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Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.
The Department of State is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international law, domestic and foreign law.
When a U.S. citizen dies overseas, the experience can be difficult for friends and family. The U.S. Embassy in Belize wants to assist as much as possible during such a difficult time and ensure that the next-of-kin understands the options and procedures for dealing with a death situation.
Belize is a signatory to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction and a partner with the United States. If your child has been abducted from the United States to Belize, you may contact the following office to speak with a U.S. State Department officer to discuss your case: Phone: (888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444
The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.
Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?
The Department of State is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international law, domestic and foreign law.
When a U.S. citizen dies overseas, the experience can be difficult for friends and family. The U.S. Embassy in Belize wants to assist as much as possible during such a difficult time and ensure that the next-of-kin understands the options and procedures for dealing with a death situation.
International Parental Child Abduction
Belize is a signatory to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction and a partner with the United States. If your child has been abducted from the United States to Belize, you may contact the following office to speak with a U.S. State Department officer to discuss your case: Phone: (888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444
The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport. Link text: Be wary of International Financial Scams.
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Joint Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Social Security Administration on Obtaining Social Security Numbers, Expatriation, and Tax Implications.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport. Link text: Be wary of International Financial Scams.
Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Joint Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)
Joint Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Social Security Administration on Obtaining Social Security Numbers, Expatriation, and Tax Implications.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided the following guidance for U.S. citizens abroad preparing for the 2023 tax filing season. This IRS guidance is posted under Federal Benefits and Obligations on www.travel.state.gov.
If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.
If you live in Belize and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica. To contact the Social Security Federal Benefit Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica send an email to FBU.costarica@ssa.gov Once a year a social security representative visits Embassy Belmopan to offer services. This is usually during the summer. Register in STEP (step.state.gov) to receive updates on visit or follow the Embassy’s various social media website for updates.
U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.
Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided the following guidance for U.S. citizens abroad preparing for the 2023 tax filing season. This IRS guidance is posted under Federal Benefits and Obligations on www.travel.state.gov.
If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.
If you live in Belize and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica. To contact the Social Security Federal Benefit Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica send an email to FBU.costarica@ssa.gov Once a year a social security representative visits Embassy Belmopan to offer services. This is usually during the summer. Register in STEP (step.state.gov) to receive updates on visit or follow the Embassy’s various social media website for updates.
U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.
Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.
The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
DNA genetic testing is at times suggested as the final means of confirming the biological relationship between two individuals. It is not normally a requirement of the Embassy, and is only suggested in the most problematic of cases. DNA testing, when properly conducted, is virtually 100 percent accurate, and a positive result will assuage any doubt about the relationship.
If you have a child outside the United States the child may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act have been met as of the time of your child’s birth. To determine whether your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and to document that, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. You may also choose to just apply for a U.S. passport for your child, although one benefit of a CRBA is that, unlike the U.S. passport, it does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. A full validity, unexpired U.S. passport is also proof of U.S. citizenship.
Couples getting married must reside in Belize for at least three days prior to their license application being processed. Applications must be made with the Registrar General’s Office in Belize City. The Vital Statistics Office’s phone number is (011) 501223-7405, 501-223-5625 or fax number (011) 501-223-5635.
Loss of Nationality is a serious and irrevocable act.
The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
DNA genetic testing is at times suggested as the final means of confirming the biological relationship between two individuals. It is not normally a requirement of the Embassy, and is only suggested in the most problematic of cases. DNA testing, when properly conducted, is virtually 100 percent accurate, and a positive result will assuage any doubt about the relationship.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
If you have a child outside the United States the child may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act have been met as of the time of your child’s birth. To determine whether your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and to document that, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. You may also choose to just apply for a U.S. passport for your child, although one benefit of a CRBA is that, unlike the U.S. passport, it does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. A full validity, unexpired U.S. passport is also proof of U.S. citizenship.
Couples getting married must reside in Belize for at least three days prior to their license application being processed. Applications must be made with the Registrar General’s Office in Belize City. The Vital Statistics Office’s phone number is (011) 501223-7405, 501-223-5625 or fax number (011) 501-223-5635.
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Please call: (+501) 822-4011
Outside of Office Hours, contact: (+501) 822-4011
Outside of Belize: 001-501-822-4011
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