If you’re planning a vacation to Belize, your basic pre-trip homework should include knowing what, if any, protocols are in place—not just in a specific destination but along the entire journey. With a new national curfew coming into effect as of today, September 20, travelers should plan to be back by your resort or accommodation by 7:00 pm—that is, if you’re not staying in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, or Hopkins. At the same time, a pattern is emerging, where travel is easier and less restrictive for those who are fully vaccinated. If your Belize vacation itinerary finds you in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia Peninsula, or Hopkins within these next 2 weeks of COVID-19 measures, here’s what you need to know.
In San Pedro, Caye Caulker, on the Placencia Peninsula, or Hopkins? Your Curfew Is 9 PM
The Tipsy Strip, Placencia. Image courtesy Carolee Chanona
In a reopening world, global leaders have outlined the nearing end to this pandemic: with every vaccine issued, we get closer, and every time you wear your mask properly, we get closer. Keep it up, and we’ll get there even quicker. Until then, Belize enacts the following measures for the next two weeks, starting today:
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San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia Peninsula, and Hopkins have a 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily curfew. All other destinations are under a 7:00 pm to 4:00 am daily curfew. “Placencia” includes the following villages on the peninsula: Riversdale, Maya Beach, Seine Bight, and Placencia.
- Restaurants in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Hopkins can operate as per normal. All other destinations’ restaurants will only be allowed to provide take-out service.
- All hotels, and accompanying restaurants, outside of San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Hopkins can operate and abide by the 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew.
- Sunday 26th September and Sunday 3rd October 2021 will be declared no movement days, except to seek medical attention or to purchase medication, groceries, and fuel. The tourism industry and workers are considered essential and can operate fully during these no movement days. Hotels and resorts for the purpose of servicing guests are exempt, including those who are arriving from the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport; and already lodged at the hotel or resort.
- All casinos and churches are to be closed.
- Contact sports are not allowed, unless for training purposes only.
Besides a national curfew, othеr preventative measures in Belize rеmаіn thе ѕаmе, іnсludіng:
- Mаndаtоrу wеаrіng оf face mаѕkѕ in public
- Sосіаl dіѕtаnсіng оf ѕіх fееt
- Pеnаltіеѕ bоth fоr thоѕе flоutіng thе rulеѕ аnd thоѕе еnсоurаgіng thеm
All other COVID regulations remain in place. Those who breach Public Health regulations will be ticketed and fined $500 per person.
Being COVID-19 Safe in Belize
Travelers to Belize must test negative for COVID-19 before arrival, or test on arrival inside its international airport. Likewise, all travelers returning to the U.S. must have a negative COVID-19 test done in Belize, per CDC requirements. Find a testing center near you in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Placencia, Hopkins, Dangriga, San Ignacio, and Belize City with CDC-compliant, and FDA-approved results in as little as 15 minutes, thanks to Caring Hands Clinic.
Caring Hands Clinic introduces mobile testing.
At the time of writing, Belize has vaccinated 40% of its population with at least one dose, while 18.8% of its population is fully vaccinated.
