Foreign relations of Belize


Belize maintains 14 embassies to foreign countries, one consulate, and three missions to international organizations. In 1990, Belize became a member of the Organization of American States, and the Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

Africa

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
28 November 2001
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 November 2001.
25 January 2001
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 January 2001.
28 February 2008
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 February 2008.
6 May 1994Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 May 1994.
September 1981
Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1981.
3 May 2001Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 May 2001.
30 September 1997
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 September 1997.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
19 April 1982
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 April 1982.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
    • 18 November 1986Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 November 1986.
    11 September 1991
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 September 1991.
    • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
    14 May 1997
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 May 1997.
  • Belize does not have any representation in South Africa.
  • South Africa is represented in Belize by its High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
    • Both countries have passed a number of bilateral agreements.

    Americas

    To strengthen its potential for economic and political development, Belize has sought to build closer ties with the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America to complement its historical ties to the English-speaking Caribbean states. Recent foreign policy initiatives include joining with the other Central American countries in signing the CONCAUSA Agreement on regional sustainable development and becoming a full member of the Central American Integration System. Belize is a member of CARICOM which was founded in 1973.
    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
    4 February 1983
    8 January 1992
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1992.
  • In 2013 both countries have an agreement on Technical cooperation.
  • Argentina is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.
    • 21 September 1981
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1981.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and of the Organization of American States.
    • 21 September 1981
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1981.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and Organization of American States.
    • 1 October 1987
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1987.
  • Both countries are full members of Organization of American States.
    • 1 March 1983Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1983.
  • Canada is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Guatemala City.
  • Belize is accredited to Canada from its embassy in Washington, D.C. and maintains an honorary consulate in Calgary.
  • Both countries are member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Organization of American States.
    • 11 October 1990
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 October 1990.
  • Both countries are full members of the Organization of American States.
    • 15 February 1982On 15 February 1982, formal relations were established. Colombia's embassy in Belize closed in 2002 in order to cut down on costs though the embassy of Colombia in El Salvador is also concurrent to Belize. On 17 April 2013, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia in order to strengthen relations.
    • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States and Organization of American States.
    September 1981
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1981.
  • Belize is accredited to Costa Rica from its embassy in Guatemala City.
  • Costa Rica has an embassy in Belmopan.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States and Organization of American States.
    • 1995Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1995.
    • Belize has an embassy in Havana.
    • Cuba has an embassy in Belize City.
    • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Organization of American States, and the Group of 77.
  • Belize has an embassy in Santo Domingo.
  • Dominican Republic is accredited to Belize from a non-resident ambassador in Santo Domingo and maintains an honorary consulate in Belmopan.
    • Both countries are members of the Association of Caribbean States, CARIFORUM, the Organization of American States, and Group of 77.
    21 September 1981
    • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1981.
    • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
    14 October 1999
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 October 1999.
  • Both countries are full members of the Organization of American States.
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982 or 1985.
  • Belize has an embassy in San Salvador.
  • El Salvador has an embassy in Belize City.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States and the Organization of American States.
    • 21 September 1981
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1981.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and Organization of American States.
    • See Belize–Guatemala relationsBelize's principal external concern has been the dispute involving the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory. Initially a dispute between formerly Spanish Guatemala and the United Kingdom's colony of British Honduras, Guatemala continued its claim after Belizean independence in 1981; it recognized its neighbour's independence one decade later, in 1991. The dispute remains unresolved.
    • Belize has an embassy in Guatemala City.
    • Guatemala has an embassy in Belize City and a consulate-general in Benque Viejo del Carmen.
    • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States and Organization of American States.
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and Organization of American States.
  • Belize is accredited to Haiti from its embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
  • Haiti is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Panama City.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, and Organization of American States.
    • 21 September 1982
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1982.
  • Belize has an embassy in Tegucigalpa.
  • Honduras has an embassy in Belize City.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States and the Organization of American States.
    • 3 November 1982
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 November 1982.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and of the Organization of American States.
    • 1981See Belize–Mexico relationsDiplomatic relations between Mexico and Belize were established in 1981.
    • Mexico has an embassy in Belmopan.
    • Belize has an embassy in Mexico City.
    • Both countries are members of the Association of Caribbean States and the Organization of American States.
    1981Diplomatic relations between Nicaragua and Belize were established in 1981.
    • Nicaragua does not have an embassy in Belize.
    • Belize is accredited to Nicaragua from its embassy in Guatemala City.
    • Both countries are members of the Association of Caribbean States, Central American Integration System and the Organization of American States.
    1 December 1981Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1981.
    • Belize is accredited to Panama from its embassy in Guatemala City.
    • Panama has an embassy in Belize City.
    • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, and of theOrganization of American States.
    7 November 2004
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 November 2004.
  • Both countries are full members of Organization of American States.
    • 27 November 1991
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 November 1991.
  • Both countries are full members of Organization of American States.
    • 21 September 1981
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1981.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and of the Organization of American States.
    • 21 September 1981
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1981.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and of the Organization of American States.
    • 21 September 1981
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1981.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and Organization of American States.
    • 13 May 1998
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 May 1998.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, and the Organization of American States.
    • 21 September 1981
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1981.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and of the Organization of American States.
    • See [Belize–United States relationsBelize-United States relations have traditionally been close and cordial. The United States is Belize's principal trading partner and major source of investment funds. It is also home to the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated to be 70,000 strong. Because Belize's economic growth and accompanying democratic political stability are important U.S. objectives, Belize benefits from the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative.
    As a member of CARICOM Belize strongly backed efforts by the United States to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 940 designed to facilitate the departure of Haiti's de facto authorities from power. The country agreed to contribute military personnel to the Multinational Task Force which restored the democratically elected Government of Haiti in October 1994 and to the United Nations Mission in Haiti.
    Belize is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the American military.
    International crime issues dominate the agenda of bilateral relations between the United States and Belize. The United States is working closely with the Government of Belize to fight illicit narcotics trafficking, and both governments seek to control the flow of illegal migrants to the United States through Belize. Belize and the United States brought into force a stolen vehicle treaty, an extradition treaty, and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between 2001 and 2003.
    The United States is the largest provider of economic assistance to Belize, contributing $2.5 million in various bilateral economic and military aid programs to Belize in FY 2006. Of this amount, nearly $500,000 was provided by the U.S. Military Liaison Office. The U.S. Agency for International Development closed its Belize office in August 1996 after a 13-year program during which USAID provided $110 million worth of development assistance to Belize. Belize still benefits from USAID regional programs. In addition, during the past 42 years, almost 2,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Belize. As of April 2007, the Peace Corps had 58 volunteers working in Belize.
    Until the end of 2002, Voice of America operated a medium-wave radio relay station in Punta Gorda that broadcast to the neighboring countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. military has a diverse and growing assistance program in Belize that included the construction and renovation of several schools and youth hostels, medical assistance programs, and drug reduction programs. Private North American investors continue to play a key role in Belize's economy, particularly in the tourism sector.
    • Belize has an embassy in Washington, D.C. and a consulate-general in Los Angeles.
    • United States has an embassy in Belmopan.
    28 September 1987
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 September 1987.
  • Both countries are full members of Organization of American States.
    • 25 April 1989
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 April 1989.
  • Venezuela has an embassy in Belmopan.
  • Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, and Organization of American States.

