Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) confirmed on July 20, 2026, that Belizean citizens have not been granted visa-free access to Spain or the Schengen Area following Spain’s July 14 announcement listing 60 countries with visa-free entry, including nine CARICOM members.
The ministry clarified that Spain’s published list restated the existing European Union Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 on visa exemptions. The list does not introduce new visa waivers but reflects countries already exempt from visa requirements under EU law.
Under current rules, Belize remains a country whose nationals must obtain visas to enter the Schengen Area. The MFAFT
noted that changes to visa requirements demand formal legislative amendments involving collective decisions by EU member states, rather than unilateral actions by Spain.
Belize has pursued ongoing diplomatic efforts with Spain and the European Union for several years seeking full Schengen visa waiver status. As a result of this engagement, since November 2025, Belizean citizens holding biometric passports became eligible for multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years, easing travel for business, tourism, education, and family visits within the Schengen Zone.
The MFAFT reiterated its commitment to continue diplomatic advocacy for full visa-free entry to the Schengen Area,
highlighting the significance of the EU relationship. The ministry emphasized, “These determinations are made collectively by EU Member States,” underlining the legislative complexity of visa waiver approvals.
