Belize remains open to travelers, with no current travel bans in place. While the Belize-Mexico and Belize-Guatemala land borders continues to be closed to non-essential travel, air travel resumed as of October 1, 2020. As such, airlines have since been ramping up their schedules to offer more flights, including new non-stop routes and inaugural flights, among other seasonal schedules. Americans need a passport to travel to Belize and require a negative COVID-19 test result to gain entry. Negative results may be by a PCR Test within 96 hours of arrival, a Rapid Test within 48 hours of arrival, or a Rapid Test on arrival inside the airport clinic for US$50 per person. At time of writing, Belize has a daily curfew in place from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am. Read on for the latest advisories, restrictions and requirements for travel to Belize in the time of COVID-19. Additionally, what the destination and travel suppliers are doing to keep visitors safe.
Travelers to Belize should anticipate enhanced health and safety protocols from the time they step off of the plane, including face mask requirements, COVID-19 result verification, social distancing markers, temperature screenings and hand sanitizing stations. These elevated measures will be omnipresent throughout the trip, with hotels and resorts screening guests for COVID-19 symptoms such as fever and sanitizing their luggage on arrival. In addition to frequent cleaning and capacity limits, many properties are offering contactless features such as mobile room keys and paperless check-in and receipts. Seating areas at beaches, pools and restaurants will also be spaced out to allow for social distancing with QR codes replacing physical menus in many cases. Vacation with peace of mind by booking with a Gold Standard certified accommodation, and looking out for the seal of approval at tourism sites, gift shops, restaurants, and more.
Safe Travels Certification
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) developed the “Safe Travels” global travel safety program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, recognizing destinations and travel companies that have successfully implemented hygiene, sanitation and prevention measures that meet its standards for safety. In December 2020, Belize received the coveted WTTC Safe Travels certification. Click here to download a list and contact details for destinations and associations that have received the Safe Travels stamp.
Widespread COVID-19 Testing
With the CDC requiring U.S.-bound air travelers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of departure beginning January 26, 2021, tourism stakeholders across Belize are rolling out on-site or concierge COVID-19 antigen testing so that guests can receive rapid results ahead of their return trip home. In most cases, resorts offer a discounted rate for guests who need to quarantine in the event of a positive result. The Philip Goldson International Airport will also offer an out-bound testing station; the PGIA currently offers testing for in-bound passengers. Find a list of locations in Belize for the nearest COVID-19 testing station here.
There are countless deals to be had on travel to Belize right now, with many highly-rated all-inclusive hotels and resorts offering not only major savings on nightly rates but additional perks such as complimentary activities and hundreds of dollars in resort credit. Guests can also book with added peace of mind and flexibility as many brands are allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in.
Talk To a Local Travel Advisor
Travelers eyeing a trip to Belize are encouraged to reach out to a trusted travel advisor who can not only save them time, money and stress but keep them up-to-date on the latest travel restrictions and requirements related to COVID-19 as well as provide assistance in the event something goes wrong. If you have doubts about traveling to Mexico right now, don’t worry, you aren’t alone and a good travel advisor isn’t going to pressure you into taking a trip. Rather, they will guide you to the right destination and accommodations at a date you’re comfortable with.