COVID-19 Updates Belize | Belize Budget Suites

As of December 2021

Can I travel to Belize right now? Travel to Belize was resumed on October 1, 2020. However, tourists need to follow updated entry requirements and can only enter Belize via its international airport. Additionally, only government-approved hotels, resorts, and tour operators are allowed to host tourists.

What are the updated entry requirements for Belize? Belize entry requirements have been updated due to COVID-19. Travelers can only enter Belize via the Philip Goldson International Airport and must download the Belize Travel Health app, take COVID-19 tests, wear masks in public, follow curfew protocols, and stay at government-approved hotels while in Belize, among other things.

BTB-Covid 19 Update

1. Who can visit Belize and what are the requirements?

Effective August 9th, 2021 all travellers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize from other countries will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test.
All travellers entering Belize at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) will be required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel or a negative result from any approved Antigen Rapid Test taken within 48 hours of travel. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 years will not be required to present a negative test; but children 5 years and older will be required to present a negative test.
All travellers entering Belize through the Northern and Western Borders will be administered a Rapid Test for COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at their own expense. No external COVID-19 PCR or Rapid Test will be accepted at these points of entry.

2. Are there any current restrictions to enter Belize?
Presently, Belize has instituted a temporary travel ban on persons who have travelled to or originated from or have transited the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The temporary ban is due to the rising numbers of persons in these countries infected with the COVID-19 virus.

3. What specific measures are being taken in Belize to protect visitors from contracting the virus?
What specific measures are being taken in Belize to protect visitors from contracting the virus?

The country’s primary concern is to assure both travellers and residents that Belize’s tourism product is safer than ever before. A series of new enhanced health and safety protocols have been put in place to protect visitors, Belizeans, and our communities. These include:

Mandatory use of face masks in public spaces
Enforcement of physical distancing measures in public spaces and capacity restrictions at restaurants (currently 50%), grocery stores, retail stores, etc.
Introduction of the “Tourism Gold Standard Program” which seeks to enhance the tourism industry’s health and safety standards by adapting new behaviours and procedures to ensure both employees and travellers are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize’s tourism product. Some of these new measures include:
- Online check-in/out, contactless payment systems, and automated ordering/booking systems
- Hand sanitizing stations
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitization of public spaces and high touch surfaces
- Capacity restrictions for all tourism sites to ensure physical distancing can be maintained
- Smaller tour groups to provide a more intimate tour experience

Gold Standard entities can be easily identified by looking for the Gold Standard Certificate or Safety seal.
Belize has also been recognized by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and is now one of two hundred destinations using the Councils “Safe Travels Stamp” – the world’s first global safety and hygiene mark that indicates that a destination has adopted global standardized health and hygiene protocols.

4. If I am unable to take a COVID test prior to traveling to Belize, will I be required to test upon arrival? If so, what is the cost of the test?Yes, we recommended that you bring along one of the accepted COVID tests (see #1 above) as this will provide for a ‘fast track’ arrival process. Depending on the results of your health screening, you may be randomly selected for secondary testing.  If you are unable bring along a COVID test, you will be required to test upon arrival; the cost is US$50.00.
Only cash is accepted at this time; credit card machines and ATMs are not available in the Health Testing Unit.

5.  If I test positive at the airport, will I be able to get a flight back out of Belize without having to be placed in quarantine?
No. All arriving passengers who test positive at the international airport will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at the passengers’ expense.  It is therefore recommended that you obtain travel insurance prior to your trip to Belize.

6. Will children (under 16 years old) be required to present a negative COVID test or be tested upon arrival as well?
Yes. Currently children aged 5 years and older are being tested in Belize. As the situation remains fluid, protocols are subject to change. Any passenger who tests positive upon arrival will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at the travellers expense.

7. How do I get from the airport to my hotel; are there certified transportation providers?
Yes. Your hotel may offer airport pick-up services depending on their location. Only approved transportation providers are permitted and at this time include the two domestic airlines, car rentals and taxis. We recommend that you liaise with your hotel to learn more about how you will arrive at your hotel.

8.  Upon arrival in Belize, what will the Immigration and Customs process entail?
Enhanced health and safety measures have been adapted to protect both officers and arriving passengers. Some of these measures include protective barriers to reduce contact between the officers and the passengers, kiosks for scanning of passports upon entry, luggage scanners in the Customs Hall, and safety barriers where inspection of luggage is required.

