Belize Border Closure: What's The Current Status?

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belizean government decided to close all land borders, except for the movement of cargo. The Philip Goldson International Airport, however, reopened on October 1, 2020, for international travellers.

Land borders with Guatemala and Mexico remain closed

Belize, a country located on the northeast coast of Central America, shares its borders with Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. While the Philip Goldson International Airport has been open to international travellers since 1 October 2020, the land borders with Guatemala and Mexico remain closed.

The Belizean government's decision to close its land borders was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport opening was part of a "phased reopening", with procedures, protocols and policies in place to keep Belizeans and visitors safe. All arriving tourists must travel to a destination meeting the Belize Tourism Board's "Gold Standard", which includes all-inclusive hotels that meet strict protocols for COVID-19 safety and training. A negative COVID-19 PCR test result is also necessary to enter the country.

Belize's history with Guatemala has been marked by an unresolved territorial dispute. Guatemala has claimed sovereignty over Belize, previously known as British Honduras, since the fall of the Spanish Empire. In 1981, Belize achieved independence, but the border dispute has continued. In 2008, Belize and Guatemala agreed to hold simultaneous referendums to send the issue to the International Court of Justice. The referendums passed in both countries by May 2019, and as of June 2022, both nations are settling the dispute at the International Court of Justice.

Philip Goldson International Airport reopened to international travellers on 1 October 2020

As of my last update in March 2024, I can confirm that Philip Goldson International Airport, Belize's main airport and the country's only international airport, is open.

The airport was initially reopened on 15 August 2020 as part of the country's five-phase reopening strategy for tourism. However, it was closed temporarily in November 2022 due to the impact of Hurricane Lisa. The airport resumed operations on 3 November 2022, after receiving the all-clear from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

Upon reopening, passengers were advised to expect minor delays while the airport worked towards resuming full operations.

Belize had enjoyed over 50 days of a COVID-19-free environment before the airport's initial reopening in 2020. The country's low population density and geographic location positioned it well for post-pandemic travel.

All passengers arriving in Belize must adhere to health and safety measures implemented by the Government, including social distancing, hand sanitisation, proper hygiene, and wearing face masks in public spaces. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to take a COVID PCR test within 72 hours of travel to Belize. Those who fail to provide a negative test result will be tested upon arrival at their own expense and placed in mandatory quarantine for at least 14 days if they test positive.

All arriving tourists must travel to a destination meeting the Belize Tourism Board's 'Gold Standard'

Belize's tourism industry has introduced the Gold Standard Recognition Program to ensure the health and safety of the country and mitigate the risks of COVID-19. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has launched this program alongside the country's national tourism guidelines, focusing on enhanced cleaning practices, social interactions, workplace policies, and standard operating procedures. The 9-Point Program includes:

• Appointing a "Gold Standard Program Manager" to oversee protocol implementation and compliance monitoring.
• Monitoring and reporting with temperature checks and health monitoring for both workers and visitors.
• Practicing social distancing and implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, including increased disinfection of common areas and providing face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Developing a rapid and clear response plan to manage suspected COVID-19 cases.
• Establishing clear and consistent communication with employees and guests about the protocols and their impact.
• Maximising access to sanitisation stations across the property.
• Introducing digital technologies to reduce physical interactions, such as for transactions, check-in/out, and online ordering.
• Training workers to effectively manage and implement the new protocols based on their roles.

Properties that achieve "Tourism Gold Standard Recognition" will receive certificates for display in their lobbies and marketing messages. This recognition ensures that tourists can have confidence in the cleanliness and safety of Belize's hotels and restaurants while enjoying their stay.

Belize requires all visitors to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival

Belize's borders were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) reopened to international travellers on 1 October 2020, but land borders with Guatemala and Mexico remained closed. All visitors to Belize, including children, were required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival in the country. This was part of the country's “phased reopening” strategy, which included procedures, protocols, and policies to keep Belizeans and visitors safe.

Belize also launched a free Health App that all travellers were required to download on their mobile devices and fill out no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Belize. The eight-step application process generated a unique QR code, which needed to be presented to health authorities at the international airport upon arrival. The negative PCR test results also had to be loaded into the app to facilitate "fast-track" processing upon arrival.

Belize's land border and sea ports were eventually reopened for Belizeans and residents, but the country continued to implement measures to manage the pandemic. For example, Belize launched an Amnesty Program in 2022 for the legalisation of undocumented persons living in the country.

Belize's free Health App must be downloaded, with the necessary information filled out, no more than 72 hours prior to arrival

Belize is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America, which gained independence from Britain in 1981. It is known for its diverse culture, stable political system, and natural attractions such as the Belize Barrier Reef. As a popular tourist destination, Belize has implemented specific measures to ensure the safety of its visitors and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the key requirements for entering Belize is the mandatory use of the Belize Health App. This app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. All visitors to Belize are required to download and complete the necessary information on the app no more than 72 hours before their arrival in the country. This means that travellers must have the app installed on their mobile devices and fill out the required details within the 72-hour window before their arrival in Belize.

The Belize Health App serves as a tool to collect essential health information from travellers and is part of the country's efforts to manage the spread of COVID-19. By using the app, visitors can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, which is mandatory for entering Belize. This requirement applies to everyone, including Belizean citizens, legal residents, and tourists.

It is important to note that if a traveller does not have a negative test result within 72 hours prior to arrival, they will be required to take a rapid test administered by Belize's Ministry of Health at the airport. In the case of a positive test result, the traveller will need to undergo quarantine at a government-approved site, and all associated expenses must be covered by the traveller.

Additionally, Belize has implemented other safety measures, such as mandatory face masks in public places, social distancing, and capacity restrictions at restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist attractions. These measures aim to protect the health and well-being of both visitors and residents, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

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