By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize remains committed to securing a Schengen visa waiver, which would allow Belizeans to travel visa-free to most European countries. In a Senate update this week, Leader of Government Business and Minister responsible for International Legal Affairs and Diplomacy, Eamon Courtenay, provided insight into the ongoing negotiations.
Courtenay acknowledged that while Belize meets the criteria for the waiver, the current global climate poses challenges. “The campaign continues for the Schengen visa waiver for all passports for the entire Schengen area. It is not easy, as you are aware, the current climate in the developed world is very much anti-migration,” he stated.
Despite this, Courtenay said both Prime Minister John Briceño and Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca have been assured that Belize is eligible. “Insofar as the criteria exists for qualification for the Schengen visa waiver, Belize ticks all the boxes,” he affirmed.
He further emphasized that the issue is not whether Belize qualifies, but rather one of timing. “It’s a question of timing, when is the appropriate time, having regard to the politics in the European Union, in the Schengen area,” Courtenay said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is engaged in a “very intense campaign” with friendly EU nations, lobbying for support in both Parliament and the European Commission to eventually secure visa-free access for Belizeans.
