Belize enters phase III of its travel plans, with the reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport on August 15, 2020. Subsequently, entry to Belize will hinge on testing negative for COVID-19. Belizean citizens and tourists may present proof of a negative test result, valid within the 72 hours prior to arrival, for a fast-track entry lane. Passengers who do not have a negative test will be required to undergo rapid testing by the Ministry of Health upon arrival. This is at a cost to the passenger; the exact amount will be made available in the coming week(s).
Passengers arriving in Belize without a negative COVID-19 PCR test must undergo rapid testing upon arrival before being granted entry. Results can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes of taking the test, and the cost is at the passengers’ expense. Additionally, children under 16 years will be required to present a negative result; either by PCR test, or be tested upon arrival as well.
Belize receives 5,000 more Rapid Tests Kits
H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, handed over 5,000 test kits to Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow.
On July 1, Belize received 5,000 COVID-19 antibody rapid tests kits donated by The Embassy of Taiwan. These test kits are developed by Taiwan’s Excelsior Bio-System Incorporation and can deliver reliable results in just 10 to 15 minutes with 100 percent sensitivity and 95 percent specificity. Meanwhile, these kits screens potential carriers of the virus; specifically, those who were infected more than seven days prior to testing. This medical assistance will help strengthen the capacity of the Government of Belize to ensure a safe reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport.
Will tourists need to quarantine in Belize?
Passengers arriving to Belize who test positive for COVID-19 will be placed in an approved quarantine facility. The minimum requirement is fourteen (14) days. Individuals must have two negative COVID-19 tests at the end of this period; thereafter, they will be considered as ‘cleared’ from the virus. The cost of quarantine is the sole responsibility of the passenger. It is recommended that travellers explore the possibility of acquiring travel insurance prior to their Belize vacation. This applies to both tourists, and Belizean citizens.
