Belize: Authorities modify COVID-19 restrictions as of May 19 /update 22

Event

Authorities have modified some of the country's COVID-19-related restrictions as of May 19, although most have remained largely unchanged since late April. Under the modified restrictions, a nightly 22:00-05:00 curfew is in effect Sunday-Wednesday; curfew hours are 00:01-05:00 Thursday-Saturday. Minors must still remain home 18:00-05:00 each day unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. 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.

The modifications also allow travelers to arrive without a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. However, all travelers without such test results will be required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Businesses and facilities, including restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, churches, casinos, gaming establishments, and personal grooming services, continue to operate at reduced capacity and/or are subject to health protocols. All bars, rum shops, discotheques, and nightclubs remain closed. 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 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, contact sports are allowed for training purposes only.

International Travel Restrictions
Air travel is continuing and maritime borders have reopened at the ports of San Pedro, Belize City, and Placencia. Those entering the country by sea will be required to give authorities at least 72 hours of notice and hire a shipping agent at their own expense. However, the country's land points of entry remain closed to most nonresident foreign nationals and Mexico's land borders with Belize remain closed to all nonessential travel until at least June 21. The following additional requirements remain in effect:

• Testing for COVID-19 is required of unvaccinated persons. Travelers must present a negative result from a PCR test taken at most 96 hours before travel or any other approved test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Those who do not present such test results are required to be tested at the airport at their own expense upon arrival.

• Travelers who provide proof of having received two full doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to their departure do not have to provide negative COVID-19 test results.

• 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 that they remain within the Tourism Safe Corridor, comprising Gold Standard certified restaurants, tour operators, tourism sites and attractions, and gift shops.

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