By Belize Live News Staff: The Magistrate Court of Belize hereby notifies the public that effective August 1, 2025, all requests for court records intended to support visa applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the intended online visa submission date. This new requirement comes as a result of an increase in the volume of criminal record verification requests and aims to ensure timely and accurate responses.
The court emphasizes that the verification process includes a comprehensive review of all offences on record throughout the country, regardless of when the offence occurred. This involves coordination with multiple judicial districts across Belize to provide embassies with complete and reliable documentation.
Applicants may initiate their request by email or in person. Those applying via email must send their request with the subject line “Request for Criminal Record Ref: Visa Application” and include a copy of their birth certificate, social security card, current police record, and if applicable, a marriage certificate or deed poll for name change verification. In-person requests must be submitted to the Belize City Magistrate Court located at 1729 Coney Drive, along with a cover letter stating the applicant’s name and attaching all supporting documents.
The Magistrate Court notes that these documents are necessary to verify the correct spelling of names, dates of birth, and to cross-reference any records that may not appear in the court’s automated system but are retained in physical archives. Applicants who have criminal charges originating in different districts must state the district and, if possible, the year the matter was concluded.
Members of the public are encouraged to plan ahead and make timely submissions to avoid delays in their visa application process. For further information or to submit requests, the public may contact the Magistrate Court at magistratecourtbz@gmail.com.
