Press Release, US Embassy, Belmopan, Belize, October 1st - With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years just around the corner, the holidays will soon begin. In preparation for travel over the holidays, the U.S. Embassy recommends that American citizens, as well as U.S. visa holders, plan ahead and ensure enough time to obtain the proper documents well in advance of your travel dates. Make an appointment for any required services at the Embassy as soon as possible as appointments may become increasingly scarce as the holidays approach. U.S. citizens should confirm that passports are not missing, that passports are not expired, and that additional visa pages are not needed. U.S. visa holders should ensure their visa has not expired and that passports have at least six months remaining before they expire.

While passport visa pages may be added as a same-day service, new and renewal passports require seven to ten business days to process, and may take longer during the holiday season. U.S. visas—once approved—are usually available the next day, but may require extra processing time.For more information or to schedule an appointment for American Citizens Services or U.S. visas go to: http://belize.usembassy.gov. NOTE: The U.S. Embassy will be closed October 12th; November 11th, 19th and 26th; and December 25th and 28th, 2009; as well as January 1, 2010.The U.S. Embassy is located at#4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan City, Belize;Tel: 501-822-4011 8:00am to 5:00pm—or for after-hour emergencies, weekends, and holidays at501-610-5030, Fax: 501-822-4050.