Where To Get Covid-19 Tested In Belize

If you are travelling to Belize, you will need to take a COVID-19 test. The type of test you need depends on your vaccination status and country of origin. All visitors to Belize must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival. Unvaccinated travellers must also present a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival. There are several testing sites in Belize, including Belize Medical Associates, which offers rapid antigen and PCR tests, and the Caring Hands Clinic Antigen Test Center, which offers rapid antigen and PCR testing in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Placencia, Hopkins, Dangriga, San Ignacio, and Belize City.

Testing sites and costs

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points, including the need for proof of a negative COVID-19 test. However, if you are returning to the United States from Belize, you must show a negative test result no more than one day old before boarding your flight. Testing sites can be found across Belize, including at the Philip Goldson International Airport, where the Rapid Antigen test costs US-$75 and the PCR test costs US-$150.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Belize has also worked with private health providers to set up testing sites at medical centres throughout the country. These include the Caye Caulker Health Center, the Belmopan Medical Center, the San Ignacio Hospital, and Maya Island Air municipal airports, where you can get either PCR or antigen (rapid) tests. Tests cost $75 USD for a rapid test and $200 for a PCR test at Caring Hands Clinics.

If you are in San Ignacio, there is a clinic in town where you can take the test, and many resorts can help you make arrangements as well. In Caye Caulker, there is a small cottage on the main street that offers tests for $75, with printed and certified copies of your results available for pick-up.

For those who need a test before departing Belize, the "Covid 19 test concierge" company will come to your place of residence to administer the test for $75 USD per person. You can schedule a test between 8 AM and 5.30 PM from Sunday to Saturday.

Testing before departure

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points. However, some requirements still remain for travellers returning to their home countries. For example, if you are returning to the United States from Belize, you must show a negative test result no more than one day old before boarding your flight. This rule applies to children over two years old. If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, you are exempt from this rule if you can provide documentation.

If you need to take a COVID-19 test before you depart from Belize, you can visit one of the approved testing sites. These include the Caye Caulker Health Center, the Belmopan Medical Center, the San Ignacio Hospital, and the Maya Island Air municipal airports, where you can get either a PCR or antigen (rapid) test. Tests cost $75 USD for a rapid test and $150-200 for a PCR test.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will need to follow the protocols set forth by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which will include isolation and treatment.

It is important to note that the requirements for testing before departure may vary depending on your destination country. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your destination before you travel.

Testing for children

Children are subject to the same testing requirements as adults when travelling to Belize. All visitors, regardless of age, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival in the country for fast-track processing through the airport. Children under the age of 5 are exempt from this rule and do not need to present a negative test result.

If you are travelling to Belize from the US with children, they are exempt from testing if they are under 2 years old. If they are older than 2, they will need to take a test.

If you are already in Belize and your child begins to show symptoms of COVID-19, you can take them to one of the various testing sites across the country. The cheapest place to take a test is at the Philip Goldson International Airport. The Rapid Antigen test costs US-$75 and the PCR test costs US-$150. Results for the Rapid test are ready within 15-30 minutes, and the PCR test takes 30-45 minutes.

Testing for vaccinated travellers

As of March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter Belize. However, they must show proof of vaccination to enter the country through the airport, land borders, or seaports.

If you are unable to show proof of vaccination, you must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival, or a negative antigen rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Alternatively, you can take a COVID-19 test at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger.

It is important to note that the above requirements apply to travellers arriving by air. For unvaccinated travellers arriving via land borders or seaports, the Ministry of Health will administer mandatory COVID-19 testing, and no test result taken prior to arrival will be accepted at these entry points.

All travellers to Belize, regardless of vaccination status, are required to purchase mandatory travel health insurance. The insurance costs US$18 and provides coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses up to US$50,000 and lodging expenses of up to US$2,000 due to quarantine for a period of 21 days.

Testing for unvaccinated travellers

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points. However, travellers who cannot provide proof of full vaccination are asked to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or take a Rapid Test upon entry to Belize (at their own expense).

If you are not fully vaccinated, you should take a COVID-19 test before travelling to Belize. You can take a Rapid Antigen Test within 48 hours before arrival or a PCR Test within 96 hours prior to arrival. Children under 5 years of age are exempt from this requirement and do not need to present a negative test result.

Upon arrival in Belize, unvaccinated travellers must present a negative Rapid Antigen, Sophia, SD Biosensor, or ABBOT (Panbio) test taken within 48 hours of arrival, or a PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival. Passengers who test negative can proceed to immigration and customs, while those who test positive will be placed in quarantine at their own expense. Alternatively, travellers can take a COVID-19 test at the airport for US-$50.00.

If you need to get tested for COVID-19 before departing Belize, you can do so at various testing sites across the country. The cheapest option is the Philip Goldson International Airport, where the Rapid Test costs US-$75 and the PCR test costs US-$150. The Rapid Test takes 15-30 minutes, while the PCR test takes 30-45 minutes.

It is important to note that the requirements for testing and entry may change, so it is recommended to check the latest updates before travelling to Belize.

Frequently asked questions