Belize's Covid-19 Status: Cases And Prevention Measures

As of July 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points, including the need for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. However, as of May 2022, COVID-19 cases have been reported in Belize, and restrictions were in place to control the spread of the virus, such as a nationwide curfew, mandatory facemasks, and social distancing. While the country had initially reported no cases of COVID-19 in March 2020, it had implemented preventive measures and strategies to minimize infection.

COVID-19 cases in Belize

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points. This means that proof of a negative COVID-19 test result or vaccination is no longer required for entry to the country. However, certain protocols for travellers entering Belize remain in place.

Previously, Belize had a number of COVID-19 restrictions in place. A nationwide curfew was imposed, with different times for adults and minors, and sea and land borders were closed. Facemasks were mandatory in public, and social distancing was required. Gatherings of more than 10 people were banned, and public and entertainment venues were closed until further notice, except for deliveries and takeaways. Commercial flights were also resumed, but with stringent COVID-19 measures for travellers, such as the requirement to take a PCR test before travelling.

As of April 1, 2022, Belize lifted all remaining COVID-19 restrictions for visitors and citizens. Masks were no longer mandatory, and all curfews and social distancing requirements were removed. All clubs, bars, restaurants, and casinos were fully reopened to maximum capacity, and there were no limits on social gatherings. The Minister of Health and Wellness for Belize, Kevin Bernard, attributed the lifting of restrictions to the steady decrease in COVID-19 cases at both the district and national levels, stating that there was no longer a threat of community spread due to the virus.

Despite the lifting of restrictions, certain protocols for travellers entering Belize remain in place. Fully vaccinated travellers who can show proof of vaccination are exempt from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result for entry. However, those who are unable to provide proof of vaccination or are unvaccinated must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Mandatory testing is administered at land border points and seaports for unvaccinated travellers, and no test results taken prior to arrival are accepted at these entry points. Additionally, all international visitors must purchase Belize Travel Health Insurance and complete the Customs and Immigration form provided on flights to Belize.

Travel restrictions

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points. This means that there is no longer a requirement to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result, purchase the Belize Travel Health Insurance, wear masks indoors, or follow curfew mandates. However, tourists are still recommended to stay at certified Gold Standard hotels or vacation rentals and to purchase the Belize Travel Health Insurance.

When travelling to Belize, it is important to note the following restrictions and requirements:

• Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is accepted for entry to Belize through its international airport or Mexican and Guatemalan land borders.
• Travelers without proof of vaccination are asked to provide a negative COVID-19 test result, such as a Rapid Antigen Test taken within 48 hours before arrival or a PCR Test taken within 96 hours before arrival. Alternatively, a Rapid Test can be taken upon entry to Belize at the traveler's expense.
• International tourists entering Belize are required to purchase travel health insurance, which costs US-$18 and covers up to $50,000 in COVID-19-related medical expenses and up to $2,000 for lodging expenses if quarantine is necessary.
• All curfews and mask mandates have been lifted, and restaurants and bars can serve people at 75% capacity, granted that guests are fully vaccinated.
• It is recommended to book accommodations in advance at Gold Standard hotels or vacation rentals (e.g. Airbnb, VRBO).
• While in Belize, it is recommended to use Gold Standard tour operators and guides. Day trips to Guatemala or Mexico are allowed as of February 7, 2022.
• If you experience symptoms while in Belize, the Ministry of Health will conduct testing. If the result is positive, you will be placed in quarantine until you receive health clearance to depart the country. If the result is negative, you can continue your vacation.
• To depart Belize, some countries may require a negative COVID-19 test result. Testing is available at various sites across Belize, including the Philip Goldson International Airport. The cost of the Rapid Antigen test is US-$75, while the PCR test costs US-$150.

Entry requirements

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all COVID-19 public health measures at its points of entry. However, there are still some entry requirements that travellers to Belize must follow.

Firstly, all visitors to Belize must hold a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their arrival, and they must be able to prove their intention to depart the country. This can be done by presenting a return or onward ticket, such as an airline, bus, or cruise ship ticket. A visa is not required for citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries. However, citizens of other countries may require a visa, and they can stay for up to 30 days in Belize. For those who wish to stay longer, a 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' can be applied for in one-month increments for up to six months.

Secondly, while there is no longer any requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry to Belize, it is still recommended that tourists stay at Gold Standard certified accommodations, as these entities have implemented enhanced health and safety measures. Additionally, international tourists are required to purchase travel health insurance, which costs US-$18 and covers up to $50,000 in COVID-19-related medical expenses and up to $2,000 for lodging expenses if a traveller needs to quarantine in Belize.

Finally, visitors driving or boating into Belize from Mexico or Guatemala must secure a temporary importation permit at their point of entry, and this permit must be extended every 30 days.

Public health regulations

As of April 1, 2022, Belize has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for visitors and citizens. The following guidelines are now in place:

• Masks are no longer mandatory indoors and outside.
• All curfews have been removed.
• Social distancing is no longer required.
• All clubs, bars, restaurants, and casinos are fully reopened to maximum capacity.
• There are no limits on any forms of social gatherings.

However, certain protocols for travellers entering Belize are still in place. Here are some of the public health regulations:

• All international visitors must purchase Belize Travel Health Insurance and complete the Customs and Immigration form provided on all flights to Belize.
• Fully vaccinated travellers who can show proof of vaccination are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test for entry to Belize.
• If unable to show proof of vaccination, or if unvaccinated, proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival must be presented.
• Mandatory testing will be administered at land border points and sea ports for unvaccinated travellers. No test result taken prior to arrival will be accepted at the land borders or sea ports.
• If not fully vaccinated, or unable to show proof of vaccination, children ages 5 and older will be subjected to SARCoV2 testing for entry to Belize.

Preventative measures

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points. However, certain protocols for travellers entering Belize are still in place. Here are some preventative measures to consider:

For Travellers to Belize:

• Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is accepted for entry to Belize through its international airport or Mexican and Guatemalan land borders.
• If unable to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival must be presented.
• All international visitors must purchase Belize Travel Health Insurance, which costs US-$18 and covers up to $50,000 in COVID-19-related medical expenses and up to $2,000 for lodging expenses if a traveller needs to quarantine in Belize.
• Children ages 5 and older who are not fully vaccinated or unable to show proof of vaccination will be subjected to SARCoV2 testing for entry to Belize.
• Unvaccinated travellers must undergo mandatory testing at land border points and sea ports. No test results taken prior to arrival will be accepted at these entry points.

For the General Public:

• Wear masks when in close contact with others outside your household.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter (3 ft) between persons, or 1.8 meters (6 ft) as recommended by the CDC.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face.
• Avoid crowded spaces, especially those with poor ventilation.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, and cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Keep informed about the latest COVID-19 updates and guidelines from trusted sources.

Frequently asked questions