Belize's Covid Conundrum: Navigating Travel Requirements And Vaccine Mandates

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all COVID-19-related public health measures at its land and sea entry points. This means that proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required for entry to Belize, and there are no mandatory quarantine, mask, or insurance rules. However, the Belize Tourism Board still recommends that tourists stay at certified Gold Standard hotels or vacation rentals and purchase the Belize Travel Health Insurance. While there are no vaccine requirements for entry, the Belizean government cautions that vaccines are still the best form of protection against the virus, especially with the presence of the BA.2 and BA.5 sub-variants in the country.

Belize has dropped all COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted all COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry into the country. This means that proof of vaccination is no longer needed to enter Belize through its international airport, or Mexican and Guatemalan land borders. The requirement to provide a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry has also been removed.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced that the Government of Belize decided to remove all public health measures at every land and sea point of entry to the country. This includes the need for vaccination or testing, as well as the mandatory purchase of the Belize Travel Health Insurance. However, the insurance is still encouraged as a form of protection against emergency expenses.

The removal of these restrictions is in line with the global trend of relaxing COVID-19 measures and the emergence of weaker variants of the virus. Belize's Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, stated that "we've reached a level where it's now everyone's personal responsibility to decide whether they want to be vaccinated or not."

It is important to note that while Belize has dropped its vaccination requirements for entry, the government still recommends taking precautions. Vaccines remain the best form of protection against COVID-19, and international visitors are reminded to book their stay at a BTB Gold Standard-approved hotel. It is also advised to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and health guidelines, as health and safety guidelines can change rapidly.

Additionally, while COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, there are still recommended vaccinations for other common diseases when travelling to Belize. For instance, unvaccinated travellers aged one year or older are advised to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, and this recommendation extends to infants between 6 and 11 months old. Depending on the areas visited and activities planned, travellers may also consider vaccinations for other diseases such as typhoid and rabies.

Unvaccinated travellers are advised to get a Hepatitis A vaccine

Since July 12, 2022, Belize has not required COVID-19 vaccination passports or certificates for entry. However, unvaccinated travellers are advised to get a Hepatitis A vaccine. This is because Hepatitis A is a common disease worldwide, and travellers are at an increased risk of contracting the virus. Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver, and it is usually spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, diarrhoea, clay-coloured bowel movements, joint pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). While most people recover from Hepatitis A without lasting liver damage, it can cause liver failure and death in rare cases, particularly in older people and those with existing liver diseases.

The best way to protect against Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. The Hepatitis A vaccine is very effective and has been a routine childhood vaccine since 1996. It is recommended for international travellers over the age of one year, and infants between six and eleven months old should also be vaccinated. The vaccine is given in two doses, and it is recommended to get at least one dose as soon as possible before travelling if you are unable to get both doses in time.

In addition to the vaccine, there are other ways to protect yourself from Hepatitis A when travelling. It is important to practise good personal hygiene, especially by washing your hands after using the toilet and before eating. You should also be careful about what you eat and drink. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, raw salads and vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water, and food that has been left out at room temperature. It is also important to only drink treated or bottled water and to avoid ice cubes made from untreated water. By following these precautions and getting the Hepatitis A vaccine, unvaccinated travellers can help protect themselves from the virus when visiting Belize.

Tourists are recommended to stay in Gold Standard hotels

Since July 12, 2022, Belize has not required COVID-19 vaccination passports or certificates for entry. However, tourists are still recommended to stay in Gold Standard hotels, which have been certified by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) as part of its "Tourism Gold Standard" Recognition Program. This 9-point program aims to enhance the tourism industry's health and safety standards by implementing new behaviours and procedures to ensure travellers' safety and confidence.

Hotels that have achieved the Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition will operate within a "tourism safe corridor". These hotels will implement several measures, including social distancing and the use of face masks in public spaces, online check-in/out and contactless payment systems, hand sanitizing stations, enhanced room cleaning and increased sanitization of public spaces and high-touch surfaces, and daily health checks for guests and employees. Additionally, they will have designated 'Isolation/Quarantine rooms' for suspected COVID-19 cases and action plans for handling suspected employees or guests.

One example of a Gold Standard hotel is the Victoria House Resort & Spa, which has met and exceeded the Gold Standards set by the BTB. The resort has implemented several measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its guests, including temperature checks at the entryway, plexiglass barriers and hand sanitizer stations at the front desk, and a seamless check-in process with social distancing and low-contact protocols. The resort has also invested in state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and partnered with BioSafe Distributors to adopt an effective and eco-friendly approach to sanitizing and cleaning.

By choosing to stay in Gold Standard hotels like Victoria House Resort & Spa, tourists can have peace of mind knowing that their safety and well-being are the top priority. These hotels have raised the standard of health and safety protocols and are constantly evolving their processes based on guidance from government, industry, and health organizations.

Belize Travel Health Insurance is no longer mandatory but encouraged

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has lifted the requirement for visitors to have COVID-19 vaccination passports or certificates for entry. This means that Belize travel health insurance is no longer mandatory for tourists. However, it is still strongly recommended for all travellers to purchase travel health insurance before their trip.

While the requirement to have insurance has ended, the risks of travelling without it remain. COVID-19 is still a risk in Belize, even for those who are fully vaccinated. Additionally, travellers can encounter other unexpected illnesses or injuries during their trip, such as a broken bone. Travel insurance provides financial security and peace of mind in case of any new medical condition, not just COVID-19.

Travel insurance plans can vary in what they cover, but typically they include emergency medical evacuation, baggage and personal effects coverage, trip cancellation, trip delay, and trip interruption insurance. It's important to carefully review the policy document of any plan before purchasing it to understand what is covered.

Belize has a variety of ecosystems, activities, and cultural experiences to offer visitors. However, it is important to be aware of potential travel risks, such as adventure sports injuries, hurricanes and tropical storms, and instances of petty crime. Staying informed about weather forecasts and travel advisories is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.

While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for entry into Belize, it is still recommended that travellers be vaccinated against other common diseases. The Hepatitis A vaccination is advised for unvaccinated travellers aged one year or older, as well as infants between 6 to 11 months old. Depending on your travel plans, you may also consider vaccinations for typhoid and rabies, especially if you intend to visit rural areas or be in close contact with animals.

Masks are no longer mandatory in Belize

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has dropped all COVID-19 entry requirements, including the need for vaccination passports or certificates. This means that proof of vaccination is not required for entry into Belize at any official border point, and face masks are no longer mandatory. However, it is still recommended that travellers be vaccinated against other common diseases, such as Hepatitis A, and consider vaccinations for other diseases such as typhoid and rabies, especially if they plan to visit rural areas or be in close contact with animals.

The decision to drop the mask mandate in Belize was likely made by the Belizean government and communicated to the public through official channels, including the Belize Tourism Board. This decision was probably influenced by the country's efforts to balance public health measures with the need to promote tourism and economic recovery.

While masks are no longer mandatory, it is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, and the situation can change rapidly. Travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and health guidelines from reliable sources, such as the Belize Tourism Board's official page, before their trip to Belize.

Additionally, it is recommended to follow basic hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, to protect oneself and others from the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. The CDC also recommends that individuals who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines continue to wear masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor settings, especially in areas with high COVID-19 case numbers.

The CDC has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Belize, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. As a result, the CDC recommends avoiding travel to Belize if possible. However, if travel is necessary, individuals should ensure they are vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines before travelling.

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