Belize Business Directory- Government and Community > Government Offices and Embassies

American Chamber of Commerce - Belize

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

We extend an invitation for you to join the American Chamber of Commerce of Belize. The objectives of the Chamber are:
- To promote and enhance American business interests in Belize including American direct investment in Belize.
-To represent the interests of members before the authorities of Belize that pertain to their commercial and industrial relations, with the goal to encourage and facilitate the transaction of mutual business interests, and especially to promote American interests in Belize without discussing or taking part in political activities.
-To support members in the promotion of their products and services in the United States of America.
- To provide a source of information and support for both potential and established American investors in Belize with respect to management and other business issues unique to the Belizean business environment.
-To participate in development, civic, economic, social and environmental programs to advance the general welfare and prosperity of Belize.
- To endeavor to establish and maintain memberships in business associations and other groups whose objectives are similar to the Chamber.

Belize Agricultural Health Authority

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is a statutory body designed to modernize the Agricultural Health Services in Belize. It was established under the Laws of Belize "Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act, Chapter 211 of the Substantive Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000." BAHA is governed by a Board of Directors, which is the policy making organ of the Authority, with representatives from both Government and the Private Sector.

Belize Arts Council

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

With a population of 195,000, Belize has a highly varied mixture with an exciting history. The history of Belize is the history of the Maya, the European, (both Spanish and English), Kekchi, African, East Indian, Chinese, Garifuna (Garinagu) people of the Middle East, Central Americans and many others. Three Maya languages (Mopan, Kekchi, and Yucatec) are spoken, making it virtually unique among the Caribbean countries. The language understood by most people is an English-derived Creole. Most Belizeans are of mixed ancestry: Mestizo (43.6%) is of Spanish and Maya descent, Creoles (29.8%) are of African and European ancestry while the three Maya groups make up 11% with the Garifuna (6.6%) a mixture of Amerindian Caribs and Africans.

According to archeologists working in Belize, the Maya have been in Belize as far back as 2,500 B.C. These Maya whose advanced civilization reached its peak between the 7th and 9th centuries were expert farmers employing advance methods of agriculture such as terracing, tree cropping and using raised fields with drainage canals. They studied advanced astronomy, devised a precise calendar, used math based on the zero concept, built magnificent temples, palaces and ballcourts which can be seen at Lamanai, Nim Li-Punit, Altun Ha, Xunantunich and Caracol.

From the early 16th century, to the early 18th century there was a period of Spanish colonial influence in Belize with periodic domination of Maya Belizeans. An expedition led by Davila to today's Corozal was quelled by Nachankan, Maya Chieftan with the help of Gonzalo Guerrero, a Spaniard, who married the chief's daughter and decided to fight with the Maya. Today Guerrero is known as the father of the Mestizo race. Other attempts by Gaspar Pacheco, Alonso Pacheco, Juan De Garzon and Martin Rodriguez and others were made to conquer the Belize Maya but were to no avail.

British occupancy of Belize dates to the mid-seventeenth century when one ex-buccaneer turned logwood cutter, Bartholomew Sharpe, came into contact with a Spanish priest Padre Jose Delgado in the Mullins River area of Belize. Padre Delgado was making his way from Guatemala to Mexico. From Spanish archives and records we can prove an early British presence in Belize. At this time piracy had been outlawed and logwood was fetching a pretty price on the European market in England's textile industry. In the latter eighteenth century and early nineteenth century. British settlers increasingly moved into the interior in search of mahogany. In this process the Maya strongly resisted British attempts to take over their territory.

In 1788, the Maya attacked woodcutters at New River. In 1802, some British troops were asked to be "sent up river to punish the Indians who are committing depredations upon the Mahogany works." Despite strong resistance the Maya were forced back by the British deeper into the rainforest around San Ignacio, Cayo. This however, did not keep the Maya down. They continued to fight right up to 1867 when Governor Austin ruled: "No Indians will be at liberty to reside upon or occupy or cultivate any land without previous payment or engagement to pay rent whether to the crown or to the owner of the land." It was in 1872 that Marcos Canul attacked the British Barracks at Orange Walk. He demanded rent and land but he could not capture the barracks and was killed.

