BELIZE TRAVEL
HEALTH & SAFETY

Health Saftey

Belize is welcoming travelers again, with a Tourism Gold Standard program in place designed to keep you safe and recognized as one of the top in the world. See our Health & Safety page for up-to-date details related to COVID-19 vaccinations, testing requirements and everything else you need to know in order to have the Belize vacation of your dreams.

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VISITING BELIZE IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3

Ready for your next trip to Belize? We’ve created a new Tourism Gold Standard program to keep you safer from arrival to departure. This extensive program is made specifically for hotels, restaurants, tour operators and other relevant businesses to enhance their health and safety standards. By adapting these new behaviours and procedures, these establishments will be able to ensure the safety of all travellers as they enjoy vacationing in Belize. From our enhanced cleanliness protocols for hotels, tour operators, and tourist attractions, we’ve reimagined our travel policies, so you can breathe easy while you explore our curious locations.

Belize received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) highly popular Safe Travels stamp

CDC Update

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it will require a negative COVID-19 test from all passengers arriving in the United States as of January 26^th2021. Belize is now expanding its testing locations to all air passengers leaving the country.

covid-19 testing sites in Belize

Travel Info

Updated August 5, 2021

Visiting Belize is as EASY as 1,2,3! Follow these three simple steps when planning your next trip to Belize.

NOTE: If you are planning to travel to Belize through our land borders? Click here for more details.

1

Plan your Visit

Persons entering Belize ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED to download and complete the Belize Health App prior to arrival.

You are required to complete the Customs and Immigration form that is provided to you on your flight to Belize.

International Tourist*: must book a stay at a Gold Standard hotel and present confirmation at immigration.

*Does not include QRPs, Belizeans & permanent residents, foreign homeowners, long-stay non-nationals, VFRs (visiting friends
and relatives).

2

Arrival

Effective August 9th, 2021 all travellers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport from other countries will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test.

A negative result of a Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival or a negative result from any approved Antigen Rapid Test taken within 48 hours of arrival is required.

* If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 years will not be required to present a negative test

3

Enjoy your stay

Follow all safety protocols and enjoy your Belize experience.

Take COVID-19 test prior to departure at any of the approved testing centers throughout Belize.

GOLD STANDARD ENTITIES

With the safety of travellers being top priority, visitors to Belize during Phase 3 of the country’s tourism reopening plan will utilize a certified Gold Standard Entity that has been approved for reopening. These entities have adapted new behaviors and procedure while ensuring minimal impact on guest experience.

FAQs

General FAQs

What are the requirements for entering Belize?

Effective August 9th, 2021 all travellers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize from other countries will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test.
All travellers entering Belize at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) will be required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival or a negative result from any approved Antigen Rapid Test taken within 48 hours of arrival. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 years will not be required to present a negative test; but children 5 years and older will be required to present a negative test.
All travellers entering Belize through the Northern and Western Borders will be administered a Rapid Test for COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at their own expense. No external COVID-19 PCR or Rapid Test will be accepted at these points of entry.

The Government of Belize (GOB) does not currently have any travel bans in place. We encourage you to visit www.travelbelize.org regularly for updates on Covid-19, as the situation remains fluid.

The country’s primary concern is to assure both travellers and residents that Belize’s tourism product is safer than ever before. A series of new enhanced health and safety protocols have been put in place to protect visitors, Belizeans, and our communities.

These include:

Mandatory use of face masks in public spaces
Enforcement of physical distancing measures in public spaces and capacity restrictions at restaurants (currently 50%), grocery stores, retail stores, etc.
Introduction of the “Tourism Gold Standard Program” which seeks to enhance the tourism industry’s health and safety standards by adapting new behaviours and procedures to ensure both employees and travellers are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize’s tourism product. Some of these new measures include:

Online check-in/out, contactless payment systems, and automated ordering/booking systems
Hand sanitizing stations
Enhanced cleaning and sanitization of public spaces and high touch surfaces
Capacity restrictions for all tourism sites to ensure physical distancing can be maintained
Smaller tour groups to provide a more intimate tour experience

Gold Standard entities can be easily identified by looking for the Gold Standard Certificate or Safety seal.

