Stronger Passport, Same Travel Hurdles?

Belize’s passport has become significantly more secure, even as the country continues working to expand visa-free travel for its citizens, according to Minister of Immigration Kareem Musa.

His comments follow renewed public discussion over Belize’s absence from the European Union’s Schengen visa-waiver programme after reports suggested Spain had no plans to grant Belize visa-free access. Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca has since clarified that Belize remains engaged in the process and that no new decision has been made.

For now, Belizeans still need a visa to travel to the EU, the US and Canada.

When News 5 today asked Musa about the issue, he said Belize has made important improvements to the security features of its passport.

“In terms of the security features of our passport, they have improved significantly with the infrared features, the barcode, and all of that. So the strength of the passport has definitely improved in terms of security, and I’m sure that we can always do better in terms of improving the overall strength of our passport,” he said.

Tune in to News 5 Live tonight at 6:00 as Minister Musa explains where Belize stands in its push for Schengen visa-free travel.