The switch from logwood to mahogany, a hardwood found in the interior scattered in the Belize rain-forest, required more labor than the Baymen (as the early British settlers were known) could supply. By 1724, British settlers had acquired Afican slave labor from West Africa, via Bermuda and Jamaica. By 1745 slaves made up 71% of the population. The British colonial administration passed laws to assert their ownership of the land and timber extraction continued. Unlike plantation slavery in the Caribbean, the Belize version allowed slaves closer proximity to their masters but did not allow them to farm except for occational "provision grounds". Slaves carried machetes and shotguns for jungle survival.

The second half of the eighteenth century witnessed four slave revolts as well as a number of unsuccesful attempts by the Spanish to dislodge the Baymen at the 1798 Battle of St. George's Caye. When abolition came in 1834 and apprenticeship in 1838, the timber interests still controlled the fate of the economy of the country through labor arrangements and land ownership. Reaction to this inequity was periodically expressed in riots and disturbances. In 1894 when mahogany workers returned to Belize City to discover a currency devaluation, workers led by John Alexander Tom rioted. In another instance, Black Belizean soldiers who had suffered discrimination during World War I in Europe returned home to protest unequal, racist treatment. Following the Great Depression, a devasting hurricane in 1931, unemployment, poor housing and severe economic and social problems came protests. One man Antonio Soberanis, led workers in Belize City and Dangriga to stand up for their rights. By December 1949, the devaluation of the Belize dollar again resulted in the immediate worsening of the situation of the working class. A group of dynamic, concerned young men: George Price, (Father of Belize Independence,) John Smith, Philip Goldson and Leigh RIchardson formed the People's Committee which became the People's United Party a year later. Its objective was "to gain for the people of this country political and economic independence."

During the 1950's and 60's Belize struggled to gain adult suffrage and self governement. Finally during the 1970's and 80's, there was the struggle to gain both political and economical independence. On September 21, 1981, Belize gained its political independence. Our job now continues for greater self sufficiency and economic independence.

Belize Central Statistics Offices

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The Central Statistical Office of Belize is committed to provide,
with the highest degree of integrity and with strict adherence to professional standards, accurate, reliable and timely statistical information to facilitate effective policy and decision-making.

We invite you to browse our website, latest news & press releases, statistics, publications...
Fund interesting stats on this website regarding every aspect of Belize.
This site is interesting reading.

Belize Customs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The Belize Customs and Excise Department is identified as the country's largest source of revenue. It is responsible for providing around 53 percent of the total recurrent revenue.

As well as the major revenue collection department, it is also one of the nation's major border enforcement agencies. It is also responsible for enforcing some thirty (30) Agency duties for other departments, which laws deal with a wide range of issues from moral to financial, and even protecting the environment.

We invite you to browse through our website to learn more about the Belize Customs & Excise Department.

Belize Defence Force

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The Belize Defence Force is charged with the Defence of Belize; the support of the Civil Authorities in the Maintenance of Order in Belize; and such other duties as may from time to time be defined by the Governor-General.

BDF soldiers work and play together as a team. The Emblem, (above) which is also the design for the Cap Badge and is also depicted on the Force Flag, is comprised of the mahogany tree with a crossed rifle and axe. The 'Mahogany Tree' represents Belize and its people, the 'Rifle' signifies the Defence of the Country and the 'Axe' represents Aid to Civil Power.

Belize Legal Information Network On-Line

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Welcome to the Official Website of the Attorney General's Ministry.
Our Motto is:
Making Legal Information easy to find, use, and share.
The site is updated regularly and is a great resource for those looking for legal information about Belize.
Welcome to the site.

Belize Tourism Board

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The Belize Tourism Board aims to provide information on the structure, status and direction of the Belize tourism industry to members of the travel trade, press, potential investors, students and researchers.
This site is also a resource for you.

British High Commission

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The main aim of the High Commission is to preserve and develop the good relationship, which Britain enjoys with Belize.

The High Commission offers a wide range of services. Our Commercial Section aims to encourage business between Britain and Belize. The Development Section is responsible for implementing Britain

Canadian Consulate in Belize City

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Canadian CONSULATE in Belize City.
Located in downtown Belize City.
If planning to attend call to determine hours of work.

