Canada Visa RequirementsFor Belize passport holders
Citizens of Belize must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The CAD 100 application fee permits stays of up to 6 months. Canada has an embassy in Belmopan, making the application process more accessible for Belizeans than for many other Caribbean nationals.
Belize passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online at ircc.canada.ca or submit a paper application at the Canadian Embassy in Belmopan (80 Princess Margaret Drive). Required documents: application form (IMM 5257), two photos, valid passport, proof of ties to Belize (employment letter, property documents, family), bank statements (3 to 6 months), proof of accommodation in Canada, return flight itinerary, and travel insurance. The CAD 100 fee is paid online. Processing varies from 2 to 8 weeks; online applications are typically faster.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Canada.
Valid Belizean passport
Passport valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. Must have blank pages for stamps.
IMM 5257 Application Form
Completed Temporary Resident Visa application form.
Completed online IRCC application
Complete the Temporary Resident Visa application online at ircc.canada.ca. Pay the CAD 100 fee.
Two Passport-Size Photos
Recent photos meeting IRCC specifications.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Required for most applicants. Must be done in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The nearest VAC to Belize is in Guatemala City or Mexico City. Fee: CAD 85.
Biometrics
Fingerprints and photo at the Canadian Embassy in Belmopan.
Recent passport photos
2 identical passport photos meeting Canadian specifications (35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months).
Bank Statements
Last 3 to 6 months showing regular income and sufficient funds for the visit.
Bank statements (3-6 months)
Statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and evidence of financial stability. Demonstrates ability to support yourself without working in Canada.
Proof of Ties to Belize
Employment letter, property documents, family responsibilities, or other evidence you will return.
Employment letter
Signed letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, duration of employment, and approved leave period. Critical for demonstrating ties to Belize.
Confirmed Return Flights
Travel itinerary showing entry and exit from Canada.
Return flight itinerary
Confirmed booking for your return flight from Canada to Belize.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings or host invitation letter.
Proof of ties to Belize
Property ownership documents, family obligations, business registration, or any evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Belize after your visit.
Purpose of visit letter Recommended
Personal letter explaining why you are visiting Canada, who you will stay with, and your planned activities.
Current Travel Situation
Belize to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada is home to a significant Belizean diaspora, particularly in cities like Toronto and Montreal. Belize and Canada maintain close relations through the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and bilateral development cooperation. Despite these ties, Belizean passport holders are not part of Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization program and require a full visitor visa. The Canadian Embassy in Belmopan processes applications locally.
How to Get There
American Airlines, United, and WestJet connect Belize City (BZE) to Toronto (YYZ) or Montreal (YUL) via Miami (MIA) or Houston (IAH). Air Canada also offers connections via US hubs. Direct Belize to Canada flights do not exist. Total travel time is approximately 7 to 10 hours.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). The BZD to CAD exchange rate is approximately 1 CAD to 1.50 BZD (USD-pegged BZD makes conversion straightforward). Canadian cities are expensive: budget CAD 150 to 250 per day for mid-range accommodation and meals in Toronto or Vancouver. Credit cards are universally accepted. Tipping 15 to 20% is expected at restaurants.
Practical Tips
Demonstrating strong ties to Belize is critical: IRCC assesses whether you will return home after your visit. Employment letters, payslips, property deeds, and family responsibilities all strengthen your application. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required and can be given at the Canadian Embassy in Belmopan. The 6-month stay is standard but immigration officers set the actual duration at entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belizeans need a visa for Canada?
Yes. Belizean passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada. The fee is CAD 100. Canada has an embassy in Belmopan that processes applications.
Do Belize passport holders need a visa to visit Canada?
Yes. Belizean citizens must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also called a visitor visa, before traveling to Canada. Applications are submitted online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Where do Belizeans apply for a Canadian visa?
Apply online at ircc.canada.ca or in person at the Canadian Embassy in Belmopan (80 Princess Margaret Drive). Online applications are generally processed faster.
How do Belizeans apply for a Canadian visitor visa?
Apply online through the IRCC portal at ircc.canada.ca. Submit a completed application with supporting documents and pay the fee of approximately CAD 100. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required and must be completed at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The nearest VAC to Belize is in Guatemala City or Mexico City.
Are biometrics required for a Canadian visa from Belize?
Yes. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required. You can give biometrics at the Canadian Embassy in Belmopan, making the process more accessible for Belizeans than for most Caribbean nationals.
Is there a Canadian embassy in Belize?
No. There is no Canadian embassy in Belize. The nearest Canadian embassy is in Guatemala City. Applications are submitted online through IRCC; biometrics are done at a VAC.
How long does a Canadian TRV take to process?
Processing times vary from 2 to 8 weeks. Online applications are typically faster. Check current times at the IRCC website before applying.
How much does a Canadian visa cost for Belizean citizens?
The Canadian Temporary Resident Visa fee is CAD 100 (approximately USD 75). Biometric fees are an additional CAD 85. Both fees are non-refundable.
Why is demonstrating ties to Belize important for a Canadian visa?
IRCC evaluates whether applicants are likely to return home after their visit. Employment, property ownership, family, and financial stability in Belize are all key factors. Strong ties significantly improve approval chances.
What documents do Belizeans need to apply for a Canadian visa?
Key documents include: valid passport, application forms, recent passport photos, bank statements (last 3-6 months), employment letter or proof of self-employment, property ownership documents or lease, family ties in Belize, purpose of visit letter, return flight itinerary, and hotel bookings. Strong ties to Belize are essential to demonstrate you will return.
Can I work in Canada on a tourist visa?
No. A Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) does not permit work. To work in Canada, a separate work permit is required.
How long does Canadian visa processing take for Belizeans?
Processing times vary from 2-8 weeks or longer depending on application volumes. Check the current processing time estimate on the IRCC website before applying. Always apply well in advance of your travel date.
How long can Belizeans stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
The standard authorized stay is 6 months, set by the border officer at entry. You can apply for an extension from within Canada if needed.
How many Belizeans live in Canada?
There is a notable Belizean community in Canada, particularly in Toronto and other major cities. Many Belizean-Canadians maintain ties to family in Belize and travel back and forth. Having family in Canada can strengthen a visitor visa application if a sponsorship letter is included.
What flights connect Belize City to Canada?
Direct flights between Belize City (BZE) and Canadian cities are not common. The typical route is through a US hub (Houston, Miami, or Dallas) to Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), or Vancouver (YVR). Total journey time is approximately 8-12 hours.