Belize: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related restrictions as of Jan. 7 /update 34

Event

Authorities in Belize are maintaining measures imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 as of Jan. 7.

Domestic Measures
Nightly curfews are in effect between the hours of 23:00-04:00 Sundays through Thursdays and 00:01-04:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Curfew hours for minors are 20:00-04:00. Some public sector workers, including members of the security forces and healthcare personnel, as well as those with official authorization, are exempt from the curfew.

The nation's restrictions also require bars, rum shops, and nightclubs to remain closed. Contact sports are permitted for vaccinated persons only. Restaurants, diners, and similar establishments may open for in-person services but must operate by reservation only and are limited to 50 percent capacity; such businesses may function at 75 percent capacity if properly ventilated or located outdoors. Casinos may open to vaccinated patrons. Private gatherings and social events remain banned except for gatherings of members of the same household. All persons must present proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a recent negative COVID-19 test result in order to enter a government office.

Many businesses and facilities may operate at up to 50 percent capacity, provided they enforce social distancing measures. Nonessential businesses must allow employees to work from home whenever possible. All persons over the age of five must wear protective facemasks at all times, except while in private residences or when exercising or engaging in any sports activity, driving alone or only with immediate family members, riding motorcycles or bicycles, or while seated at restaurants.

International Travel Restrictions
All air travelers over the age of five, regardless of vaccination status, must show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to travel or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours before travel. Travelers are also subject to mandatory random testing upon arrival. If a traveler tests positive, they will be required to quarantine at their own expense. Additionally, tourists must have a reservation at a Gold Standard-certified lodging establishment and show proof upon arrival.

Travelers who are arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe must remain in a government quarantine facility for 10 days upon entry.

Most Belizeans remain prohibited from entering or exiting the country via land or sea ports except to engage in trade, attend to an emergency, or be repatriated from abroad. Land and sea ports are open to foreign nationals 08:00-16:00 Monday-Friday and 08:00-12:00 Saturday-Sunday.

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