Elections and Boundries Department

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The Elections and Boundaries Department is committed to the enhancement of democracy through the promotion of civic education and the maintenance of a legitimate, impartial, valid electoral process

Statistics on the site include..
- ELECTORS BY DIVISION AND SEX
- ELECTORS BY DIVISION AND SEX (GRAPH)
- ELECTORS BY MUNICIPALITY, POLLING AREA AND SEX

Electoral maps on the site include..
- BELIZE Electoral Divisions Map
- BELIZE DISTRICT Electoral Divisions Map

Embassy of Costa Rica in Belize City

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Embassy of Costa Rica in Belize City

Embassy of the United States of America

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8AM to 12PM and 1PM to 5PM.

U.S. citizens traveling in Belize are encouraged to register with the Embassy.

Government of Belize

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

I am pleased to have the opportunity of introducing the Official Website of the Government of Belize.

This site will provide you with up-to-date information on government policies, programs and personnel in addition to an overview of our history, geography and culture. The site will also provide official government responses and commentaries on current issues and local and international news reports about Belize.

I invite you to visit our web site and share in our government's commitment to the principle of fairness and justice for all as Belize embarks on a new era of economic growth and expansion.

Immigration and Nationality Belmopan

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

If you are planning to travel to Belize and you are not a Commonwealth, Mexican, North American (U.S.A.), Costarican, Austrian or national of a member state of the European Community you require a visa. Any belizean Consulate or Embassy can issue one at the cost of $25.00 U.S. currency. This visa is valid for thirty (30) days only. If there is not a Belizean Consulate in your country you can obtain a visa through the nearest British Embassy or yoy can still travel to Belize and the Immigration Officer at the Philip Goldson International Airport may issue one for the same cost and duration.

While citizens from the European Community do not require visas for travel to Belize, citizens of Bangladesh, Bolivia, Columbia, China, Angola, Brazil, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Cuba, India, Libya, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa and nationals of the former USSR require previous approval for a visa from the Ministry of Human Resources, Department of Immigartion.

After being thirty (30) days in Belize and you still require more time to finish your business, you need to contact the nearest Immigration Office to get an extension, paying BZ $25.00 for every thity days extended period.

Any individual can apply for permanent residence after having one (1) year legal residence fee in Belize on a continuous basis. Permanent residence fee is $100.00 and a deposit is needed which can range from $100.00 to $1200.00 depending on the nationality of the applicant. This deposit may be refunded three (3) years after residency is granted. The application form is to be accompanied by two passport phtographs of each member of the family wishing to travel to Belize and the back of a photograph should be endorsed with his or her name and signed by a Justice of Peace. In addition you shouls attach to the petition your personal bank statements as well as current Medical and Police Records.

To acquire nationality status the applicant should have permanent residence and or be a legal resident for a minimum of five (5) years in accordance with the Belizean Nationality Act of 1981 (Section 10); there is also a provision for the registration of minor children along with the applicant (Section 12). All necessary evidence should accompany the application to avoid delays.

For additional information contact:
The Immigration and Nationality Department
Phone; (501) 8-22611. (501) 2-33505

Immigration and Nationality San Pedro

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Located at the Island Plaza, 3rd Floor, across from Fido's Courtyard.
We can help you with queries pertaining to Residency, Nationality. Monthly Extensions for visitors who want to be in the country exceeding their time. First 6 months $25US, after 6 months $50US. Extensions are on an approval basis only. A return airline ticket or proof of maintaing self or bank account must be presented at the time of application for extension.
Seaport duties of incoming-outgoing vessels. Note there is a $20US fee for vessels arriving on a holiday.
Issuance of Permits ie student, and/or dependants. Also temporary employment permits and border permits (issued to Belizeans only). Visitors Permits and acceptance of Passport Applications.

Legal Requirements - Registry Department

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Legal Requirements: Marrying in Belize is an easy process. A marriage license costs US$100 for non-Belizeans, and at least one of you must have been resident in the country for three calendar days before submitting a license application. Blood tests are not required. You must have parent's consent if under 18, and if either party was previously married, proof of divorce or widowhood must be presented with the application. Some resorts will handle many of the formalities for you, making it even easier. This normally includes securing a minister or officer of the court to perform the ceremony. However, if you wish to make these arrangements on your own, please contact the Registry Department before you leave home to secure a licensed person and court date to perform a legal ceremony.
Your marriage in Belize will be valid internationally.

