Belize entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 12, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians don't need a visa for Belize for tourism or business. As of 2026, you can stay up to 30 days without any prior paperwork. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Belize. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Belize | Immigration officers at Philip Goldson International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough cash, credit card, or bank statement for your trip. No set minimum amount is published, but a few hundred dollars per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Entry fee included
When you arrive, you'll pay a small departure tax (usually included in your airline ticket) and a conservation fee of about $20 BZD ($10 USD) — cash only. Have small bills ready.
Cash is king in Belize
Many places outside Belize City don't accept credit cards. ATMs are common in towns but can run out of cash. Bring enough USD or BZD for a few days.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Belize airport
You'll land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. Follow signs to immigration.
2
Join the immigration queue
There's a separate line for foreign visitors. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
3
Present documents to officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer honestly.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry. That's it — you're in.
Download Belize Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Canadians do not need a visa for short stays; this option is for those who want a formal visa for longer stays or multiple entries.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not commonly issued; most travellers use visa-free entry and extend if needed.
Work permit
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$1,500 BZD (~$750 USD) plus processing fees
Requires a job offer from a Belizean employer and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~$200 BZD (~$100 USD) plus tuition
Must be enrolled in an accredited institution in Belize.
retirement visa
Belize Retired Persons Program (QRP)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,000 BZD (~$500 USD) initial fee + annual renewal
For retirees aged 45+ with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,000 USD. Allows permanent residency with tax benefits. Must apply through Belize Tourism Board.
digital nomad visa
Belize Work from Anywhere Program
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200 BZD (~$100 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and no local employment. Allows stay up to 1 year.
investor visa
Belize Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 BZD (~$1,000 USD) plus investment minimum
For individuals investing at least $250,000 USD in Belize (real estate, business, or government bonds). Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for short stays; for longer stays, apply for extension or alternative visa. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for short stays; for longer stays, apply for extension or alternative visa. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionExtensions may be granted for up to 30 days at a time, subject to immigration approval. | ~$100 BZD (~$50 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed daily; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying. | ~$50 BZD (~$25 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Belize
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Belize airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsPhilip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
Health & vaccines for Belize
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban and coastal areas during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for short stays. Risk is higher in rural areas near the Guatemalan border.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Belmopan
Belize Immigration Department – Headquarters
Belmopan City, Cayo District
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and long-stay applications. Bring passport, proof of funds, and accommodation details.
Belize City
Belize City Immigration Office
1.5 Miles Northern Highway, Belize City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Convenient for travellers arriving via Philip Goldson International Airport. Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalBelmopan
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyBelize dollar (BZD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2 BZD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-6
vs New York-1h
vs Los Angeles+2h
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz and 220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType A (2 flat pins), Type B (2 flat pins with ground), Type G (3 rectangular pins)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled or purified water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Canadians get 30 days on arrival. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Belize City. Extensions cost around $50 BZD (about $25 USD) and can give you up to 30 more days.
Yes. Visit the Immigration Department in Belize City (on Mahogany Street) before your 30 days are up. Bring your passport, a completed application form, and the fee (around $50 BZD). They'll usually grant another 30 days.
No. If you're connecting through Belize City and don't leave the airport, you don't need a visa. Just stay in the transit area.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Belize immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
It's not a standard requirement for Canadians, but immigration officers can ask. Having a credit card or a bank statement on your phone is enough.
Technically, no. The tourist entry is for tourism only. But many digital nomads do it quietly. Belize doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa as of 2026.
You'll be fined about $100 BZD (roughly $50 USD) per month overstayed. Pay it at the airport before you leave. Overstaying can also get you flagged for future visits.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.