AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Travel Belize Requires Negative Covid Test for All Travellers

Effective Monday, 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.

These measures are being put in place in view of the increased risks posed by recent variants of the Covid-19 virus and in an effort to protect both international visitors and the local population.

I totally understand the reasons for this. It is, however, an extra expense that must be incurred by each traveler. Sometimes in the US insurance will cover testing. In other cases, the tests can run over $100 per person. Add to that the $75-$100 fee for the return test to the US (which is required by the US, not a Belize matter) and it starts to add up. Not a complaint against Belize, but an observation of the impact to the traveler.

I don't understand the reason for this. They want people to get vaccinated but then they still want them to take test. Biden is considering having foreign travelers coming to the US to be vaccinated. But if you Illegally cross the border from Mexico even if you are Covid positive you come into the country with no problem.
Seems like a lot of mixed messages to me.
Argentina is feeling the damage to the tourist industry and is considering allowing tourists who are vaccinated to enter the country.
If Belize goes ahead with this policy it will have a very negative affect for tourism when Belize most needs to rebuilt that industry.

I agree regarding the impact to tourism. I just checked in my area (Southern California). The rapid antigen test is running at about US$ 130. The PCR is running at $150. Add the US$70 antigen test fee in San Pedro for coming back to the US and that's another $200 per person just for testing. It may be enough for some people to reconsider their trips.

Tourists who travel to Mexico only need to finish a questionnaire about possible symptoms and people you have been in contact with. Then you're good to go, no tests. This could have an impact on Belize Tourism.

Does personal medi insurance covers the tests $ in the States?