Belize's Covid-Safe Travel: What You Need To Know

Belize is currently experiencing a high level of COVID-19, and the CDC recommends that all eligible travellers complete their COVID-19 vaccine series before travelling to the country. Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk of getting and spreading the virus. The CDC also recommends that anyone aged 2 or older should wear a high-quality mask in indoor public spaces.

In addition to the COVID-19 situation, there are several other factors to consider when deciding whether to travel to Belize. The country currently has a Level 2 travel advisory in place, which means that travellers should exercise increased caution due to the high levels of violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. The local police may lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

Furthermore, Belize is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, and flooding, which can put travellers at risk and disrupt essential services. The country also has a high rate of insect-borne diseases, including Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. It is recommended that travellers take precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing to reduce the risk of insect bites.

Overall, while there is no guarantee that any travel will be completely safe, travellers to Belize should be aware of the COVID-19 situation, the high level of violent crime, the potential for natural disasters, and the risk of insect-borne diseases, and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety.

COVID-19 vaccines and testing before travelling to Belize

Belize has been assessed as a Level 2: COVID-19 Moderate country by the CDC. This means that there is a moderate level of COVID-19 in Belize. If you plan to travel to Belize, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Here are some recommendations and requirements for COVID-19 vaccines and testing before travelling to Belize:

• Vaccination Status: Make sure your COVID-19 vaccines are up to date before travelling to Belize. This is a requirement for all travellers, regardless of your country of origin. Even if your vaccines are up to date, you may still be at risk of getting and spreading COVID-19, so it is important to remain cautious and follow local guidelines. If you have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk for severe disease, consult your healthcare provider before travelling.
• Testing: It is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19 as close to your departure date as possible, ideally within 3 days before your trip. If you have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days and remain without symptoms, you do not need to get tested before travelling. However, if you develop symptoms, follow the guidelines for testing and isolation.
• Mask-wearing: Follow the local guidelines for mask-wearing in Belize. In indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs, everyone aged 2 years and older should wear a well-fitting mask or respirator, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Proof of Vaccination: Be prepared to show proof of vaccination when travelling to Belize and when returning to your home country. Requirements may differ depending on your country of origin and destination, so make sure to check the specific requirements for your location.
• Quarantine: If you test positive for COVID-19 before your trip, do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you are asymptomatic. Follow the local guidelines for quarantine and isolation.
• Contact Tracing: If you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, follow the recommended quarantine guidelines. If you must travel during days 6 through 10 after your last exposure, get tested and ensure that your test result is negative, and you remain asymptomatic.
• International Travel Requirements: If you are travelling to the United States, you will need to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel. There may be additional requirements for travellers from specific countries, so be sure to check the guidelines for your particular situation.
• Stay Informed: Monitor the local situation in Belize and follow any requirements or recommendations provided by the local authorities. The COVID-19 situation can change rapidly, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest information.

Safety precautions to take while in Belize

While Belize is considered generally safe for travelling and backpacking, there are some precautions you should take.

Avoid certain areas

The Southside of Belize City, south of Haulover Creek, is known for its high levels of gang-related violence and should be avoided. The US Travel Advisory also includes the former capital, Belize City, in its list of dangerous areas, along with the Mayan ruins of Caracol, the Guatemalan border, and the Honduras border.

Be aware of your surroundings

Be vigilant and stay in well-populated areas to avoid being singled out by potential muggers. However, be aware that this also makes you a target for petty theft and pickpocketing, so keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Don't wear flashy items

Petty theft is the most common threat in Belize so remove any jewellery or watches and don't wave your phone around. Try to blend in as much as possible.

Don't leave your items unattended

If you're spending the day at the beach, don't leave your belongings unattended while swimming or walking along the sand, as they can easily be stolen.

Carry a spare wallet

Bring a spare wallet and only carry a small amount of cash in it. Keep the rest of your valuables locked up back at your accommodation.

Avoid public transport at night

If you need to get somewhere after dark, take a taxi. It will be safer than any public transport. Make sure it has green licence plates to indicate that it's an authorised taxi.

Be careful on public transport

Keep your valuables on you and well secured, especially on "chicken buses" (colourfully decorated school buses used as public transport). Theft is common on night buses, so avoid these if you can.