Belize has also been recognized by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and is now one of two hundred destinations using the Councils “Safe Travels Stamp” – the world’s first global safety and hygiene mark that indicates that a destination has adopted global standardized health and hygiene protocols.

Yes, we recommended that you bring along one of the accepted COVID tests (see #1 above) as this will provide for a ‘fast track’ arrival process. Depending on the results of your health screening, you may be randomly selected for secondary testing.

If you are unable bring along a COVID test, you will be required to test upon arrival; the cost is US$50.00. Only cash is accepted at this time; credit card machines and ATMs are not available in the Health Testing Unit.

No. All arriving passengers who test positive at the international airport will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at the passengers’ expense. It is therefore recommended that you obtain travel insurance prior to your trip to Belize.

Yes. Currently children aged 5 years and older are being tested in Belize. As the situation remains fluid, protocols are subject to change. Any passenger who tests positive upon arrival will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at the travellers expense.

Yes. Your hotel may offer airport pick-up services depending on their location. Only approved transportation providers are permitted and at this time include the two domestic airlines, car rentals and taxis. We recommend that you liaise with your hotel to learn more about how you will arrive at your hotel.

Enhanced health and safety measures have been adapted to protect both officers and arriving passengers. Some of these measures include protective barriers to reduce contact between the officers and the passengers, kiosks for scanning of passports upon entry, luggage scanners in the Customs Hall, and safety barriers where inspection of luggage is required.

Processing time varies depending on the result of your health screening and Covid-19 test results.

At this time, all tourists must book their stay at a Gold Standard hotel. The list of Gold Standard hotels can be found above.

Yes. By law, all citizens and visitors to Belize must wear a face mask when in public spaces.

If you start to exhibit any Covid-like symptoms, immediately notify your hotel’s front desk, and they will implement their Covid Response Plan. Should you develop symptoms, and test positive for the virus while in country, you will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14-days at your expense. It is highly recommended that you obtain travel insurance prior to coming to Belize in the event that you become sick while on vacation.

This is dependent on the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ contact tracing exercise. The hotel will utilize its communication plan to advise of any necessary steps to be taken.

Tourists visiting Belize can move about freely, however it is recommended that they remain within the Tourism Safe Corridor. The Safe Corridor includes Gold Standard certified accommodations, tour operators, tourism transportation providers, restaurants, tourism sites and attractions, and gift shops. These Gold Standard and certified entities have all been trained and have implemented enhanced health and safety measures.

A curfew is imposed countrywide during the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m from Sundays to Thursdays and 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. from Fridays to Saturdays.
Restaurants, saloons, diners and other similar establishments allowed to operate may offer dining-in services by reservation only for no more than 50% of its seating capacity.
Restaurants that have proper ventilation, or a restaurant that is an open-air restaurant, outdoor restaurant, or an al fresco dining restaurant that is allowed to operate, may offer dining-in services by reservation only for no more than 75% of its seating capacity.
All casinos are to remain closed.
Contact sports are not allowed.

An official email or other correspondence from the facility where your COVID test was taken with your name clearly indicating your result will suffice as proof of your negative test.

We highly recommend that you take a screenshot of the test results to facilitate processing with Health Officials.

Should several passengers test positive from the same flight, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will activate its contact tracing exercise

Yes. You can spend time at several different Gold Standard resorts during your time in Belize. Transfers to each resort can be arranged by the property and carried out by a Gold Standard tour operator or certified provider.

Yes, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is now offering COVID testing for passengers travelling to the US, Canada, and other destinations that require proof of a negative COVID test for entry. For information on testing sites and cost, please contact dhsoffice@health.gov.bz

Outbound COVID Testing FAQs

Travellers going to the following destinations are required to show proof of a negative COVID test prior to their departure:

Effective January 7^th, 2021 – Canada (5+ years and older)

Effective January 26^th, 2021 – United States of America (2+ years and older)

Depending on your final destination, the following will apply:

Canada: Molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled departure to Canada with written documentation of the lab test result.

USA: Effective November 8, 2021, U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) who are eligible to travel but are not fully vaccinated will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test one (1) day before their flight’s departure. U.S citizens and LPRs who are fully vaccinated will need to present airlines with proof of vaccination and of a negative COVID-19 test three (3) days before their flight.

