Travel Alert: Belize Flights Now Open

As of August 2024, it is possible to fly to Belize. However, there are several requirements that travellers must meet. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test. This can be a negative PCR test result or a negative result from any approved Antigen Rapid Test. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee. Additionally, US citizens do not require a tourist visa for Belize, but they must show a passport valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry and Proof of Sustenance, which is the equivalent of $75 for each day of their trip.

COVID-19 restrictions and requirements

As of December 2021, all travellers, vaccinated or not, entering Belize by air must present a negative COVID-19 test. A negative PCR test result is required for all countries. If you cannot present a negative test, you will be tested at the airport at your own cost. Children under 5 are exempt from testing.

If you are arriving at Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), you will need to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel or a negative result from any approved Antigen Rapid Test taken within 48 hours of travel. If you are entering Belize through the Northern and Western Borders, you will be administered a Rapid Test for COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at your own expense. No external COVID-19 PCR or Rapid Test will be accepted at these points of entry.

All mandatory mask-wearing requirements and restrictions on social gatherings and social distancing have been removed. However, the wearing of masks and social distancing in public remains mandatory at all times. If you are in a motor vehicle or on a bicycle, you are no longer required to wear a facemask.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during your stay, you will be expected to quarantine for 10 days at your own expense.

Airlines that fly to Belize

There are several airlines that offer flights to Belize. Here is a list of some of the airlines that service Belize:

• Maya Island Air
• Tropic Air
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta
• Southwest Airlines
• British Airways
• KLM
• Alaska Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Avianca El Salvador

Some of the airports in Belize that these airlines fly into include Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), Caye Caulker Airport (20 miles from downtown Belize City), and Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA) (1 mile from downtown Belize City).

When booking your flight to Belize, it's a good idea to consider factors such as baggage allowance, frequent flyer membership programs, and flexible change policies. Additionally, booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you find cheaper airfare.

Airports in Belize

Belize has one international airport, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), and several domestic airports scattered across the country. The airports in Belize are primarily used by tourists from the USA and Canada.

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport

Also referred to as the Belize International Airport or PGIA, the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is the only international airport in Belize. It is located in Ladyville, a village that is about 9-10 miles outside of Belize City. The airport was established in 1943 and is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a popular Belizean activist and politician who died in 2001.

Domestic Airports

Domestic airports in Belize are scattered across the country, in the most populous areas of each district. These airports are primarily used by tourists during the high tourism season. The five most popular domestic airports in Belize are:

• Belize City Municipal Airport (also known as Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport) (TZA)
• San Pedro Airport (SVH)
• Caye Caulker Airport
• Placencia Airport
• San Ignacio Airport (MYF)

Other domestic airports in Belize include:

• Corozal Town Airport
• Hector Silva Airstrip – Belmopan Airport (BCV)
• John Greif II Airport — San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Airport
• Maya Flats Airstrip – San Ignacio Town Airport

Attractions in Belize City

Belize City is a buzzing metropolis and the central hub for business and travel around the country. While there aren't many top tourist attractions in the downtown core, there are plenty of things to do near the city. Here are some of the top attractions to visit in Belize City:

Altun Ha & The Olde Belize River

This nature and wildlife area features a river about 200 feet wide with lush green jungles on both sides, thick with bamboo, coconut, banana, cashews, and more. Altun Ha is also one of Belize's most-visited archaeological sites, featuring a prominent Maya temple.

The Belize Sign Monument

One of Belize City's newest attractions, this landmark is a great photo opportunity.

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi

The lead provider of water transportation in Belize, this water taxi service travels daily to Caye Caulker and San Pedro and now travels to Chetumal, Mexico, every other day.

St. John's Cathedral

The oldest Anglican Church in Central America, this cathedral was built in 1812 and is known for its British colonial architecture and role in Belizean history.

Belize Zoo

Considered one of the finest small zoos in the world, the Belize Zoo is unique in that it only features animals native to Belize, such as ocelots, black jaguars, spotted jaguars, pumas, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and dozens of different snakes. The zoo is focused on conservation education and wildlife rehabilitation and protection.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1984, this sanctuary is one of the best bird-watching spots in Central America. Built on a network of lagoons, swamps, and estuaries, the sanctuary is home to thousands of native and migratory birds.

Museum of Belize

Set inside the historic Queen Elizabeth's Prison, this museum showcases various small exhibits, including ancient Mayan relics, an insect gallery, a stamp collection, and vintage photos.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

Dedicated to protecting and preserving Belize's black howler monkey population, this 18-square-mile reserve is home to about 1,500 monkeys, as well as anteaters, armadillos, iguanas, turtles, deer, and over 200 species of birds.

Old Belize

A popular marina where sailors from around the world dock their yachts, Old Belize offers a man-made beach, zip line, waterfall, restaurant, and private museum with informative facts about Belize.

Best time to visit Belize

Belize is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is generally considered to be during the country's dry season, from late November/December to mid-May. During this peak season, you can expect warm temperatures, clear skies, and easy access to the country's top attractions. However, this is also the busiest time for tourism, so you'll have to deal with crowds.

If you want to beat the rush of tourists and don't mind the rain, consider visiting during the rainy season in September and October. Keep in mind that some establishments shut down during the offseason, and there is a risk of hurricanes during this period. The rainiest months are July and October, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius).

If you're looking for the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, November and May are great months to visit. The dry season in Belize runs from December to May, with the temperature dropping a bit in December, January, and February, leading to cool, breezy days with lots of sunshine. In March, April, and May, it tends to get hotter with almost no clouds, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as water sports and jungle adventures.

The rainy season in Belize runs from June to November, with the months of September and October experiencing the most rainfall. The Caribbean hurricane season also falls during the rainy season, so plan accordingly and consider purchasing travel insurance.

Overall, there is no bad time to visit Belize, and the decision of when to go ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you want to get out of your trip.

Frequently asked questions