As international travel is expected to ramp up next year, travelers may be interested in the private sector for a COVID-19 test to fulfill requirements of their destination. For travel, the majority of destinations allowing travelers require negative test(s) within 72 hours before getting on a plane. Currently, the CFR rate in Belize stands at 1.5 percent. Nearly 2,000 cases or 63 percent have recovered; although Belize has recorded an average of 52 cases per day in the last week. Consequently, the National Oversight Committee (NOC) agreed to fast track private sector rapid testing, with an accompanying protocol for the contact tracing that would need to occur with private sector detection of positive cases. Although this is primarily geared towards Belizeans to alleviate the public sector, this option is available to international guests.
Editor’s Note: Testing information was updated on January 13, 2021 following the CDC’s announcement of a 72-hour viral test required for all arriving air passengers to the U.S. Find a comprehensive list of testing locations by destination HERE.
COVID-19 Testing in Belize to Travel
As a reminder, there are no exit requirements for Belize. However, the U.S. is still restricting entry for people who have been in the UK, Ireland, the Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil or China in the past two weeks. However, countries—like Guatemala—requires a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test, dated no more than 72 hours before the date of your arrival in Guatemala, together with a printed copy of the form. Announced January 12, 2021, the CDC will require arriving air passengers to have a negative 72-hour old viral test result in order to board.
“A negative Covid-19 test is required by either in-transit countries or my home country upon departure from Belize; where can I get a Covid test in Belize?”
The Belize Tourism Board, with their COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions, also shares where to get tested. Interested in getting tested for COVID-19 before you exit Belize? Rapid tests are available at two institutions, with printable results valid for travel.
- Belize Medical Associates – located at 5791 St. Thomas St., Belize City – offers COVID-19 rapid testing for BZD$200 and results are available after 2 hours. Rapid tests are conducted between 8 am- 4:30 pm on weekdays. Meanwhile, test are limited on Saturday between 8 am – 4:30 pm. Although testing is available on Sundays through the hospital portion, the cost will be higher. Results are available in 2 hours. Belize Medical Associations is a private hospital.
- Belize Medical Associates’ San Pedro Polyclinic now offers COVID-19 approved SD Biosensor Test. Results are available within one hour, or less. The BMA Polyclinic is the newest member of Caribeville at Grand Caribe Resort.
- Belize Health Care Partners – located at the Corner of Blue Marlin & Chancellor Ave., Belize City – also offers the rapid test at a cost of BZD$150.It is recommended to test between 7 am – 3:30 pm for the cheapest testing option; any hours outside of that may include a consultation fee, lab call-out fee, or other.
Source: The Belize Tourism Board and The Government of Belize Press Office