1. Both parties must be in Belize at least three days before applying for a marriage license.

2. Forms can be obtained from two locations: General Registry, Supreme Court Building, Belize City and Attorney General Office, Belmopan.

3. Forms must be completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace (J.P.). Ask for J.P.s in your area.

4. Completed forms along with the following must be presented to General Registry or Attorney General:
-Proof of Citizenship in the form of an ID card or Passport
-Photocopies of your passport showing your picture and date of entry into --Belize
-Proof of Marital status, if widowed or divorced
-Marriage license fee (US $100)

5. Belize's Marriage Act was recently amended (1999) to allow Senior Justices of the Peace to perform marriages anywhere in the country, instead of only in the Magistrate's Courts. Ministers of Religion continue to be able to do this; although Catholic priests generally only perform ceremonies in their church.

LEGAL COSTS

Marriage license - $100 US
Legal ceremony in court - $5 US
Religious officer - Varies (donations to the churches and schools welcome)

Registry Department Contact Information
Registry Department

Treasury Lane
Belize City
Telephone: 011-501-227-7377
Fax: 011-501-227-0181
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8 am - 12 nn | 1 pm - 5 pm

DOING IT ON YOUR OWN

To get the festive elements of your wedding organized you can choose to do it yourself or request the assistance of your resort, hotel or tour operator. With most hotels offering personal service yours is sure to have some experience in making these arrangements. There are often often wedding and honeymoon packages complete with accommodations for the happy couple and as many family and friends that wish to come along,someone licensed to perform the ceremony, catering, room service and decorations to your specifications.
With the paperwork and legal ceremony complete in Belize City, you can have your dream wedding in whatever setting you choose, using anyone as your minister. Remember this is where you get to be creative and have fun.
RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES
Belize has a wide variety of religious denominations including: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Methodist, Faith Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witness, Baptist, Mormon, Mennonite and Hindu.

HELPFUL TIPS

1. Request a fax of the marriage license application from the Registry Department before your arrival for your personal revision.

2. Be present at the Registry Department to make your application as early as you can, especially if you have a short stay in Belize.

3. If you have guest and family coming for the wedding, ask hotels to provide itineraries for your honeymoon and a separate one for the rest of the party.

4. Once you have some details on what you want your wedding to be like - i.e. # in your party, length of stay, type of ceremony, where you want to honeymoon, and any special requirements, we encourage you to request quotations and packages from a variety of providers. We would be happy to forward your request for direct responses to you if you complete the form on our contact page.

5. There are very few traditional bridal shops in the country so either bring your wedding attire or choose from colorful tropical attire in the local gift shops. However, remember that there are less shopping choices the further away you get from the main towns.

6. If you plan to get married at an Archaeological Reserve, (Maya Ruins, sites), please fax a letter requesting permission one week before the ceremony. Letters should be faxed to the Commissioner of Archaeology, Mr. George Thompson, at 822-3345. Please include the date and time of ceremony; names of bride, groom; priest or Justice of the Peace; and site of ceremony.
Please contact the Department of Archaeology at telephone # 522-2227 or 822-2106 and fax # 822-3345 for conditions for weddings being held at archaeological parks in Belize.

Ministry of Agriculture - Fisheries

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Our Mission Statement is to continue as the economic pillar of Belize, ensuring food security, generating income and foreign exchange, creating employment, and conserving natural resources, in order to grow the economy, reduce poverty and empower the local population for sustainable development.

Our Partners include;
-Caribbean Agriculture and Research Development Institute (CARDI)
-Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)
-Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO)
-Regonal Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA)
-Sestema de La Integrocian Centroamericano (SICA)

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The Ministry is a key agency in the public administration structure of Belize, and is responsible for the management of the country's most vital natural resources. This is achieved through activities in areas such as protected areas, wildlife, land distribution, mineral and non-mineral resources, etc.. Through the departments and their interdepartmental committees, the Ministry provides services to both private and public sectors and articulates its activities with NGOs and local communities. The Ministry's headquarters is located in Belmopan and supported by district offices (Lands and Forestry) countrywide. The Geology and Petroleum Department and the Department of the Environment are both located in Belmopan as well.