9. How long should I anticipate getting through arrivals?
Processing time varies depending on the result of your health screening and Covid-19 test results.

10. Can I stay at a non-Gold Standard accommodation?
At this time, all tourists must book their stay at a Gold Standard hotel. The list of Gold Standard hotels can be found

11. Am I required to wear a mask?
Yes. By law, all citizens and visitors to Belize must wear a face mask when in public spaces.

12. What should I do if I start to exhibit symptoms during my vacation?
If you start to exhibit any Covid-like symptoms, immediately notify your hotel’s front desk, and they will implement their Covid Response Plan. Should you develop symptoms, and test positive for the virus while in country, you will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14-days at your expense. It is highly recommended that you obtain travel insurance prior to coming to Belize in the event that you become sick while on vacation.

13. If someone at the resort where I’m staying tests positive for COVID, would everyone be quarantined for 14 days?
This is dependent on the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ contact tracing exercise. The hotel will utilize its communication plan to advise of any necessary steps to be taken.

14. Are there still restrictions on movement for tourists?
Tourists visiting Belize can move about freely, however it is recommended that they remain within the Tourism Safe Corridor. The Safe Corridor includes Gold Standard certified accommodations, tour operators, tourism transportation providers, restaurants, tourism sites and attractions, and gift shops. These Gold Standard and certified entities have all been trained and have implemented enhanced health and safety measures.  A curfew is currently in effect from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am daily. Persons are not permitted to be in any public space during this time, and risk a fine if found in contravention of the regulation.

15.  Is a digital copy of my negative Covid test acceptable?
An official email or other correspondence from the facility where your COVID test was taken with your name clearly indicating your result will suffice as proof of your negative test.  We highly recommend that you take a screenshot of the test results to facilitate processing with Health Officials.

16. If several people on the same flight test positive, what happens to the other passengers who were also on that flight?
Should several passengers test positive from the same flight, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will activate its contact tracing exercise

17. Can I visit multiple Gold Standard Resorts during my visit to Belize?
Yes. You can spend time at several different Gold Standard resorts during your time in Belize. Transfers to each resort can be arranged by the property and carried out by a Gold Standard tour operator or certified provider.

18. Does Belize offer COVID testing for travellers when departing the country?
Yes, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is now offering COVID testing for passengers travelling to the US, Canada, and other destinations that require proof of a negative COVID test for entry. For information on testing sites and cost, please contact [email protected]

"CDC" Recommendations - Dec. 2021

Travel Recommendations for Unvaccinated Travelers
If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, take the following steps:
Before travel:

Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.

During travel:

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus). CDC recommends that travelers who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear a mask and maintain physical distance when traveling.
Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who did not travel with you. It's important to do this everywhere—both indoors and outdoors.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).

Before you travel to the United States by airAll air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.
After you travel:

Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.
- Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
- If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.

Do NOT travel if were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, you test positive for COVID-19, or you are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test. Learn when it is safe for you to travel. Don’t travel with someone who is sick.

Travel Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated Travelers
If you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized by emergency use by the World Health Organization:

You do NOT have to get tested before leaving the United States, unless your destination requires it.
You do NOT have to self-quarantine after you arrive in the United States.

Before travel:

Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, masking, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and may be required to return to the United States.

During travel:

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).
Travelers should follow recommendations or requirements in Belize, including mask wearing and social distancing.

You should get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.

CDC’s NEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENT TO THE USA AND TESTING FACILITY AT THE PGIA
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Government of the United States of America now requires all in-bound passengers to:

have a negative pre-departure COVID viral test 3 calendar days preceding the flight’s departure from a foreign country OR
written or electronic documentation of a positive viral test result confirming the passenger had a previous COVID-19 infection and a letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official stating the passenger is cleared to travel, called “Documentation of Recovery” AND
an Attestation Form for every passenger 2 years of age or older confirming having received a negative test or has recovered from COVID-19 and is cleared to travel.
The test is a viral antigen test or nuclei acid amplification test.
A parent or authorized individual can attest on behalf of passengers age 2 to 17 or anyone unable to attest on their own behalf.

The Belize Airport Concession Company, operators and managers of the Philip Goldson International Airport, has reached an agreement with the Belize Medical Associates to establish a testing office in Terminal 2. The Belize Medical Associates office opens at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 26th January 2021, with the possibility of earlier opening hours subject to international flight schedules. A test is US$75 and results are provided within 50 minutes.
Travelers taking the COVID test and traveling on the same day are encouraged to be at the P.G.I.A. 4 hours before boarding time.

