Except for Unvaccinated Arriving Tourists

Today, the last day of March, a new Statutory Instrument stipulates that All COVID restrictions for locals are lifted. The S.I. comes about due the decline in COVID cases and the Minister of Health’s opinion that there is no longer an imminent threat of community spread of the virus. The S.I. does advise that existing restrictions remain in place for people arriving into the country through any port by land or sea.

Statutory Instrument No. 61 of 2022
https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SI-No-61-of-2022-Public-Health-1.pdf



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No more COVID-19 restrictions within Belize; some travel requirements remain

As of Friday, April 1st, all remaining COVID-19 restrictions within Belize will be lifted as per the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Restrictions mandating facemask wearing and social distancing will be lifted, and activities such as concerts and large gatherings will be allowed. Night clubs and bars will also be allowed to operate. The only restrictions that remain in place are the requirement for visitors/tourists ages five and above to present proof of immunization or a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, and Belizeans planning to travel out of the country must be vaccinated.

According to Minister of Health and Wellness, Honourable Kevin Bernard, the accepted testing for unvaccinated foreigners is rapid tests done within 48 hours or a PCR within 72 hours before travel to Belize. Tourists arriving in the country, either by air, land, or sea, who are not vaccinated and do not have the required test will be tested at the entry point at their own expense. Belizeans are allowed to travel into and out of the country with proof of vaccination and are not required to be tested. If they are unvaccinated, they will be allowed to leave the country only when a valid reason is produced, like for a medical condition.

The new Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 61 of 2022 confirms lifting the mentioned restrictions. However, it warns that anyone testing positive for the virus at any entry point will be mandated to quarantine at their own expense at a government-designated facility. Anyone breaching this mandate commits an offense and can be fined up to $5,000 or serve time in prison for six months. The SI reminds visitors that travel insurance is still required before traveling to Belize. The insurance tourists must purchase can be found at www.belizetravelinsurance.com and covers medical, lodging, and cancellation expenses when testing positive for COVID-19.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

As we head into a new month,  Belize takes further steps to reopen. The cabinet approved the following measures below under the Statutory Instrument No. 61 of 2022.

Belize Removes Entry COVID Test Requirement for Vaccinated Travelers

Since March 1, 2022 Belize dropped its entry COVID-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers entering through the international airport, land borders, or marine borders. As of April 01, there has been the following update to entry requirements coming into effect:

• All unvaccinated people 5 years and older entering Belize through the airport must show proof of a negative rapid test (48hrs) or a PCR test (72hrs)
• All unvaccinated foreigners 5 years and older entering Belize through a land or seaport must show proof of a negative rapid test (48hrs) or a PCR test (72hrs)
• Belizeans 12 years and older wishing to exit Belize through air, land or seaports must be fully vaccinated before exiting.

Wearing of mask indoors and outdoors is no longer required in Belize. It is more of a personal choice. Additionally, at the start of March 1, 2022 Belize dropped its national curfew.   Bars and nightclubs can open and social events can also be hosted—so long as all guests are fully vaccinated; social distancing is still required.