OUR MISSION is to improve the quality of life for all Belizeans through the responsible management of our renewable and non-renewable natural resources and the regulation of the environment and industry, in order to foster the sustainable development of Belize.

National Emergency Management Organization

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

MISSION STATEMENT
NEMO in cooperation with the respective Emergency Management Committees, and all Public and Private agencies, is established to preserve life and property throughout the country of Belize in the event of an emergency, threatened or real, and to mitigate the impact on the country and its people.

COMPOSITION
The NEMO comprises the Cabinet, with the Prime Minister as the Chairperson, the Cabinet Secretary, as Secretary, the NEMO Secretariat and the 10 Operational Committees (chaired by Permanent Secretaries). The ten Operational Committees are as follows:

Education, Communication and Warning; Medical and Relief Measures; Housing and Shelter; Search, Rescue and Initial Clearance; Collection Control and Distribution of Food and Material; Assessment and Evaluation of Damage; Foreign Assistance; Transport; Environment and Utilities.

The other permanent members are the Belize Red Cross, the Belize Teachers Union, the Chief Meteorological Officer, the Commandant BDF and the Commissioner of Police. Integral to NEMO are its 9 District Emergency Committees (chaired by the senior Minister in each District) representing Belize, Corozal, Orange Walk, Cayo, Stann Creek, Toledo, Belmopan, San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

National Institute-Culture & History

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The National Institute of Culture and History was created by the Government of Belize in 2003 to bring together diverse government departments, which had historically worked to preserve and promote Belizean culture and to allow for the management of newer endeavors. We are committed to the preservation of Belize's ancient and historical era monuments and artifacts; the interpretation of Belize's documented, photographic and oral history; and the promotion of contemporary visual, literary and performing arts. Through our research and community outreach activities, NICH seeks to help provide access for all to the diverse culture of Belize. We seek to encourage Belizeans to better understand their historical and ethnic roots, and instill pride in our country's unique cultural diversity and shared national identity.

There are four main branches of NICH:
- Institute of Creative Arts
- Museums of Belize and Houses of Culture
- Institute of Archaeology
- Institute of Social and Cultural Research.

-The Institute of Creative Arts
The Institute of Creative Arts is responsible for the promotion of the performing, plastic and visual arts and it is headquartered at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts (Belize City). ICA host performances, festivals of art and have excellent links with education in order to encourage and showcase music, dance, drama, creative writing and the visual arts.

-Museums of Belize and Houses of Culture
The Museums of Belize and Houses of Culture include the Museum of Belize in Belize City, which is housed at what was formerly Her Majesty's Prison on Gabourel Lane and the Museum of Belize in Belmopan (Opening later in 2005).

There are currently 3 Houses of Culture in Belize that promote community participation in the arts as well as provide a venue for concerts and exhibitions.
* Belize City - House of Culture/Government House
* Orange Walk Town - Banquitas House of Culture
* Benque Viejo Del Carmen - Benque House of Culture at the former police station.

-Institute of Archaeology
The Institute of Archaeology, is responsible for the administration of the archaeology countrywide. The Institute of Archaeology monitors all ongoing archaeological projects in Belize and issues permits for site work. The Institute also manages all archaeological parks and reserves including the visitors' centers.

- Institute of Social and Cultural Research
The Institute of Social and Cultural Research provides a center for research, with a library and conference facilities for scholars and students of Belizean History, Culture and Sociology. ISCR was instrumental in liaising with the Multicultural Center at the University of Belize for the development of the African and Maya History Project for Belizean schools.

Pesticides Control Board

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Pesticides are used for the control of pests that affect agricultural production, buildings and health.

The nature of these chemicals present certain risks to the applicators, the consumers and the environment.

The control of pesticides is necessary to ensure that pesticide use does not result in unreasonable risk to health and the environment.

