I was very curious about Belize and wanted to see for myself what the country is all about. When the time came for my visit, I started researching about visa policy of Belize for Indians. A quick google search threw up conflicting information.
Visas are required for Indians at a steep cost of 23k INR. For those foreigners who have a US visa, they can obtain a visa on arrival for US$50. However, Indians have to pay a repatriation fee of BZ$1200(US$600) upon arrival. I was not prepared to pay such an exorbitant amount.
Belize High Commission London website had a different story to tell:
Nationals of the following countries do NOT require a visa to enter Belize as a tourist for a period of up to 30 days.
– Any person who is the holder of a valid United States of America (USA) multiple entry visa or a Permanent Residency Card OR a valid Schengen multiple entry visa for a European Union (EU) member state.
Anyways, I decided to try my luck and enter Belize via Mexico near Chetumal. I got the exit stamp of Mexico and entered Belize immigration. There is a Belize Tourism Board booth right at the entrance where they were giving out immigration forms. I took one form which was in English and filled it out. The line was almost empty except for a Mennonite family from Mexico. When my turn came up, I handed over my form and passport. The immigration officer went through my passport, scanned the US visa. He looked at me and said ‘One sec’ and went inside to confer with his superior. He came back after 5 minutes. All this while, I was preparing myself to get rejected and go back. He stamped the passport, handed it over to me and said “Welcome!”. I heaved a sigh of relief.
That’s it! No questions asked and no fees to pay. I am not sure how it is for Indian nationals without a US visa, but those with a US visa can enjoy the beauty of Belize without worry. When you exit Belize, you pay an exit fee of BZ$40 which every foreign national has to pay.
Visavad is a small village that lies on the Dwarka-Porbandar Highway. Visavad is an ancient place which used to be called Vishnupad. It is famous for the Mool Dwaraka temple. Adjacent to the temple complex is a stepwell, built in the 13th century, similar in design but much smaller in proportion to that of Adalaj Vav in Ahmedabad. Locals call it Jananavapi. It has an L-shaped plan, with stairs leading down to the well. The entrance to the well is through a mantap which has a pyramidical tower on top and a bench with backrest on either side. As one descends the stairs and at the turn is the first of the three pyramidical towers covering the three pavilions of the longer side of L. The middle tower has a storey, while the last and the third one has two storeys. The niches in the vav have idols of deities including Vishnu, Brahma and Surya.