EXAMPLE ATTESTATION FORMS:
I ___________________ attest that I have received a negative pre-departure test result for COVID-19. The test was a viral test that was conducted on a specimen collected from me during the 3 calendar days preceding the flight’s departure. OR
I ___________________ attest that I have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 3 months or the time period specified in current CDC guidance, after having previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and have been cleared for travel by a licensed healthcare provider or public health official.
On behalf of _______________________, I attest that such person has received a negative pre-departure test result for COVID-19. The test was a viral test that was conducted on a specimen collected from that person during the 3 calendar days preceding the flight’s departure.
On behalf of _______________________, I attest that such person has recovered from COVID-19 in the last 3 months or the time period specified in current CDC guidance, after having previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and has been cleared for travel by a licensed healthcare provider or public health official.
_________________________________________
_________________________Date
For more information, related to any COVID testing call the Belize Medical Associates at 223-0302/3/04 or the P.G.I.A. at 225-2045.

PGIA - Belize International Airport Update - Dec. 2021

Latest Entry Requirements to Belize
All travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize via the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test. A negative result from either a PCR test or from any approved Antigen Rapid test can be presented. The PCR test must be taken within 96 hours of travel and the Rapid test within 48 hours of travel.
If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD 50.00 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 years will not be required to present a negative test; but children 5 years and older will be required to present a negative test. This new requirement comes into effective Monday, August 9th, 2021. To expedite processing time, travelers are encouraged to bring their negative Covid-19 test results.

Traveling to Canada - Effective November 05, 2021, all passengers entering Canada must be fully vaccinated and be in possession of a valid PCR test. The Belize Medical Associates testing center at the airport offers PCR testing and can provide results within 30 minutes.

COVID-19 TRAVEL UPDATES

Belize COVID-19 travel restrictions

Must download Belize Health App
Must book Gold Standard Hotels and Tour Operators
Must fly into Belize’s only international airport
Must take COVID-19 test before or on arrival
Must wear a mask at all times when in public
Must follow curfew protocols while in Belize
Must take COVID-19 test before or on departure

Before travel to Belize

Download and register on Belize Travel Health App
- Travelers will be provided with a unique number
Book your stay in Belize using approved hotel accommodations only
Take COVID-19 PCR Test and receive a negative result within 3 days (72 hours) prior to travel
Rapid Antigen, Sophia, SD Biosensor, ABBOT (Panbio) test results are also be accepted – taken no more than 2 days (48 hours) prior to travel
Follow all protocols of airlines and airports in originating city
Wear a face mask at all times, throughout the airports and in Belize
Sanitize hands often and maintain physical distancing

Arrival in Belize

Disembark plane and proceed to health screening at the Belize international airport
Sanitize shoes and pass thermal imaging cameras
- To proceed, your temperature must be less than 100 Degrees Fahrenheit
Verify information on the Belize Travel Health App
Verify certified COVID-19 test results for PCR test (taken within 72 hours of flight) or for Rapid Antigen, Sophia, SD Biosensor, ABBOT (Panbio) tests (taken within 48 hours of flight)
- Passengers with a negative result can proceed to immigration and customs
Passengers without COVID-19 test will be asked to proceed to the RED LANE for a rapid test to be taken at their expense ($50USD)
- Passengers that test positive for COVID-19 will be placed in quarantine at their expense
- Passengers that test negative for COVID-19 can proceed to immigration and customs

Immigration and customs

Immigration check at the airport
- Maintain 6 feet physical distancing
Guest proceeds to baggage claim
Guest proceeds to customs
- Place bags on luggage scanners
Proceed to domestic flight or ground transportation with approved providers
- List of Belize government-approved hotels and tour operators

While staying in Belize

Arrive at an approved hotel or resort
- List of certified Gold Standard hotels in Belize
The Belize Travel Health App will check in daily
- By unique number and Geo Ping
A curfew remains in force across Belize to help stop the spread of COVID-19
- From 10pm to 5am daily, adults are not permitted to be in public spaces, with the curfew starting earlier at 6pm for minors that are not in the company of parents.
- Violations may be subject to a $500 BZE fine
No Symptoms while in Belize
- Continue vacation until departure
- All social distancing protocols apply for departure from BZE airport
Symptoms while in Belize
- Ministry of Health conducts testing
- If positive, guest will be put in quarantine and will depart Belize upon health clearance
- If negative, guest can continue vacation

Depart Belize

Leave Belize by air
- Travelers can only leave Belize via the Phillip Goldson International Airport
- To depart Belize, some countries, such as the U.S. and Canada, require individuals to test negative for COVID-19
Getting tested for COVID-19 before departure
- Get tested at government-approved testing sites no more than 3 days before your flight departs.
- The test result must be negative. Keep a copy of your test results with you.
- A COVID-19 test can also be done at the airport for US$75 and the results are provided within 50 minutes.