    • Asia

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
    12 February 1999
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 February 1999.
    10 December 2005
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 2005.
    1 November 1994
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 November 1994.

    In June 2020, Belize openly opposed the Hong Kong national security law
    15 April 2003
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 April 2003.
    1 October 2015
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 2015.
    See Belize–India relations
    • India has an honorary consulate in Belize City.
    • Belize maintains an honorary consulate in New Delhi.
    11 July 2014
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 July 2014.
    • 24 November 1992Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 November 1992.

    Both countries established diplomatic relations.
    1983
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1983.
    • Belize is represented in Israel through its embassy in London.
    • Israeli is represented in Belize through its embassy in San Salvador.
    • Since 2011, both countries have an AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL AND THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE ON VISA EXEMPTION FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC, SERVICE AND NATIONAL PASSPORTS.
    November 1982
  • Both countries established diplomatic relation in November 1982.
  • Belize has an embassy in Tokyo.
  • Japan has an embassy in Belmopan.
    • 28 June 2006Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 June 2006.
    7 November 2013
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 November 2013.
    5 September 2006
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 2006.
    11 February 2000
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 February 2000.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • 11 February 2000
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 February 2000.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • 20 June 2017Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 June 2017.
    20 June 1991
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 June 1991.
    3 March 2006
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 March 2006.
    21 October 2015
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 October 2015.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • Under the previous premiership of Said Musa, Belize remained a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights and shunned relations with Israel due to the latter's military and intelligence support for Guatemala. Since the election of Dean Barrow in 2008, however, relations with Israel have improved considerably. In June 2011, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington met with Israeli envoy Danny Ayalon to discuss an upcoming resolution in September aimed at recognising a Palestinian state. Following the meeting, Ayalon claimed that he had gained the support of Belize in opposing the resolution. However, on 9 September, the Belizean Foreign Ministry issued an official statement recognizing the State of Palestine with the borders prior to the Six-Day War.
    19 April 1993
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 April 1993.
    17 May 2002
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 May 2002.
    23 August 1995
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 August 1995.
    14 April 1987
    The establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Belize started on 14 April 1987.
    1989See Belize–Taiwan relations
    Belize recognizes the Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China. Relations were established between Belize and the ROC in 1989.
    • Belize has an embassy in Taipei.
    • Taiwan has an embassy in Belize City.
    21 December 2017Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 December 2017.
    11 June 1999
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 June 1999.

