Belize: Authorities ease COVID-19-related land border restrictions as of June 19; air travel restrictions remain unchanged /update 23

Event

Authorities in Belize have eased some of the nation's COVID-19-related land border restrictions as of June 19, while keeping most air travel restrictions unchanged. Under the new directives, foreign tourists may enter Belize by land via the Western Border (Benque Viejo del Carmen) or Northern Border (Santa Elena) crossing points. Such persons must have proof of having booked accommodations for at least three nights at a Gold Standard certified lodging establishment and may enter either in their private vehicle or on certified transport. They also must either provide proof of being fully vaccinated or take a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival. Land borders are open for tourists Mondays to Fridays between 08:00-16:00, and Saturdays and Sundays between 08:00-12:00. Individuals who have recently been in India or Bangladesh are banned from entering Belize by any form of transport until further notice.

For travelers arriving by air, the following guidelines remain in effect:

• Testing for COVID-19 is required of unvaccinated persons. Travelers must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 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 for Belize 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 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.

With regard to maritime transport, small non-commercial vessels may enter through the ports of Belize City, Punta Gorda, and Placencia. Travelers must provide proof of a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to entry, or a PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to entry.

Domestic Measures
Authorities have also modified some domestic measures. The nightly curfew has been shortened by one hour through at least July 11; new curfew hours run 22:00-04:00 from Sunday to Wednesday, and 00:01-05:00 Thursday through Saturday. Minors must remain home between the hours of 18:00-05:00 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.

Businesses and facilities, including restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, churches, casinos, gaming establishments, and personal grooming services, are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, provided they enforce social distancing. 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.

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