COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Belize (22 May Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and 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?

• No with exceptions

• On arrival, every traveller will undergo health screening, temperature checks, and verification of unique ID from the Belize App. The app can be downloaded on Apple Devices and Android Devices.

• Travellers without a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate will have a test performed on arrival at their own expense.

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

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Belize are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Passengers must have a COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate issued within 96 hours before departure or a negative rapid antigen test result obtained within 48 hours before departure for Belize. The result must be presented in order to board the flight. A copy received via email from the testing facility will be accepted.

• Vaccinated travellers are not required to submit a PCR certificate.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers who have a positive COVID-19 test result on arrival are subject to a 14-day 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 certificate are also encouraged to undergo self-isolation for 10 days.

• Travellers coming for tourism purposes must have a confirmed reservation at an approved “Gold Standard” hotel. Details can be found here.

• Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers will be required to spend between 10 days and 14 days in quarantine.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Within 72 hours prior to 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 the airport.

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

Is Vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

• Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are not required to submit a PCR test certificate.

Is Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• The Philip Goldson International airport (BZE) has reopened.

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

• Direct flights between Belize and the UK are not available.

• Temperature screening will be done on arrival at the airport.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Air borders are open. Belize has reopened for tourists (via international airports only).

• All land borders and seaports remain closed for inbound tourism. Exceptions apply for:

• Yachting tourism via the authorized ports of San Pedro, Belize City and Placencia.

• Travellers returning to Belize via land border crossings Benque Viejo del Carmen or Corozal must coordinate their entry by emailing [email protected] and including the following:

• Copy of the biodata page of the passport;

• The reason for travelling (include a copy of the medical letter or student ID if applicable);

• 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.

• For a departure PCR test, travellers can send their details such as name, address, telephone number, and copy of Social Security Card via email to [email protected].

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

  • In case of emergency, travellers must obtain clearance by sending an e-mail to [email protected] and copied to [email protected]. If your departure is for medical reasons, you must also include [email protected].

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

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• The state of emergency has been lifted.

• A curfew is in effect between 22:00 and 05:00 from Sunday to Thursday. Whereas, in Friday and Saturday curfew is from midnight to 5:00.

• No individual (except essential workers and official duties) will be allowed to remain on the streets or in any public place during the curfew hours.

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

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Public 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. Tourists must follow the safety measures, which include staying at a hotel or guesthouse that falls within the “Safe Tourism Corridor” and has a Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition.

Restaurants open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Restaurants can open for delivery, take away or drive through only. Open-air, outdoor and alfresco restaurants are open, however, seating capacity is limited and customers must have a reservation.

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

• Tourism has resumed.

• 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.

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 a limited number of persons are permitted.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• Private parties with people outside the household are not allowed.

• Wedding events are allowed with limited capacity, 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

• Gyms, casinos and gaming establishments are closed.

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

• Government offices are open.

• Playgrounds or public parks are not allowed to open.

• Recreational contact sports and any type of competitive sports are prohibited.

• Cycling, running, walking and non-contact sports, such as tennis, golf and similar sports are allowed with social distancing measures.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.