COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Belize (20 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreign nationals are allowed to enter Belize.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• On arrival, every traveller will undergo health screening, temperature checks and verification of unique ID from the app.

• Travellers failing to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test report will undergo a test on arrival at their own expense.

• The airport authorities may randomly select any individual for test on arrival.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Belize are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• No with exceptions

• A test certificate is not mandatory; however, visitors are encouraged to carry a negative PCR test report obtained within 72 hours of travel for fast track entry.

• A copy received via email from the testing facility will be acceptable.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• In case of positive test result on arrival, travellers are subject to 14 days quarantine at their pre-booked hotel or approved quarantine hotel only.

• Non-tourist visitors are expected to undergo self-isolation for 10 days.

• Returnees arriving via land borders with a valid negative PCR test report are also encouraged to undergo self-isolation for 10 days.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Before boarding any flight for Belize, a passenger must download the “Belize Health App” to create a unique QR code required for contact tracing. The app can be downloaded here.

• The ID will be verified on arrival at airport.

• A wristband will also be provided to the travellers visiting as a tourist, which will be required to get access for domestic transportation, airport exit and hotels under the safe corridor.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Airports have reopened for international leisure travel within the tourism safe corridor.

• Temperature screening will be done on arrival at the airport. A passenger’s body temperature must be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• American Airlines is currently operational and will include Charlotte (CLT) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) routes from December.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Only air borders are open. Land and sea borders will remain closed until further notice.

• Cargo ships can enter seaports, and freight vehicles can cross land borders.

• No cruise lines are allowed to dock until further notice. Cruise tourism will be resumed in Phase V of reopening plan.

• Travellers must book their hotel before arrival. The hotels must have a Tourism Gold Standard Certificate. The list of hotels can be seen here.

• In case of emergency, travellers intending to cross land border via Benque Viejo del Carmen or Corozal must continue to obtain clearance by sending an e-mail to director@ins.gov.bz and copied to protocol@mfa.gov.bz. If your departure is for medical reasons, you must also include dhs@health.gov.bz.

• The traveller must send a copy of the biodata page in their passport and the reason for travelling (include copy of medical letter or student ID if applicable);

• For PCR test during departure, travellers can send their details such as name, address, telephone number, and copy of Social Security Card via email to dhsoffice@health.gov.bz.

• Travellers returning back to Belize via land border crossings Benque Viejo del Carmen or Corozal must continue to coordinate their entry by emailing repatriation@mfa.gov.bz and including the following:

• Copy of biodata page of passport;

• Expected date of entry with address and contact details along with evidence of payment for your hotel quarantine if you are not in possession of a PCR test taken 72 hours before entry.

• Entry via land border for the returnees will be allowed only from Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 12:00 hours.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• The state of emergency has been lifted.

• Currently, no curfew or lockdown is in effect. Social distancing measures will remain in effect.

• Out of five phases of a travel reopening plan, Belize is in the third phase of reopening.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Gatherings of more than ten people are not allowed.

• A social distance of six feet must be maintained between people.

• Violation of the social distancing measures may lead to penalties and possible imprisonment for up to one year.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Public transportation, both inter and intra-district, is allowed to operate with reduced capacity and social distancing norms.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Shops are allowed to open with strict protocols.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and other rental accommodations are allowed to open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to operate dine-in services with social distancing measures and limited occupancy.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Pubs, bars, discos, or other shops selling alcoholic beverages are closed until further notice.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Tourism has resumed; however, tourists must follow the safety measures, including staying at a hotel or guest house which falls within the “Safe Tourism Corridor” and has a Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition.

• ATM Cave, Nohoch Che’en, and Barton Creek caves are open.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Most heritage sites, including archaeological reserves, are open for visitation.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• Barbershops, spas, and personal care services are allowed to open with advance appointments only.

Places of worship open?

• Yes with exceptions.

• Church or any services of worship with limited number of persons are permitted.

• The numbers of participants are subject to change depending on the government regulations.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• Social events, recreational or competitive sporting events are prohibited.

• Wedding events are allowed with limited persons, as per the government regulations.

• Funeral ceremonies are allowed with a limited number of people.

Masks required in public?

• Yes with exceptions

• Except for children under six years of age, face masks are compulsory for every individual in public places, institutions, and offices.

Other

• Walking, cycling, and running are allowed if maintaining social distancing measures.

• Gyms, casinos and gaming establishments are closed.

• Schools and in-person lessons are closed but may operate online.

• Government offices are open.

• Playgrounds or public parks are not allowed to open.

Tanácsadás

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.