    • The Turkish Embassy in Mexico City is accredited to Belize and Turkey has an Honorary Consul in Belize City.
    • Belize has an Honorary Consulate in Izmir.
    10 December 1991Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1991.
    • Belize has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
    • UAE is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Mexico City.
    11 September 1996
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 September 1996.
    • 4 January 1995Both countries established diplomatic relation on 4 January 1995.

    Europe

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
    26 February 2018
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 February 2018.
    14 September 1989
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1989.
    1982
    Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982.
    • Belize has an embassy in Brussels.
    • Belgium is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Mexico City.
    24 January 1996Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1996.
    15 February 1994
    • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 15 February 1994.
    • Bulgaria is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.
    23 January 1996Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 1996.
    21 July 2000
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 2000.
    • Cyprus is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico.
    • Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    15 February 1994
  • The Czech Republic is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and has an honorary consulate.
  • Belize has an honorary consulate in Prague.
    • 15 November 1991
  • Belize has an honorary consulate in Copenhagen.
  • Denmark is represented in Belize by its embassy in Mexico City.
    • 5 May 1999
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1999.
  • Estonia has an honorary consulate in Belize.
    • 19 June 1997
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 June 1997.
  • Finland is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Belize City.
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in November 1981.
  • France is represented in Belize through its embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador.
    • 1 October 2015Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 2015.
    1982
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982.
    • Germany is represented in Belize through its embassy in Guatemala.
    4 September 1986
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1986.
  • Belize's Embassy in Mexico has parallel accreditation for Greece. Belize has an Honorary Consulate in Athens since 1992.
  • Greece does not have any representation in Belize, its embassy in Mexico is also accredited to Belize.
    • 15 February 1994Hungary is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.
    9 March 1983
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 March 1983.
    • Belize has an embassy to the Holy See in Rome.
    • Holy See is accredited to Belize from its apostolic nunciature in San Salvador, El Salvador.
    7 July 2004Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 7 July 2004.
    21 July 2000
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 2000.
    1 October 1982
    • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1982.
    • Belize has 2 honorary consulates in Palermo and Milano.
    • Italy is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate.
    30 April 2016
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 2016. Both countries enjoy excellent relationships.
    • 3 February 2005Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 February 2005.
    30 December 2004
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 December 2004.
    15 May 2008
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 May 2008.
    1 October 2004
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 2004.
    13 April 1987
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 April 1987.
    25 January 1996
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 January 1996.

    Since 2011, Belize and Norway have an Agreement concerning the exchange of information relating to tax matters they had signed in 2010.
    2 May 1995
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 May 1995.
    9 December 1992
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 December 1992.
    25 March 1993
    Both countries established diplomatic relation on 25 March 1993.
    25 June 1991
    Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1991. Belize immediately recognized Russia as the USSR's successor after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
    Russia is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Belize City.
    15 March 2005
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 March 2005.

    Slovakia is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.

    Belize is represented in Slovenia through its embassy in Vienna.
    13 January 1989See Belize–Spain relations
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 January 1989.

    Sweden is represented in Belize through its embassy in Stockholm and an honorary consulate in Belmopan.
    1988
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1988.
    • Switzerland is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and since 1996 an honorary consulate in Belize City.
    1 October 1999Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1999.
    1981See Belize–United Kingdom relations
    Belize is a member of the Commonwealth and was granted independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. Formerly known as British Honduras, the British maintained a garrison in Belize well into the 1990s, until Guatemala, which has always claimed sovereignty of the country, signed a treaty recognizing Belize's independence. The United Kingdom maintains a training center for the army in Belize.
    On 3 March 2012, Prince Harry visited Belize on a tour of Commonwealth countries in the region as the Queen's representative in her Diamond Jubilee, making this his first solo royal tour. There he renamed Zennia Boulevard in the capital to "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard", in honour of his grandmother.
    • Belize has a High Commission in London.
    • The United Kingdom has a High Commission in Belmopan.

    Oceania

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes

    • Australia is accredited to Belize from its High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.
    • Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    21 May 1993Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 May 1993.

    New Zealand is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Mexico City.

    Belize and the Commonwealth of Nations

    Belize has been a member state of the Commonwealth since 1981, when it became an independent Commonwealth realm.
    Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Belize is viceregally represented by the Governor-General of Belize.

    Multilateral membership

    Belize is a member of the following multilateral bodies.