Documentation of the test result can be provided in paper or electronic format.

Belize offers both PCR and Antigen tests via public and private health facilities. You can find a detailed listing of testing sites here.

Testing capabilities will vary by property. Contact us for more specific information.

Cost of the test varies on the facility and type of test required. Antigen testing starts as low as US$75; we recommend that you contact the authorized facility directly to verify pricing. Other options to further expand and reduce cost of testing are ongoing and include testing onsite in the departure terminals of the international airport.

Yes. Airlines are required to confirm proof of a negative test or documentation of recovery for all passengers prior to boarding for flights bound to the US and Canada. The airline must deny boarding to any passenger who is unable to show proof of a negative test or refuses to take a test.

A mandatory, minimum 14-day quarantine, is required for any traveller who tests positive. A negative test is required to be cleared for departure. Hotels and resorts will offer guests who must quarantine special rates to facilitate this process. Please contact us for specific rates and health and safety information in this regard.

All outbound passengers, regardless of vaccination status, are required to provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of recovery.

Land Border Reopening for Foreign Tourists

The Government of Belize has approved the reopening of Belize’s Land and Sea Borders in a phased approach, as follows:

Phase 1- Foreign Tourists Only (Date: May 31^st, 2021)
Phase 2- Foreign Tourists and Visitors of Friends, Family and Relatives (To be determined)
Phase 3- Full-Reopening (To be determined)

In the first phase, land and sea borders will be reopened to receive foreign tourists only. This phase is divided into two sub-phase

Phase 1A- Reopening of the Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) and Northern Border (Santa Elena) ONLY, on May 31^st, 2021.

Phase 1B- Reopening of the San Pedro Border Point and the Punta Gorda Border Point on a date to be determined.

No. Under Phase 1, direct transits of travellers or commercial passenger transport from one border to the other border will not be permitted. Day trips to Guatemala or Mexico will not be allowed in the first phase.

During Phase 1, the land and sea borders will be open to foreign tourists. Entry and exit by Belizeans, Permanent Residents, Military Personnel, Diplomats may require official permission from the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

During this phase, Foreign Tourists wishing to enter Belize via the two indicated land border points should note the following requirements:

Only Foreign Tourists entering Belize for Vacation and Recreational Purposes, for more than one day, will be eligible for entry.
Foreign Tourists must show proof of booking for at least three nights at a Belize Tourism Board Gold Standard Certified Hotel or Accommodation.
Foreign Tourists are permitted to enter with their own private vehicles and utilize their personal transportation for travel within Belize.
Foreign Tourists are permitted to enter with their own private vehicles and utilize their personal transportation for travel within Belize.
Foreign Tourists who do not enter with a private vehicle must be transported from the border facilities by a certified Gold Standard transport operator.

All travellers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated entering Belize through the Northern and Western Borders will be administered a Rapid Test for COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at their own expense. No external COVID-19 PCR or Rapid Test will be accepted at these points of entry.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness reserves the right to test any traveller for any reason whatsoever (at the traveller’s expense).

Foreign Travellers must note that during this phase the two land borders will be open only during the time of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Belize Time). The following are additional requirements that you can expect when travelling through our Borders:

It is mandatory for all persons to wear facemasks in all public spaces while in Belize.
It is mandatory for all persons to abide by the six feet social distancing rule in all public spaces while in Belize.
Hand sanitization stations will be made available to travellers.
All persons may be subject to COVID-19 testing upon arrival at the land border, at their own expense ($50 USD per test).
Any person testing positive for COVID-19 at the land border shall be denied entry. This may include their travelling party or close contacts.

Cruise Reopening & Preparedness

YES- Cruise Lines that have submitted a request to add Belize to their respective itineraries and meet all enhanced Health and Safety protocols are allowed to enter Belize waters.

Belize has instituted a temporary travel ban on persons who have travelled to or originated from or have transited the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The temporary ban is due to the rising numbers of persons in these countries infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Cruise passengers should bring along an Official Vaccine Card reflecting the receipt of the dual or single dose vaccine at least two weeks prior to arrival.
Or, if you cannot provide proof of immunization a PCR test or rapid antigen test should be provided or taken within 72 hours prior to embarkation at the Home Port in addition to a secondary testing done on the day of embarkation with the approved rapid antigen tests.

