I have been informed by past captains that Belize is a very good place for attending to US visas for crew members.
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Application would need to be made online at http://belize.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html
Email inquiries can be made at ConsulBelize@state.gov
MUST PRINT copy of online application.
Upon application applicant will be advised of an interview date.
The Embassy conducts interviews ONLY on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and the date given does not normally fit into yachts itinerary.
Captain would then call the US Embassy in Belmopan 501-822-4011 to explain situation and a new date for interview will be given.
Payment of BZ$320.00 (US$160.00) MUST be made at Atlantic Bank for the applicant PRIOR to date of interview.
Applicant would need to come ashore and get photos. Cannot take just any photo. Photo MUST be from a certain profile and of a specific size.
On date of interview applicant needs to arrive in Belmopan by 8:00am. Transit time is approximately 60 minutes from Belize City. Crew is normally picked up at 6:30am local time at the Radisson Fort George Dock.
Applicant MUST take at least the following:-
a) Print out of application
b) Bank receipt for the payment which was made
c) Photos
d) Letter from Captain.
After interview applicant will be informed if the visa will be issued or not.
If applicant will be issued the visa then passport must be left at the US Embassy.
Passports are normally ONLY returned on Tuesdays and Thursdays after the interview at 15:00 hours. Applicant does not need to do go to Belmopan to pickup passport. Instead a note can be given for someone else to pick it up. However if the yacht will be sailing before the regular pickup date then that SHOULD be explained in order to pickup the passport.
Absolutely yes we can make arrangements for taxi and yes we can pickup the passport at the US Embassy on behalf of the applicant. Contact us at ventura@btl.net or +501 610 3215.
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