The increase in daily flights from 2 per day, to five per day, to 10 flights on Dec. 19th, has required that Tourist admission health protocols be tweaked and refined to streamline the passage of visitors through the Philip Goldson International Airport, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations Hon. Anthony Mahler explained.

Visitors are asked to bring a Negative result from a PCR test or a Rapid COVID test, to speed the process, otherwise they will have to be tested on their arrival. Effective December 20 with SI No. 175 of 2020, Belize updates its entry requirements to accept a negative PCR test result taken within 96-hours of arrival, instead of the previous time frame of 72-hours of departure. By bringing a negative test result, travelers to Belize can access the “fast track” through the Philip Goldson International Airport for quicker processing. Although pre-testing is strongly recommended to travel to Belize, it is also optional. You can still land in the country without, but you must test negative for COVID-19 to enter. Updates to Belize’s entry requirements became effective with Statutory Instrument 175.

They are also required to have booked accommodation at a BTB Gold Standard hotel, and to have arranged ground transportation to the hotel, that also meets the BTB Gold Standard for prevention of COVID-19 transmission.

While in Belize, visitors are required to observe anti-COVID regulations such as mandatory masks, social distancing, etc.

Artivals who cannot provid a Negative PCR test or who refuse to submit to being tested by MOHW at the PGIA, may be refused entry to Belize.



Keep up to date with official news and travel advisories regarding the COVID-19 pandemic at https://www.belizetourismboard.org/news-and-gallery/belize-covid-19-update/

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The Covid-19 Quick Tests that are approved for entry into Belize are Rapid Antigen, Sophia, SD Biosensor, and ABBOT (Panbio).

Please note the clarifications on the new S.I. that comes into effect Saturday night.

NEW MEASURES FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS THAT GO INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 20, 2020 - BELOW ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, shares with our valued stakeholders in tourism a summary of the new Quarantine Regulations and how they will affect the Tourism Sector. These regulations will be effective December 20th, 2020.

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR THE ENTIRE POPULATION:

• Anyone with flu-like symptoms who believes he/she may have COVID-l9 must inform the Ministry of Health;
• A curfew will be imposed from 8:00PM to 5:00AM, and for children under 16 years old, from 6:00PM to 5:00AM;
• A penalty of $500 will apply for those people caught not wearing a face mask or not wearing a face mask properly, or not respecting the six feet apart distance requirement;
• Masks are not required during exercise, swimming, in your private residence, driving alone or driving with members of the same household;
• There is still a cap of 10 persons for public gatherings, and at home for those who do not reside there;

ARRIVING TOURISTS SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

• The Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) remains open;
• Tourists must be booked in a Gold Standard approved hotel, must transfer there via a Gold Standard approved operator, and must abide by safety protocols;
• A Negative PCR Test result will be accepted from arriving passengers at the PGIA for tests taken within 4 days of travel (instead of the previously stipulated 3 days);
• Rapid Antigen, Sophia, SD Biosensor, ABBOT (Panbio) Test Results will also be accepted from arriving passengers at the PGIA - taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel;
• The Ministry of Health reserves the right to randomly test on arrival at the PCIA for surveillance purposes;
• Testing at the airport will be done on a "Swab and Go" basis for tourists that will be staying in Gold Standard approved hotels. Only positive cases will receive notification from the Ministry of Health, and within 24 hours. Any COVID-19 positive tourist can quarantine at their Gold Standard hotel (which is provided for under the Gold Standard);
• Tourists who test positive must quarantine at their own expense, and must test negative prior to departure travel;
• If a tourist refuses or is unable to present proof of booking, proof of adequate hotel transfer arrangements, or is unable to undergo the requisite testing or screening by the health authorities at the airport, they may be denied entry to Belize;
• Land and sea ports remain closed, except for cargo, approved medical purposes, for persons approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with business interests in Belize, diplomats, and persons with valid work permits.

TOURISM BUSINESSES SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

• During the curfew period essential service personnel may move around. Tourism employees are considered essential services in the regulation. Badge passes must be applied for by employers in order for any essential employee to travel home (nowhere else) after 8:00PM. These requests are to be submitted for consideration to the Ministry of Home Affairs via the Commissioner of Police (full name, license plate number and type of business being conducted is required);
• All persons entering and remaining in a business establishment shall wear a face mask properly and adhere to social distancing measures. This includes both customers and employees;
• The sale of alcohol will be restricted from 6:00PM to 5:00AM, except for restaurants operating within a Hotel or Tourist Accommodation establishment;
• Hotel guests may remain within the hotel facilities in private spaces (not public spaces) outside of curfew hours. Children under 16 years old may, if accompanied by their parents. utilize hotel restaurants (not outside the hotel) between 6:00PM and 8:00PM;
• Restaurants with outdoor, open-air or al fresco dining can continue to operate with only 50% capacity, and by reservation only. All other restaurants are to conduct business by take-out and drive-thru only;
• The number of passengers on buses and water taxis will be restricted to 50% of seating capacity, and every passenger must wear a mask;
• A fine will be imposed for employees ($200) and employers ($5000) who break the regulations, particularly relating to face mask wearing and social distancing. A second violation will result in the businesses being shut down for 7 days;
• There will be limited inter-district travel between Corozal and Orange Walk. International tourists, and employees from essential businesses are allowed to travel inter-district;
• All businesses in operation are to appoint an Internal Auditor who shall be responsible to submit weekly compliance reports to the Ministry of Health and Wellness;
• All other regulations from the immediate past SI remain in place i.e. bars, spas, casinos, gyms etc. to remain closed.