Belize has just announced its newly revised measures, which apply to inbound citizens and residents arriving as of Oct 1, 2020. All inboard residents and citizens are classed as the Belizean diaspora, individuals with permanent residence or as long-stay non-nationals, retirees, or individuals with a valid work permit. Notably, the newly revised entry requirements for residents include a mandatory PCR test upon entry at the international airport and a mandatory one-day quarantine at an approved hotel to await results – both at the traveler’s expense. Additionally, a monitoring bracelet/Geo-Fence will be issued to those staying in Belize long-term once testing negative; this is to ensure the required 13-day self-quarantine, before being cleared to move freely. A monitoring bracelet will be issued solely to Belizeans and residents, foreign second homeowners, qualified retired persons (QRPs), and long-term non-nationals.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited on September 14 to reflect Belize’s new reopening date of October 1. Learn more about travel to Belize this travel advisory here.
Prior to Arrival in Belize
For all arriving passengers to Belize’s international airport on October 1 and thereafter, the Belize Health App must be downloaded and completed with the required information. Belizeans and residents must apply through the existing controlled repatriation process. However, those with non-work permits traveling to Belize with business concerns must apply to visit during this phase of reopening, along with proof of investment and itinerary for the duration of stay; however, business travelers will be limited to a Gold Standard recognized hotel if they are not a homeowner in Belize. Similarly, long-term non-national visitors, along with second homeowners and Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) will need to also apply; visits will be granted upon proof of homeownership, lease in Belize, or QRP ID card.
Foreign Tourists are encouraged to take a PCR Test within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Belize. However, depending on health screening results, tourists may be randomly selected for secondary testing.
Entry Requirements to Belize for Everyone except Foreign Tourists
All inbound Belizean citizens, residents, and long-term non-nationals will be screened when they arrive in Belize; in addition to undergoing non-invasive temperature checks and observation for symptoms. Additionally, a mandatory COVID-19 PCR test will be issued, at the traveler’s expense of US$50.00 per traveler. Thereafter, a one (1) day of mandatory quarantine at an approved hotel will be required, at the traveler’s expense; the cost will be dependent on the approved hotel. The one (1) day mandatory quarantine time is to await the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test results; the average turnaround time is 7-8 hours once the sample is received. Once negative, travelers may self-quarantine at home with Geo-Fence; clearance from the Ministry of Health is required to move freely.
Short-term business travelers entering Belize (non-work permits) are exempted from the 13-day self-quarantine. However, they must submit an approved itinerary and use of the Geo-Fence; that is along with the use of a vehicle and trained driver (no public transportation).
What if I test positive as a Belizean?
Visitors who test positive will need to remain in the mandatory quarantine at the approved hotel, at their own expense, until cleared as negative. However, this mandatory 14-day quarantine following a positive test applies to both tourists and Belizean.
For more information, visit belizetourismboard.org.
