Ministry of Foreign Affairs Clarifies Belizeans Still Need Schengen Visas to visit Spain

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has moved to clear up confusion surrounding Spain’s recently published visa-free travel list, stressing that Belizeans have not been granted visa-free entry and must still obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Spain. Spain published a list on July 14 identifying sixty countries whose citizens can enter without a visa. It includes nine CARICOM nations: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.  Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname and Haiti were not included.  The Foreign Ministry explained today that Spain’s publication does not represent a new visa-waiver programme. Instead, it consolidates the countries whose citizens were already exempted under European Union regulations governing entry into the Schengen Area.  Since visa policy for the Schengen zone is decided collectively by European Union member states, Spain cannot independently grant Belizeans visa-free entry. Removing Belize from the list of countries requiring visas would require a formal amendment at the EU level.  For now, Belizeans travelling to Spain or another Schengen country must still apply for a visa, which may require them to visit a Schengen embassy or consulate in Guatemala or Mexico.  The Ministry says, however, that progress has been made. In November 2025, the European Commission approved a “visa cascade” for Belizeans holding regular, official or diplomatic biometric passports. Under that arrangement, eligible applicants may receive multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years.  The Ministry says the arrangement has reduced the need for repeated visa applications and made travel easier for tourism, business, education and family visits. However, it falls short of the full visa-free access already enjoyed by several of Belize’s CARICOM partners.  Foreign Affairs says a comprehensive waiver remains under active discussion with the European Union.