Belize Travel: Covid Test Requirements

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all public health measures at its points of entry, meaning that a COVID test is no longer required to enter the country. However, unvaccinated travellers must still show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. Alternatively, they can opt to take a test upon arrival for a fee of $50 USD.

Who needs a Covid test to enter Belize?

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all public health measures at its points of entry (land and sea). This means that travellers do not need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the country. However, there are still some requirements that must be met before entering Belize.

All travellers must fill out the Customs and Immigration form and purchase mandatory Belize Travel Health Insurance, which costs $18 USD for 21 days of coverage. The insurance covers medical treatment and accommodation expenses if you need to quarantine due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

Previously, all visitors to Belize were required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival or a negative rapid antigen test result taken no more than 48 hours before travel. Children of all ages were also required to present negative test results. Now, these testing requirements only apply to unvaccinated travellers entering Belize by air, land, or sea. Unvaccinated visitors arriving by air can choose to take a test upon arrival for a fee of $50 USD, payable in cash only. However, Belize will not accept pre-arrival test results for those entering through land or sea entry points.

In addition to the insurance and testing requirements, travellers to Belize must have a passport valid for at least 30 days after their arrival and proof of their intent to depart the country, such as a return or onward ticket.

What type of Covid test is required?

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all public health measures at its points of entry and, therefore, does not require a specific type of Covid test for entry.

However, as of April 2022, unvaccinated travellers entering Belize by air were required to show a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival or a negative rapid Antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. Unvaccinated travellers could also opt to take a test upon arrival at a cost of $50 USD.

Previously, all visitors to Belize were required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival or a rapid antigen test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel.

How far in advance can you take the test?

As of March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers must show proof of vaccination to enter Belize. If you are unable to show proof of vaccination or are unvaccinated, you must present a negative COVID-19 test. The window for taking this test depends on the type of test you are taking.

For a PCR test, you must take the test within 72 hours of your arrival in Belize. For a rapid antigen test, the test must be taken no more than 48 hours before travelling.

If you are unable to present a negative COVID-19 test, you will be required to take a test at the airport for a fee of $50 USD per passenger.

How much does a Covid test cost in Belize?

As of March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers must show proof of vaccination to enter Belize by air, land, or sea. Unvaccinated travellers or those unable to provide proof of vaccination must present a negative COVID-19 test or take a test administered by the Ministry of Health at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Children under 5 years old are exempt from testing.

As of June 12, 2022, the CDC no longer requires air passengers travelling from a foreign country to the US to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery before boarding their flight. However, individual airlines may have their own requirements. It is recommended that travellers check with their airline before travelling.

As of January 2021, all inbound travellers to Belize must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 96 hours of arrival or a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. Visitors must also have reservations at hotels approved by Belize's Safe Corridor program. This requirement is in addition to the need to download the Belize Health App and fill out the necessary information no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travellers who arrive in Belize without test results will need to take a swab test at the airport's testing area for USD $50 and self-isolate at their accommodations until the results are available.

What happens if you test positive for Covid-19 in Belize?

If you test positive for COVID-19 while on vacation in Belize, you will be placed in a minimum 14-day quarantine at your hotel—at your own expense—until the Ministry of Health gives you clearance to leave. If you show any symptoms during your stay, the Ministry of Health also reserves the right to test you and place you in quarantine until negative results are received.

• Quarantine at Your Hotel: If you test positive, you will be required to quarantine at your hotel for a minimum of 14 days. The cost of the quarantine, including accommodation and meals, will be your responsibility.
• Ministry of Health Clearance: You will not be allowed to leave quarantine until you receive clearance from the Ministry of Health. They will monitor your health and conduct any necessary testing during this period.
• Extended Stay Expenses: Keep in mind that you will be responsible for covering the costs of your extended stay, including accommodation, meals, and any other expenses incurred during your quarantine.
• Hotel Arrangements: Your hotel will make the necessary arrangements for your quarantine. This may include providing you with a designated isolation/quarantine room and ensuring that your needs are met during your stay.
• Communication with Authorities: The hotel will also be in communication with the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to ensure that your case is properly managed and that you receive the necessary medical attention.
• Medical Attention: If your symptoms worsen or you require medical attention during your quarantine, the hotel and Ministry of Health will facilitate access to healthcare services.
• End of Quarantine: Once your quarantine period is complete and you test negative, you will be allowed to leave the hotel and resume your vacation or return home, depending on your preference and travel plans.

It is important to note that the above steps may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the guidelines in place at the time. Always refer to the latest information from the Belize Tourism Board and the Ministry of Health for the most up-to-date protocols.

Frequently asked questions