Belize Opens Borders: What You Need To Know

Belize has reopened its Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) and Northern Border (Santa Elena) to foreign tourists and locals. However, travellers must adhere to specific requirements. From March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to present a negative test but must provide proof of vaccination to enter Belize through its airport, land borders, or sea ports. Unvaccinated children aged five and above will be subjected to SARCoV2 testing for entry. Additionally, foreign tourists entering Belize through land borders or the airport must purchase travel insurance before or upon arrival.

Belize's Western and Northern borders are open to foreign tourists from 6 am to 10 pm

Fully vaccinated travellers are not required to present a negative test but must provide proof of vaccination to enter Belize through the airport, land borders, or sea ports. Unvaccinated children ages 5 and older will be subjected to SARCoV2 testing for entry. Additionally, foreign tourists entering Belize through any land border or airport must purchase travel insurance before or upon arrival.

It is important to note that persons entering Belize through the Northern Border must use the Chetumal Bridge. The Western and Northern Borders are open from 6 am to 10 pm, while all sea ports operate from 6 am to 4 pm.

Belize has a range of safety and security concerns that travellers should be aware of. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, is prevalent even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Travellers are advised to exercise caution, especially when visiting the Southside of Belize City, due to high levels of gang-related violence. Local police may have limited capacity to respond to incidents, and many crimes remain unresolved.

To enhance your safety while travelling in Belize, it is recommended to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, and follow safety guidelines provided by official sources.

Travellers must show proof of vaccination to enter Belize

As of March 1, 2022, travellers to Belize are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. However, they must show proof of full vaccination to enter the country through its airport, land borders, or seaports. Children ages 5 and older who are not fully vaccinated and unable to show proof of vaccination will be subjected to SARS-CoV-2 testing for entry.

It is recommended that travellers get vaccinated against other common diseases. For instance, unvaccinated travellers aged one year or older, as well as infants between 6 to 11 months old, are advised to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Additionally, travellers may consider vaccinations for other diseases such as typhoid and rabies, especially if they plan to visit rural areas or come into close contact with animals.

It is important to consult official sources, such as the Belize Tourism Board, for the latest updates on travel advisories and health guidelines before planning a trip to Belize.

Belize has various entry requirements that travellers must adhere to. For instance, travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their expected departure date. They may also be asked to show a return or onward ticket, as well as proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. Children travelling alone or with only one parent may need to provide additional documentation, such as a notarized consent letter and proof of parentage.

Furthermore, travellers should be aware of the safety and security concerns in Belize, including violent crime, gang activity, and drug-related violence. Tourists are advised to take precautions such as remaining vigilant, avoiding non-essential travel to certain areas, and following the instructions of local authorities.

Children aged 5 and above who are unvaccinated will be tested for SARCoV2

Belize has implemented a series of measures to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 among travellers entering the country. While fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry, certain protocols remain in place for unvaccinated individuals.

In addition to testing, all international visitors, regardless of age and vaccination status, must purchase Belize Travel Health Insurance and complete the necessary Customs and Immigration form provided on flights to Belize. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and citizens as Belize continues to navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and guidelines provided by the official sources and authorities in Belize to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

Foreign tourists must purchase travel insurance before or upon arrival

As of the 15th of February 2022, foreign tourists entering Belize by land or air are required to purchase travel insurance before or upon arrival. This insurance is intended to cover medical expenses, as well as emergency assistance services such as air evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions. It is also designed to cover trip cancellations and unexpected travel expenses, including lost luggage, rental car damage, and medical emergencies.

While travel insurance is no longer mandatory for entry into Belize, it is still highly recommended by the Tourist Board. The insurance plan, which can be purchased online, costs US$18 and provides coverage for up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment for 21 days. It also includes lodging expense coverage of up to US$2,000 in case of quarantine requirements.

Belize has experienced an increase in petty crimes, especially against tourists, with thieves targeting personal belongings such as wallets, cameras, cell phones, and travel bags. Therefore, it is essential for foreign tourists to have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves from potential losses and ensure peace of mind during their trip.

When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to review the policy details to ensure it meets your specific needs. Look for coverage that includes reimbursement for non-refundable trip investments in case of cancellation or interruption due to covered reasons. Additionally, ensure that emergency medical referrals and assistance are included, along with coverage for travel delays and unexpected expenses. Comprehensive travel insurance can provide benefits such as baggage protection, car rental accident insurance, and trip cancellation or interruption coverage.

It is worth noting that travellers' credit cards, health care plans, or homeowner's insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for all eventualities. Therefore, it is advisable to invest in a dedicated travel insurance plan that meets your specific needs and provides the necessary peace of mind while visiting Belize.

Belize has a high rate of violent crime, including gang-related activity

Belize's borders have been open to foreign tourists since March 1, 2022, with some requirements in place. All travellers must show proof of vaccination to enter the country, and those who are unvaccinated and unable to show proof of vaccination will be subjected to SARCoV2 testing. Additionally, foreign tourists are required to purchase travel insurance prior to or upon arrival in Belize.

The country's domestic gangs, which operate mainly in Belize City, engage in local drug trafficking and robberies. However, the presence of transnational criminal organizations, such as Central American gangs and Mexican drug trafficking groups, has also been established in Belize. The country's role in the international drug trade has contributed to the increase in gang-related violence. Belize's position as a transit point for drug smuggling and its proximity to Mexico have made it an attractive destination for drug smugglers.

The Belizean government has acknowledged the need for improvements in the country's security forces, but underfunding and poor training remain prevalent issues. Both the police force and the justice system are widely regarded as corrupt and inefficient, leading to low public confidence and a lack of reporting of crimes. The police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes go unsolved.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended to remain vigilant, avoid travelling after dark, keep mobile phones charged, and comply with demands in the event of a robbery. Tourists are not usually targeted, but there is still a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, also occur, and criminals often operate in groups and target individuals travelling alone.

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