During my March visit to the San Pedro immigration department (which was month 1), I was asked to present my return flight ticket (even though I explained that I had one, but will extend it as I desire to stay in the country). In the US, we have to possess a return ticket within 30 days. I am not sure how this fits into the equation of the monthly extensions and stamps for 6 months....

Note: I have been residing here primarily for the last year, with several return flights, so have not exceeded the 6 monthly extensions.

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

In our case Im thinking if we need to do that we would better off going Mexico or Guatamala for a few days - much cheaper than tix to Canada and closer to Shmoo since we cant go flying her in and out of the country every 6 months.

Just remember if you are out of Belize for 14 days or more, you have to start the 12 month period all over again. And that is 14 days total over the 12 month period.

Drectors office is in Belmopan but used to have certain days in the Belize City office. Best to call and ask for an appointment.

Thank you Pugwash for moving the discussion about US to US Chat. Much appreciated.

After 6 months your stamp fee doubles and they may ask for proof of how you are supporting yourself financially. You can avoid this by leaving the country and starting the process all over again.

If you tell them you are working online (although I don't know to what extent), I think you may run into some issues as Belize is your primary residence(?) and you are earning your money while here. GOB may want their cut of business tax, income tax, but since you do not have a work permit, you can't pay it. You may want to inquire with the immigration department. Just my thoughts.

There have been cases where leaving the country for a short period e.g three days, particularly to Mex. or Guat. has NOT been a guarantee to have your 6 months renewal period restarted.

When you re-enter at the border, the imm. official does not have to give you 30 days. He may only give you a day if he chooses in which case you then have to visit the imm. office and renew. Once there, the imm.official who has stamped you in over the last months will almost certainly remember you and decide.

The 6 month rule is clearly not in place to generate weekend tourism to Mex. or Guat. so if they suspect you are 'living' in Belize they can ignore any short trips out of the country you have made and charge the increased fee.

That situation happened to me. I went with some friends to Chet for a day, the family stayed home. On reentering, Officer gave me 30 day. So now my family was off two weeks from me. When I took family to Belize City to renew, the officer asked for my paperwork. He threw a fit that the other officer had given me 30 days and went off on me! It was hard not to laugh, but it screwed us up as from then on I had to make an extra trip every month to renew mine.