COVID-19 Testing at Belize’s International Airport on Entry

COVID19_rapid_test belize airport arrival on entry

The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) is slated to reopen to external tourism on August 15, 2020, with the condition of a negative test result on arrival to Belize. Belize will implement a two-step testing screening on arrival, including COVID-19 testing if necessary.

Arriving travelers can present a negative PCR test result, taken within the 72 hours to travel. Or, pay for a rapid test within the airport at the traveler’s expense.

What if I can’t take a PCR Test within the 72 hours of travel to Belize?

If you are unable to provide a negative result of a COVID PCR test done within 72 hours before travel, you will be required to take a test at the Belize international airport’s on-site clinic. Belize’s Ministry of Health has established a testing clinic at the international airport, just outside of Terminal 2. The clinic can accommodate 12 passengers at a time for testing, and is air conditioned with restroom facilities.

How does the available Rapid Test on-site at the airport work?

At the Belize airport, the rapid test includes a Rapid Antigen test (nasal swab) and an Antibody IgG/IgM combo test (finger prick blood test). Both take approximately 5 to 15 minutes for the patient to receive their results. However, Belize reserves the right to validate test results with a rapid PCR test; this can take 30 to 85 minutes. For this reason, a prior PCR Test result is recommended to access the ‘fast track’ entry lane.

What’s the difference between tests for Belizeans and Tourists?

If the test result of a citizen is negative, you will be cleared to go home. However, Belize recommends 14 days of self-isolation at home. If the test result of a tourist is negative, you can be cleared to proceed to your Gold Standard approved accommodation. Additionally, returning Belizean citizens are limited to a PCR test only, while tourists are limited to a rapid test only.

What happens if a tourist tests positive in Belize at the airport?

All arriving passengers who test positive at the airport, whether tourist or citizen, will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at the passenger’s expense. Consequently, tourists will not be able to get a flight out of Belize without testing negative.

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