Yes. At this time, fully vaccinated passengers can book excursions with Gold Standard Tour operators only. See link below. If you are not vaccinated, please ask your Shore Excursion desk on board for information on Bubble Tours.
https://belizetourismboard.org/industry-sectors/tourism-gold-standard-entities/

Yes. By law, all citizens and visitors to Belize must wear a face mask when in public spaces. Exceptions are when seated for eating or in water.

Stand-alone restaurants are only allowed to provide takeout services with the exception for restaurants in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and Hopkins. All hotels, and accompanying restaurants, outside of San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and Hopkins can operate and abide by the 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew.

Bars are closed at this time and Gift shops are presently operational.

See link for additional information.

https://belizetourismboard.org/industry-sectors/tourism-gold-standard-entities/

A Gold Standard entity is one that has thoroughly followed the new safety procedures and has the guests’ safety as their utmost priority.

All establishments operating within Belize’s cruise bubble will be required to implement the below best practices:

Enforcement of handwashing
Mandatory use of face mask
Enforcement of physical distancing
Hand sanitizing stations
Health Screening Procedures

If at any time you feel unwell, check-in with your Tour Guide or any security at the port to return to the ship for a check-up.

Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle – Belize’s travel magazine – has released a special edition issue in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board. The “Tourism Health and Safety: The Gold Standard for Belize Travel” issue focuses on travel guidance and highlights the destinations new health and safety protocols alongside a comprehensive travel guide.

To discover the Belize Gold Book click here.

BELIZE TRAVEL HEALTH & SAFETY

VISITING BELIZE IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3

CDC Update

Travel Info

Updated August 5, 2021

1

Plan your Visit

2

Arrival

3

Enjoy your stay

GOLD STANDARD ENTITIES

82° AND SUNNY

A Plus Adventure Belize

Action Divers and Adventures

Ali mermaid Adventures

AlTourNative Belize Services

Ambergris Divers Belize

Amigos Del Mar

Amigos Jungle Tours

Amped Tours Ltd.

Ancient Cultural Tours

Anda De Wata Tours

Anglers Abroad

Anwar Tours

Ash Adventure Tours

Astrum Helicopters

Authentic Travel Ltd.

Awe Jungle Excursions

Ayala's Natural Pool & Adventures

Ayinha Adventures Ltd.

B & D Belize Magical Adventures

Banana Bank Lodge

Barefoot Services

Belize Adventure Trails

Belize Blue Morpho Tours & Services

Belize Boutique Resort & Spa

Belize Candace Fishing & Reef Tours

Belize Caribbean Tours

Belize Caves & Limpkin Tours

Belize Caving Expeditions

Belize Celebrity Diving

Belize Diamond Adventures

Belize Diving Adventures

Belize Exclusive

Belize Exotic Adventures

Belize Expeditions Limited

Belize Family Adventure

Belize Food Tours

Belize Grand Jaguar Tour

Belize Guide Land and Sea CO. Limited

Belize Horse & Carriage Tours & Services

Belize Jungle Limousine Tours

Belize King of the Howlers Jungle & Sea Tours

Belize Magnificent Mayan Tours

Belize Master Tours

Belize N Me Jungle and Sea

Belize Nature Travel

Belize Paradise Tours

Belize Parasail Limited

Belize Pro Dive Center Limited formerly White Sand

Belize R Us Resorts & Tours

Belize Raindrops Adventures

Belize River Lodge Ltd

Belize Sensational Tours

Belize TREC Limited

Belize Unique Sea Adventures

Belize Wings

Belize Zoological Edventures Limited

Belizean Dreams Resort

BelizeInlandTours.com

Big Johns Tours & Taxi

Black Durgon Dives

Black Rock Expeditions Ltd.

Blackbird Caye Resort Limited

Blancaneaux Lodge

Blue Coral Tours Ltd.

Blue Heaven dives and Tours

Blue Marlin Resort

Blue Wave Divers

BELIZE TRAVEL
HEALTH & SAFETY