SAFE TRAVEL CORRIDOR

Committed to delivering a clean and safe environment through health and safety protocols
In response to the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to follow the latest advice and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the local authorities Ministry of Health (MOH) for the country of Belize. One of our highest priorities is the health, safety, and security of our guests, and employees.

COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way we live, and we are adjusting our daily operations to fit within the new normal. In response to this, we have reviewed our existing health and safety processes and developed a new safety protocol. More extensive cleaning and disinfection protocol has been added for your safety and peace of mind.

What are the new protocols? - New cleaning and disinfection procedures, increased attention to safety in communal spaces, and updated training for our employees are included in the new protocols. These protocols describe specific processes and measures that are designed to help you feel comfortable and provide you with a measure of confidence in staying with us. We will continue to monitor & follow any changes, recommendations and guidelines outlined by our local authorities/government, to provide you with the best service possible. You can read about these added steps below:

1. Employees Wear Masks
All our team members wear protective masks while working in and around the property. Where appropriate, employees will wear gloves.

2. We Practice Social Distancing
We have taken measures at the hotel to ensure this happening. Exterior garden lounge chairs have been positioned 6 feet apart.

3. Sanitation Stations Are Provided on Property
We have install sanitation stations for hand washing on property.

4. Common Area Cleaning & Disinfecting
We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, as well as the frequency in which things are cleaned to common areas, and exterior walkways. Paying special attention to hand-railings, door knobs, etc.

5. We Disinfect Keys
Keys are disinfected after the use of each guest.

6. Door Notifications
Once a guest room has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, a card is placed in the door jamb, noting that this room has met the cleaning & disinfecting requirements for a future guest arrival.

7. Air Conditioners & Ceiling Fans
We have increased the cleaning & maintenance to guest room air conditioning units and ceiling fans. We believe this improves the quality of air being circulated in each guest room.

8. Guest Room Cleaning & Disinfecting
We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, as well as the frequency in which things are cleaned in guest rooms. Paying special attention to television remotes, air conditioning remotes, door knobs, handles, light switches, lamp switches, and faucets

9. Bedding, Linens & Towels
All bedding, linens and towels are washed at high temperatures for optimal disinfection. Bedding, Linens & Towels are changed and washed with each guest. We do not reuse "unused" bedding, linens & towels.

10. Payment Methods
We encourage guests to pay for their room prior to arriving. Portable credit card scanners are available so that each guest can process their own payments, thus minimizing contact with hotel employees. Note, credit card machines are cleaned & disinfected after each guest.

11. Employee Temperature Checks
Employee temperature checks are taken before each work shift. Once in the morning, and again before starting the afternoon shift. This should provide guests with a measure of comfort, that no employee will be working around them that is experiencing a fever.

12. Employee Training
Increased training is being provided to all employees as to proper procedures and protocols for COVID-19. An increase awareness of employee hygiene, guest to employee interactions, common area & guest room cleanliness. This additional training, should provide guests a measure of comfort, knowing that we are taking this pandemic very seriously. Your ultimate health and safety are our first concern.

COVID-19 Cancellation Policy - We are constantly updating our policies to reflect the most recent developments related to COVID-19 and any official travel restrictions, suspensions, quarantines or lockdown measures announced by the Prime Minister of Belize. At present the following cancellation policy applies:

Individual & Group Reservations
For existing reservations made from July 1, 2020 (moving forward):

Free modifications up to 24 hours before arrival date (subject to availability and/or any rate differences)
Cancellations 24 hrs or more - Refundable (less 5% for credit card fees charges).
Cancellations 24 hrs or less - Non refundable & hotel credit will apply (must be used within 12 months)

Our Sincere Thanks
As we constantly evaluate and update policies and protocols, we want to extend a special thanks to our employees and essential workers who have been working tirelessly in the community.