Belize Travel: Negative Covid Test Required?

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 show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result or vaccination certificate upon arrival. However, it is still recommended that tourists stay at certified Gold Standard hotels or vacation rentals.

What type of test do I need?

To enter Belize, you can present either a negative PCR test or a negative rapid antigen test.

The PCR test must be taken within 96 hours of arrival in Belize. The rapid antigen test must be taken within 48 hours of arrival. Children under 5 years old are exempt from testing.

If you are unable to take a COVID test before travelling to Belize, you will be required to test on arrival. The cost of the test is US$50.00, payable in cash only.

If you test positive for COVID-19 on arrival, you will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days, at your own expense.

How far in advance do I need to take the test?

To enter Belize, you must take a COVID-19 PCR test within 96 hours of your flight or a negative result from any approved antigen rapid test taken within 48 hours of travel. This means that you should take your test no more than four days or two days, respectively, before your flight to Belize. If you are unable to present a negative test, you will have to take a COVID-19 test at the airport for a fee of $50.

It is recommended that you take a screenshot of your test results to facilitate processing with Health Officials. An official email or other correspondence from the testing facility with your name and result will also suffice as proof of your negative test.

What happens if I test positive before my trip?

If you test positive for COVID-19 before your trip to Belize, you will not be allowed to enter the country. The Belize Ministry of Health requires that you isolate yourself for up to ten days. After a positive rapid test, you will be given a PCR test to confirm the positive result. If this test is also positive, you will need to isolate for ten days or until you receive a negative test result.

On day five, you will be given another rapid test. If this test is negative, you will be allowed to board an international flight back to your home country. If the test is positive, you will need to continue isolating and retest on day ten.

If you test positive, COVID-19 tests, isolation accommodations, and all incidentals will be at your own expense. You will need to pay for the tests in cash, which is paid directly to the lab or charged to your room. You can then submit the receipt for reimbursement through your travel insurance.

What happens if I test positive during my trip?

If you test positive for COVID-19 during your trip to Belize, you will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at your hotel, at your own expense, until you receive clearance from the Ministry of Health to leave. You will need to take a COVID-19 test and receive a negative result to be cleared to end your quarantine. It is highly recommended that you obtain travel insurance before your trip to Belize in case you become sick while on vacation.

If you start to exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms during your trip, immediately notify your hotel's front desk, and they will implement their COVID-19 Response Plan. If you test positive, you will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at your expense.

If you are staying at a Gold Standard Certified hotel, they will have a COVID-19 safety program in place. This includes daily health and temperature checks for guests and employees, social distancing and the use of face masks in public spaces, enhanced cleaning and sanitization of public spaces and high-touch surfaces, and designated isolation/quarantine rooms for suspected COVID-19 cases.

It is important to follow the health and safety protocols in place to protect both yourself and others during your trip to Belize.

Do I need to wear a mask in Belize?

Yes, by law, all citizens and visitors to Belize must wear a face mask when in public spaces. This includes while inside the airport and during the entire landing, deplaning, and arrival process.

However, masks are not required when seated for eating or in water.

Frequently asked questions