Belize: COVID-19 restrictions in effect as of April 6 remain largely unchanged compared with early March /update 20

Event

As of April 6, the COVID-19-related restrictions in effect in Belize remain largely unchanged by comparison with those that were in place during the first week of March. A nightly 22:00-05:00 curfew remains in effect; curfew hours for minors run 18:00-05:00. Members of the security forces, as well as immigration and customs workers, healthcare workers, and those with authorization from the national government, are exempt from the curfew.

Businesses and facilities, including restaurants, fitness centers, churches, and personal grooming services, may operate at reduced capacity, subject to health protocols. All bars, rum shops, discotheques, nightclubs, casinos, gymnasiums, and gaming establishments remain closed. Nonessential businesses must allow employees to work from home whenever possible. Schools remain closed but may operate online.

All persons over the age of five must wear protective facemasks at all times, except while in private residences, exercising or engaged in any sports activity, driving alone or with only immediate family members, riding motorcycles or bicycles, or seated at restaurants. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited; all persons must adhere to social distancing directives. Outdoor exercise is permitted, provided social distancing measures are maintained; however, competitive sports events and recreational contact sports are prohibited.

International Travel
Air travel is continuing, and the maritime borders have reopened at the ports San Pedro, Belize City, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. However, the country's land ports of entry remain closed to most nonresident foreign nationals, and officials in Mexico have closed that country's borders with Belize to all nonessential travel. All arriving residents and nonresidents must download the Belize Health mobile application and fill in their details before travel. As of April 6, the following additional requirements remain in effect:

• Upon entry, travelers must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours before travel to Belize, or from any other approved test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Travelers unable to produce such documentation will be denied entry.

• Travelers who provide proof of having received two full doses of a COVID-19 vaccine do not have to provide the negative COVID-19 test result.

• All travelers are required to download the Belize Health mobile application no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

• Travelers may be randomly selected for a second test upon arrival at the airport. Any traveler testing positive for COVID-19 must complete a 14-day quarantine at a government-approved quarantine hotel at the traveler's expense.

• Visitors are required to stay at Gold Standard hotels but may use any means of transport to move around, including car rentals.

• Visitors can move about freely; however, it is recommended they remain within the Tourism Safe Corridor comprising Gold Standard certified restaurants, tour operators, tourism sites and attractions, and gift shops.

• Belize nationals and residents, as well as foreign diplomats accredited in Belize, work permit holders, and persons traveling on business, may enter through the land borders. However, travelers may only do so if they have received authorization in advance from the national government; moreover, they must enter quarantine upon arrival.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Highly targeted localized measures could be enforced in villages and towns with higher disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government COVID-19 Updates
Belize Tourism Board