And while the Israeli visa waiver repeal is still up for debate, as we told you earlier this month, Belizeans are now eligible for a multiple entry Schengen visa of up to 5 years. It's no waiver, but it's still the promise of some relief for weary travelers who are often forced to jump through hoops for a European visa.
Fonseca explained that Belize was the only country to get it.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"We hope that eventually, you know, there can be a complete waiver of the requirement for the Schengen visa. But this is an important, significant step. Something as you, as you all know that, the government of Belize has been working on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working on for many, many years. So, you know, this is a sort of, you know, middle ground. And I can say that, you know, Belize is the only country that was approved. A number of countries have applied for the same visa cascade, provision. So I think, you know, it had a lot to do with, with our lobbying efforts. And I think a recognition that, Belize and Belizeans really represent a low security risk, going into the EU. So we're very grateful for that. What it means is that Belizeans now wanting to go into the Schengen area, can go to Mexico or Guatemala. You still have to go there to get your visa. But you will be able to get a multiple visa, up to five years. In some cases, it might be less than five years. It may give you for three years or. But up to five years that you may get a multiple entry visa up to five years. So for that period of time, you won't have to be going back and forth if you intend to be traveling into any of the Schengen area."
Reporter:
"It will not apply to people who have the old passport though?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Yeah, of course you have to get the the the new updated bio data, biometric passport. Everybody should get that. It's more secure. You know, it allows you to access visas generally, even I think the US is moving in that direction where they won't be giving visas if you don't have the updated passport. So I think it's in everybody's interest to apply for a new, updated, passport."
Courtney Menzies:
"Did they give any reasoning why they didn't just give the waiver?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Just that it's, a much more complex process. This is something that they could do for Belize. You know, the waiver is really a political decision that would have to be taken by the European Parliament. It is something that the EU office, the office of the president, could get done with the approval, of course of member countries. So, just that it, it would require a lot more time and a lot more bureaucracy, to get the complete waiver."
