In a virtual press conference held October 16, the Caribbean nation of Belize eases travel restrictions for incoming tourists, previously limited to its Tourism Safe Corridor. Now, effective Monday, Oct. 19, Belize’s Tourism Safe Corridor will relax, allowing for increased freedom of movement to other Gold Standard approved businesses. Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dean Barrow also outlines car rentals will be included within this ease of restrictions, allowing travelers to rent a vehicle from an airport provider; traveler will need to submit an itinerary to adhere to, alongside a GPS device. Additionally, depending on the restaurant’s square footage, more than ten persons will be allowed inside a restaurant once social distancing is observed; reservations of the same party are limited to ten persons.
Safe Corridor now a “recommendation”, says Belize Prime Minister
Breakfast on the beach at Victoria House Resort & Spa, anyone?
Fine dining in Southern Belize at Sirenian Bay's Inky Restaurant. Photo by Duarte Dellarole
Dining on the beach of Ambergris Caye. Photo by Duarte Dellarole
While October 1 marked the reopening of Belize’s international airport, the health and safety protocols for visitors continue to be reviewed to ensure the guest experience is minimally impacted. During this initial phase of reopening, tourists in Belize can vacation inside its Tourism Safe Corridor. Previously, tourists were limited to remain on property of their Gold Standard hotel (with the exception of tours/activities) for the entire duration of their trip. However, P.M. Dean Barrow outlines the safe corridors will now be a “recommendation”, in what he calls a “transformed” protocol, during the virtual press conference held October 16.
Editor’s Note: More updates to the ease of travel restrictions are expected next week. Travel regulations and requirements are subject to change as new developments in COVID-19 arise. It is important to visit www.travelbelize.org/health-safety before booking travel or visiting Belize.
Belize’s Entry Requirements
Departures at the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) pre-covid.
Although testing negative for COVID-19 is an entry requirement for Belize, all travelers—now including residents and citizens—have two options. While pre-testing within 72 hours of travel to Belize with a PCR Test is strongly recommended, it is not mandatory. Instead, those without access can test on arrival inside Belize’s airport health clinic for a double rapid test, at the traveler’s expense. Although rapid test results take roughly 30 minutes to process, travelers arriving with a PCR pre-test can access the ‘fast track’ lane inside the airport. If positive, travelers will need to quarantine at their own expense until cleared negative. Additionally, all travelers must download the Belize Travel Health App and tourists must book with a Gold Standard hotel.
Header photo of Hopkins, Belize by Duarte Dellarole.
