Belize Opens To Tourists, Covid Restrictions Apply

Belize is open to international travel, with tourists able to enter the country via the international airport and land borders. However, tourists are advised to exercise caution when visiting Belize due to the high levels of violent crime throughout the country, including gang and drug-related violence. While tourists are not usually targeted, they could find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, avoid travelling after dark, and not display signs of wealth.

In terms of COVID-19 measures, as of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points. This includes the need for proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result, purchasing travel health insurance, wearing masks indoors, and any curfew mandates. However, it is still recommended that tourists stay at certified Gold Standard hotels or vacation rentals and purchase travel health insurance.

Belize has lifted all public health measures at its entry points

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all public health measures at its land and sea entry points. This means that there are no COVID-19-related restrictions for tourists entering the country. However, it is still recommended that tourists take out travel health insurance and stay in certified Gold Standard hotels or vacation rentals.

Previously, tourists had to follow various COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions when entering Belize. These included providing proof of vaccination or a negative test result, purchasing travel health insurance, wearing masks indoors, and adhering to curfew mandates. While these measures are no longer required, it is worth noting that the situation with COVID-19 is constantly evolving, and it is always a good idea to stay updated on the latest travel advice and guidelines.

Belize is open for international travel, and tourists can enter the country through the international airport and land borders. Tourists are typically allowed to stay in Belize for up to 30 days, and those who wish to stay longer can apply for a Visitor's Permit Extension in one-month increments for up to six months. It is important to note that there is a mandatory departure fee when leaving Belize, which differs based on the exit point (international airport or land borders).

While Belize has lifted its COVID-19 restrictions, it is important to be aware of other safety considerations when visiting the country. Violent crime, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, is common in Belize, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Tourists are advised to exercise caution, especially when visiting the south side of Belize City, where gang and drug-related violence is prevalent.

In addition, natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms can impact Belize during the hurricane season, which typically runs from mid-May to the end of November. It is essential to stay informed about the latest regional weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities when travelling to Belize during this period.

Tourists are recommended to stay at certified Gold Standard hotels

Belize is welcoming tourists back to the country, but it is important to note that there is a high level of violent crime throughout the country, including gang and drug-related violence, and Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Therefore, tourists are advised to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Belize.

To enhance the safety and health of tourists, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) launched the "Tourism Gold Standard" Recognition Program for hotels in the country. This 9-point program improves the cleaning and workplace policies of hotels and restaurants, with new behaviours and procedures in place to minimise the impact on the guest experience.

Hotels that have achieved the Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition will:

• Implement social distancing and the use of face masks in public spaces.
• Provide online check-in/out, contactless payment systems, and automated ordering/booking systems.
• Have hand sanitising stations across the property.
• Enhance room cleaning and increase sanitisation of public spaces and high-touch surfaces.
• Conduct daily health checks for guests and employees.
• Have designated 'Isolation/Quarantine rooms' for suspected COVID-19 cases and action plans for handling suspected employees or guests.
• Offer full service to guests, including transportation to and from the airport, access to a restaurant, a pool or beachfront access, and isolated tours limited to guests of the property only.

The list of Gold Standard Hotels is updated almost daily, and tourists are recommended to book a stay at these BTB-approved hotels. By staying in a Gold Standard Hotel, travellers can enjoy their Belize vacation while being confident that their safety is the hotel's top priority.

International tourists must purchase travel health insurance

Belize is allowing tourists to enter the country, but there are some COVID-19-related requirements that international tourists must follow. Firstly, all visitors must present a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of their arrival or an antigen test taken within 48 hours of their arrival. At-home test kits are not accepted. Additionally, visitors must stay in hotels and use tour operators that are approved by the Belizean government for their COVID-19 safety standards. This list is regularly updated and can be referred to before planning your trip.

Furthermore, international tourists must purchase travel health insurance before travelling to Belize. This insurance policy, costing $18, will cover 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. The insurance requirement will remain in effect for 21 days and will also cover emergencies related to other medical conditions, medical evacuation by air, and costs related to trip interruptions. Travel insurance policies for Belize can be purchased before travel, at the airport, or at land border crossings.

It is important to note that the U.S. State Department recommends that travellers plan for surprise quarantine expenses, as travellers headed back to the U.S. must test negative for COVID-19 within one day of their return flight. Additionally, the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to Belize should be consulted before planning any international travel to the country.

Vaccinated travellers must show proof of vaccination

Belize is open for international travel, and tourists can enter through the international airport and land borders. However, there are specific requirements for vaccinated travellers entering the country.

All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must follow government health and safety measures, including staying at certified Gold Standard hotels or vacation rentals.

Vaccinated travellers must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (vaccine record card or immunisation record) upon arrival in Belize. This is required for entry to the country through its international airport or Mexican and Guatemalan land borders. It is important to note that travellers without a vaccination card or immunisation record will be asked to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or take a Rapid Test upon entry to Belize at their own expense.

In addition to the proof of vaccination, there are other entry requirements for Belize. All international tourists are required to purchase travel health insurance, which can be done online prior to arrival to avoid long wait times. The policy 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.

Upon arrival in Belize, vaccinated travellers must proceed to health screening at the Belize international airport. They will need to show their proof of vaccination and may also be subject to additional COVID-19 testing if displaying symptoms. It is recommended that travellers use gold standard tour operators and guides when visiting tourist attractions in Belize.

It is important to stay informed about the latest travel advice and requirements for Belize, as the information provided here may not be fully up to date.

Unvaccinated travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 test

Belize is open for travel, but there are some COVID-19 requirements and recommendations that unvaccinated travellers must follow.

Firstly, it is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series, including any additional doses, before travelling to Belize. This is because, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk of severe disease, it is advised that you talk with your clinician about your risk and consider delaying travel to Belize.

If you are unvaccinated, you must provide a negative COVID-19 test. It is recommended that you get tested for a current infection with a viral test as close to the time of your departure as possible (no more than 3 days). If you are showing COVID-19 symptoms, or have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you should not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken. If you are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, you should also refrain from travelling. If your test comes back positive while you are at your destination, you will need to isolate and postpone your return until it is safe for you to travel. If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should not travel until a full 5 days after your last close contact with the person. If you must travel during days 6 through 10 after your last close contact, you must get tested, and ensure your test result is negative and that you remain without symptoms.

It is important to follow all requirements and recommendations in Belize, including mask-wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, and quarantine. Requirements for travellers in other countries may differ from U.S. requirements, and failure to follow your destination's requirements may result in denied entry.

Frequently asked questions