Two days ago I made my reservations with American Airlines, arriving 01/30/03 leaving 04/02/03 I was told that I needed a visa. When I said I had never needed a visa before she said that because I am staying more than 30 days I need a visa. IS THIS TRUE? If so, where/how do I get one?
Harriette

Unless things have changed in the last 8 months, this is not true. I've been going to Belize since 96 and staying over a month each time. All that happens is that when you get to Belize, they (Belizean govt) will only validate your passport for 30 days. At the end of the 30 day period, you either go to the nearest immigration office and pay about BZ$30 (I can't remember the exact amount) to get a 30 day extension, or you exit the country (go to Guat for the day) and upon re-entry you usually get a 30 day extension (although they don't have to give it to you and if you get a mean border person, they won't give it to you).

Maybe you would be better to have your return flight in the 30 day period than reschedule the return flight after you are in Belize. I am very interested in this also as we are driving down from the Pacific Nortwest the first part of Feb. and plan on being in Belize between 3 and 4 months. We were planning on getting a 3 month extension once our 30 day period runs out.

kmgentry is right, American Arlines is wrong; you can renew the 30 days periodat the immigration office up to 6 months (30 days at the time).

American may not be wrong at all. The fact that Scubaldy is buying a 90 day (approx) air ticket MAY require them to see the visa prior to isuing the ticket.

One Solution: Buy the 30 day ticket & then change the return date (just dont show up for departure and re-book when you are inside the final 30 day window). The change fee of $75 or $100 MAY be negotiable - I've only paid it once in my life....hint - call in the change to Goldson, and if asked for credit card, tell them you'll pay upon arrival. Then you can negotitiate, if needed, with the counter agent. many times a smile and a sense of humor will get you out of it.

SO are you suggesting a little flirt with the ticket agent?? Never crossed my mind. Any other tips for getting that fee reduced? Just wondering? Going shopping in Chetemal,MX always got my passport the stamp it needed when I lived in Belize... Hopefully that hasn't changed. Mixing business and pleasure works well and they make Yummy fruit drinks in Town My favorite pina-colada.

Sounds like American is being a little rule-fixated. Not unusual for airlines.

For all AA knows, you are taking a bus out of Belize the next day and traveling all over Central America, then returning to Belize the day of your flight two months later.

In fact that's one solution. Make a reservation with Novelo's to go to Chetumal.

I could be wrong but I've never heard of an American getting an actual visa to Belize for a stay longer than 30 days. (Nationals of some other countries do require a visa to enter at all.) As others have noted, you simply have to pay your fee and get your tourist card extended. Belize is not required to extend your stay but, again, I've not heard of it being denied for a legitimate tourist.

--Lan Sluder

A little flirt (but even better - kind, friendly face & demeanor) can get you a long way...not only in getting the fee waived/reduced but better seating as well.