approval before entry.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa for Turkey?
No. Belizean citizens are permitted visa-free entry to Turkey for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business travel.
Proof of onward travel, valid passport, and accommodation may be required upon arrival.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa to Go to Colombia?
No. Belizeans enjoy visa-free entry to Colombia for short stays, typically up to 90 days.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa for Ireland?
No. Belizean citizens can travel to Ireland visa-free for short-term visits, typically for up to 90 days. Longer stays require the appropriate visa.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa for Korea?
Yes. Belizeans must secure a visa to enter South Korea for tourism or business purposes.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa to Go to Indonesia?
Yes. Belizean citizens are not eligible for a visa-on-arrival in Indonesia. Instead, they must apply for a B211A visa (visit visa) before arrival.
This visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended twice (maximum stay of 180 days total).
Do Belizeans Need a Visa for Thailand?
Yes. Belizean passport holders do not receive visa-free entry.
They must obtain either an eVisa (electronic visa) prior to travel or complete the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), required for entry starting May 2025.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa to Go to Panama?
No. Belizeans enjoy visa-free entry to Panama for short visits, typically up to 180 days.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa to Go to New Zealand?
Yes. Belizeans require a visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) for tourism or short-term travel.
Do Belizeans Need a Visa for Brazil?
No. Belizeans can enter Brazil visa-free for short stays, usually up to 90 days.
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