It’s been just over two months since the U.S. began distributing the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for COVID-19, and since that time, more than 76 million doses have been administered, according to the CDC’s vaccination tracker. As the U.S. administers enough for herd immunity, many healthcare and frontline workers, plus citizens age 65 and older have begun to receive both doses. And they, like many of the rest of us eagerly awaiting our turn in line, are likely asking themselves: Can I travel? What safety precautions will I still need to take? Where can I go? For those fully vaccinated and ready to travel, you’ll be pleased to know that Belize is waiving its entry testing requirement for even easier access.
What do I need to travel from the U.S. to Belize if I’m fully vaccinated?
Updated Mar. 1. 2021
With our main tourism market in Belize being the United States, there are still a few things you’ll need when traveling here. In the U.S., you’ll receive a physical paper card — called the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card — from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after being vaccinated. All in all, this card includes medical information about the vaccine you received, the date of vaccination, and where you were vaccinated. This should go without saying, but you don’t want to lose your vaccination card. Laminate your vaccination card, considering how high value it is for you as a person to travel to Belize.
“Once vaccinated and if the rates of infection are low around you and in the place that you are going to, I would definitely plan to travel.”
– Dr. Manisha Juthani, an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at the Yale School of Medicine, and an infectious diseases specialist at Yale Medicine.
COVID-19 infections are decreasing in Belize, with 9 new infections reported on average each day. For the fully vaccinated, you’ll need the following entry requirements to travel to Belize with ease:
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A copy of your unique QR code after completing the Belize Travel Health app
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A confirmation of your reservation at a certified Gold Standard accommodation
Effective March 1, 2021, under SI 14 of 2021. Read the Statutory Instrument here.
Stay Cautious & Be Responsible
Staying safe at Captain Jak’s in Placencia Village.
Scientists cite several reasons for staying masked and cautious as you start your post-vaccine life. “Immunity is not an on/off switch; it’s a deal,” says Eric Lofgren, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Washington State University. As Belize begins its own vaccinations in the country, this coming summer will be more open than last. After all, the virus seemingly slows in warmer months as people can more easily socialize outdoors; however, Belize is a year-round tropical destination. Ultimately, be respectful of keeping your distance from others; wear your mask where required in public spaces; and practicing proper hand hygiene. Take CC+L’s Responsible Travel Pledge while in Belize here.
Header photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images. Source: AFAR, Reuters, NYTimes
