I had heard so many horror stories about renewing that I had decided to just be an illegal alien and pay my fees when I left the country. I joked with several friends about this and they said "just go pay your fees." I checked the message board and got all my directions. Then I set off for town in time to be there right when they returned from lunch. I was first in line. I went in listened carefully, got the piece of paper, went to pay the fees next door, then went back. When I got back in there I remembered about the copy. I asked about the copy and the two officers looked at each other and sort of laughed. I asked if I had done something wrong and I so appreciated their help because I had heard horror stories about renewals. Then they did laugh. Evidently, there are some hoops that "nasty" people may go through that others don't. One being the "copy." They told me that I didn't need a copy that it was not necessary. I thanked them and jokingly said, you guys have been so great is there any chance that I can get 60 days and they said, no problem. So not only did I not have to return in 30 days, I also did not have to have a "copy." So if you are told you need a copy, you may have to ask yourself, are you one of those "ugly Americans." I was in and out in under five minutes. Very good experience compared to some I have heard reported. That said, my best friend is definitely NOT an ugly American and while she did not have to get a copy, she never wants to stay in Belize more than the 30 days because of her nightmare experience getting a renewal. I just returned to the states six days ago, so this is not old advice.

Good luck.