Announced in a virtual press conference held Oct. 16, Belize lifts its 10-day quarantine requirement for incoming residents, citizens, and all other traveler classifications excluding tourists. Given a 10-day self-quarantine was never required for incoming tourists, this therefore does not affect their entry requirements. While it has been increasingly difficult to enforce, Belize will not penalize its citizens, residents, foreign second home owners, Qualified retired persons (QRP) and long stay non-nationals for not self-quarantining at home for 10 days. Effective Monday, Oct. 19, all incoming travelers within this traveler classification will not be required to self-quarantine for 10 days or penalized otherwise. Additionally, all travelers (now including resident and other travelers in this classification) will have the option to either present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel, or be tested on arrival.
Meanwhile, all inbound passengers will be screened on arrival to Belize with contact-less technology. In addition to undergoing non-invasive temperature checks and observations, passengers may be subject to additional testing depending on screening results. As a reminder, face masks are required to be worn at all times throughout the entire airport process; from deplaning to exiting the airport.
Belize’s Entry Requirements for returning citizens, residents, long-stay non-nationals, QRP Persons, & 2nd Home Owners
Although testing negative for COVID-19 is an entry requirement for Belize, all of the above incoming visitors now 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 the Caribbean nation’s airport health clinic for a double rapid test, at the traveler’s expense of US$50 per person. Although rapid test results take roughly 30 minutes to process, those 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 testing negative. Although a 10 day self-quarantine is not required (or penalized), it is still recommended.
Editor’s Note: More updates to entry requirements and travel restrictions are expected as the press conference progresses.
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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.
