Belize Renews Push for EU Visa-Free Travel

Belize is ramping up its efforts to secure visa-free travel to the European Union, despite the EU's current stance that such a deal is unlikely in the near future.

Senator Eamon Courtenay, who represents Government Business, said Belize continues to press for a Schengen visa waiver, arguing it would greatly benefit students, businesspeople, and tourists. He noted that Belize has met the necessary criteria and that the delay stems more from political concerns in EU countries than from any shortcomings on Belize’s part.

“We’ve ticked all the boxes,” Courtenay said. “Our people need to travel for education, business, and trade. And EU citizens can already visit Belize without a visa — it should be reciprocal.”

Courtenay also pointed out that Belizeans had visa-free access to the UK when it was part of the EU, with no issues of irregular migration.

However, EU Ambassador to Belize, Dr. Erja Askola, said a visa-free agreement remains “not realistic” for now, citing the complexity of the approval process and broader migration concerns.

While Belize pushes forward diplomatically, EU leaders appear unlikely to shift their position soon.

Source: Schengen.News