Don't do drugs

Cartels in Belize have made life difficult for the local population, so don't support them by buying their products. Drug penalties are also harsh in the region, and you don't want to end up in jail.

Stick to touristy parts of Belize City

Belize City has the highest crime rate in the country and some neighbourhoods are controlled by local gangs. However, there are areas that are relatively safe, such as the main tourist part of town.

Buy travel insurance

This will protect you if you get injured or ill, are a victim of theft, or have to deal with delayed or cancelled flights.

Travel advisories and alerts for Belize

COVID-19

The CDC recommends that all eligible travellers complete their primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine along with any additional recommended doses before travelling to Belize. They also advise that you get tested before and after travel. If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and may have difficulty accessing healthcare during travel, you should avoid travelling to Belize.

Crime

The US State Department advises travellers to exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, is common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related. Travellers are advised to exercise caution while travelling to the south side of Belize City. Local police may lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

The Australian Government advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Belize due to the threat of violent crime. They advise against all travel to the Southside of Belize City due to high levels of gang-related violence.

The Canadian Government also advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Belize due to high levels of violent crime throughout the country. They advise against non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village.

Other

The Australian Government warns that transport and tour operators do not always follow safety and maintenance standards. There have been several injuries and fatalities from water sports activities, including snorkelling and scuba diving.

The Canadian Government warns that medical services and facilities are very limited in Belize. Medical facilities are underequipped and may lack medical supplies and adequately trained professionals. Private hospitals may be better equipped and are mostly located in Belize City. There are none in rural areas.

Entry and exit requirements for Belize

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all public health measures at its points of entry. This means that travellers do not need a vaccination card, COVID-19 test, or need to wear masks. However, it is still recommended that you research the latest travel advice and entry requirements before planning your trip.

Entry Requirements:

• A passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your arrival.
• Proof of intent to depart the country, such as a return or onward ticket.
• If you are travelling with children, you may need to provide additional documentation such as birth certificates and notarized consent letters.
• Certain countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, the Caribbean, and Central American countries.
• If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a Visitor's Permit Extension from a local immigration office and pay an additional fee for each month you wish to stay, up to six months.

Exit Requirements:

There is a mandatory departure fee, which differs depending on whether you leave through the international airport or land borders. The airport exit fee is US$73.50 for tourists and BZ$35 for Belizean citizens or residents. At land borders, the fee is US$20 for tourists only.

Medical care and facilities in Belize

Belize has a relatively well-established healthcare system, with both private and public sectors. However, it is important to note that the standard of medical care in Belize does not meet the same standards as those in North America or the European Union. With a population of fewer than 400,000, the country lacks the economic resources to fund a large number of public hospitals. As a result, medical care in Belize generally receives a poor grade, although it has been steadily improving.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the health sector and providing public health services. The MoH offers affordable care to the majority of Belizeans, with a focus on quality healthcare through various public programs and institutions. In contrast, the private health sector serves a smaller portion of the population but offers similar low-cost services with an emphasis on quality.

Belize has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics and rural health posts, providing primary medical and dental care to rural areas. However, these clinics often suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and a shortage of equipment and medicine, resulting in reduced access to quality care.

Belize City offers the highest level of medical care due to its concentrated population. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is the national and regional referral hospital and is considered the premier public healthcare provider in Belize. However, it has faced challenges due to funding issues, equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues.

In addition to KHMH, there are seven other public hospitals located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts. Among these are three regional hospitals: the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town, and the Western Regional Hospital in the nation's capital, Belmopan. These regional hospitals provide a broader range of services than the capital hospitals of Corozal and Toledo District.

The country also has several private hospitals, including Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners in Belize City, and La Loma Luz Hospital, a private institution run by the Seventh-day Adventist mission. These private hospitals are generally preferred by expatriates for their superior and more comprehensive care.

While the standard of medical care in Belize may not be on par with more developed nations, the country has dedicated and caring doctors who provide personal attention to their patients. Additionally, high-quality medical care is available in several nearby countries, and insurance covering emergency transportation to the US is typically affordable.

It is important to note that medical facilities in Belize may not be equipped to handle major emergencies, and evacuation to the US or other countries may be necessary in the event of a serious illness or injury. The cost of medical evacuation can be very high, so it is recommended that individuals verify their medical coverage, including the cost of medical evacuation, before visiting or residing in Belize.

Frequently asked questions