OUR MISSION IS TO;
- To safeguard the health of the Belizean people, promoting the availablity of wholesome foods free of pesticide residue;

- To safeguard the environment, providing from the adverse effects of pesticides;
- To assist in economic development, enhancing the quality of agricultural production; BY PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL IN ALL ASPECTS OF PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT.
-----------------------------
Pesticides Control in Belize

Pesticides Control in Belize is governed by the Pesticides Control Act, Chapter 181B of the Laws of Belize, and its enabling regulations. The Pesticides Control Board is the statutory body responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the Pesticides Control Act.

Members of the Pesticides Control Board are appointed by the Minister of Agriculture and serve for a period of two years, representing all major sectors interested in the issue of pesticides and pesticides control, such as the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and the Environment, agricultural producers, Non-governmental organizations, and the pesticide industry. The Pesticides Control Board meets quarterly, while its working Committees meet monthly or as necessary.

Retiring in Belize

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

Everyone around the world dreams about coming to an exotic tranquil locale, complete with sun-drenched beaches and limitless recreational activities on land and in beautiful tropical waters. Belize boasts all this and more not only for the retiree but for the entire family. Belize prides itself in providing schools with high academic standards and a reputation for excellence, good health care facilities, historic homes, convenient local shopping and most importantly warm and welcoming neighbors.

Anyone forty-five years and older from anywhere in the world can qualify for the program.
A person who qualifies can also include his or her dependents in the program. Dependents include spouses and their children under the age of eighteen. However, it can include a person under the age of twenty-three if enrolled in a university.

WHY BELIZE
o Tax Breaks
o Peaceful Nation
o English Speaking
o Good Educational System
o Sub-tropical climate all year round
o Easy access to land for development and construction for a retirement home
o Close proximity to the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
o Strong stable Belize dollar
o Abundance of natural resources
o Breathtakingly beautiful
o Friendly People

Statistical Institute of Belize

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) was established on April 1, 2007, replacing the Central Statistical Office as the national statistical agency of Belize.

The primary functions of the SIB are to collect, compile, extract, analyse and release official statistics pertaining to the demographic, social, environmental, economic and general activities and conditions of Belize on an impartial basis and in accordance with professional standards and ethics.

The SIB is governed by a board of directors, with representation from the government and non-government sectors.

The SIB has its headquarters in Belmopan and maintains offices in Belize City and all towns, excluding Benque Viejo Del Carmen and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

The Immigration and Nationality Department

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:23:03 GMT

If you are planning to travel to Belize and you are not a Commonwealth, Mexican, North American (U.S.A.), Costarican, Austrian or national of a member state of the European Community you require a visa. Any Belizean Consulate or Embassy can issue one at the cost of $25.00 U.S. currency. This visa is valid for thirty (30) days only. If there is not a Belizean Consulate in your Country you can obtain a visa through the nearest British Embassy or yoy can still travel to Belize and the Immigration Officer at the Philip Goldson International Airport may issue one for the same cost and duration.

While citizens from the European Community do not require visas for travel to Belize, citizens of Bangladesh, Bolivia, Columbia, China, Angola, Brazil, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Cuba, India, Libya, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa and nationals of the former USSR require previous approval for a visa from the Ministry of Human Resources, Department of Immigartion.

After being thirty (30) days in Belize and you still require more time to finish your business, you need to contact the nearest Immigration Office to get an extension, paying BZ $25.00 for every thity days extended period.

Any individual can apply for permanent residence after having one (1) year legal residence fee in Belize on a continuous basis. Permanent residence fee is $100.00 and a deposit is needed which can range from $100.00 to $1200.00 depending on the nationality of the applicant. This deposit may be refunded three (3) years after residency is granted. The application form is to be accompanied by two passport phtographs of each member of the family wishing to travel to Belize and the back of a photograph should be endorsed with his or her name and signed by a Justice of Peace. In addition you should attach to the petition your personal bank statements as well as current Medical and Police Records.

To acquire nationality status the applicant should have permanent residence and or be a legal resident for a minimum of five (5) years in accordance with the Belizean Nationality Act of 1981 (Section 10); there is also a provision for the registration of minor children along with the applicant (Section 12). All necessary evidence should accompany the application to avoid delays.

For additional information contact:

The Immigration and Nationality Department
Phone; (501) 8-22611. (501) 2-33505