Belize: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related nightly curfew until at least Oct. 3 /update 29

Event

Authorities in Belize have broadened the hours of the COVID-19-related nightly curfew, which now runs 19:00-04:00, until at least Oct. 3. Under the curfew, minors are required to remain at home 18:00-04:00. In Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker Village, Hopkins Village, and the Placencia Peninsula, curfew hours are 21:00-04:00. Members of the security forces and immigration and customs workers, healthcare workers, and those with authorization from the national government are exempt from the curfew.

Additionally, authorities have announced that a special Saturday lockdown will be in effect 04:00-18:59 Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. During this lockdown, people must remain in their homes except to obtain food, fuel, or medicine; to attend to a medical, veterinary, or other emergency; to serve as an essential worker; or to provide care to sick or elderly persons.

The new orders also require all casinos and other gaming establishments to close and restaurants to operate on a pick-up basis only. Restaurants on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker Village, Hopkins Village, and the Placencia Peninsula may provide seated dining, but only on a reservation basis, and never at more than 75 percent of normal maximum capacity.

Other COVID-19-related restrictions remain in effect. Many businesses and facilities, including fitness centers, churches, and personal grooming services, can operate at 50 percent capacity, provided they enforce social distancing measures. All bars, rum shops, 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 while 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.

International Entry Restrictions
All air travelers aged five years or older, regardless of vaccination status, are required to 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 without proof of pre-travel testing must take a COVID-19 test in the airport upon arrival at their expense. If a traveler tests positive, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days at their own expense. Additionally, tourists must have a reservation at a Gold Standard-certified lodging establishment and show proof upon arrival.

The Western Border (Benque Viejo del Carmen) and Northern Border (Santa Elena) land border crossing points remain open to foreign tourists only. Land borders are open to tourists Mondays through Fridays 08:00-16:00 and Saturdays and Sundays 08:00-12:00. Pre-departure COVID-19 tests will not be accepted for travelers arriving via these routes. Instead, travelers must take a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival. Travelers arriving by land can use private transport, but must have reservations for at least three nights at a Gold Standard-certified lodging establishment.

Individuals who have recently been in India or Bangladesh remain banned from entering Belize by any form of transport until further notice.

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