Belize Travel Restrictions and Travel Updates

Everything you need to know before you visit Belize.

Last Update: May 1, 2023

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Travel Requirements

Testing Requirements
Arrival: Testing is NO LONGER REQUIRED for anyone entering Belize. All entry restrictions have been lifted.

Insurance: Obtain a local Belize Travel Health Insurance policy.Discounted Booking Service

Departure: US-bound travelers are no longer required to have a negative test prior to boarding their return flight.
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Hotel & Transportation

Gold Standard Hotels

Book Gold Standard Certified Accommodation and Transportation options for your trip.

There are NO booking requirements for entry.

Minimum stay is no longer required if arriving via the land borders.

Browse Hotels Book Transportation
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During Your Stay

Belize Covid Restrictions
Curfew: NO LONGER in place as of March 1st.

Restaurants: Fully reopened. No reservations are required.

Face Masks: NOT REQUIRED in public but private establishments may still require them.

Find Things to Do
⛴️  Water Taxi Belize International Airport to San Pedro and/or Caye Caulker available via San Pedro Belize Express.


✈️  Domestic Flights Gold Standard Certified roundtrip flights from the Belize City to San Pedro to Placencia available via Tropic Air.

Pre-Travel and Testing:

All travel restrictions have been lifted as of July 12, 2022. Some minor guidelines and procedures may still be in place to maintain the health and safety of our visitors and citizens. 

Pre-travel process

Testing is no longer required. As of July 12, 2022, all testing requirements have been liftedYou no longer need to present a negative test if you are unvaccinated. You no longer need proof of full vaccination since no testing is required.

*Fully Vaccinated means you have had the required doses of an approved vaccine, exclusive of any boosters. Approved vaccines and required doses are the following: Pfizer-BioNTech (2), AstraZeneca SK Bio (2), AstraZeneca-SII Covishield (2), AstraZeneca Vaxzevria (2), Medigen [Taiwan] (2), Moderna (2), Sinopharm (2), Johnson&Johnson / Janssen Cilag (1), Sinovac [Coronavac] (2)

*Proof of immunization means a digital copy or hard copy of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card issued and stamped by the relevant health authority of any country, whether laminated or preserved in any other form.

Quarantine measures are no longer in place. If you test positive while in Belize, there are no legal quarantine requirements.  


✅ Gold Standard Accommodation. Tourists visiting for vacation are encouraged to have a booking or reservation at a Gold Standard accommodation in Belize. Gold standard properties include hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, hostels, and live-aboard yachts as long as they are licensed "tourist accommodations". This has no relation to price or type of accommodation.

Are Gold Standard Hotels Mandatory?

As of March 4th, 2022, it is no longer strictly required. All visitors are encouraged to stay at Gold Standard accommodations. As of April 1st, 2022, no no bookings are required for entry into Belize. Tourist accommodation must always be licensed. We always recommend that all travelers consider staying at Gold Standard properties for the duration of their stay. Gold Standard is a health and safety program and has no relation to price or type of accommodation.



✅ Travel Insurance

The Belize Travel Insurance is available to all visitors. The policy will cost $18 USD Per Person. The policy will be effective for 21 days from the day the insured is legally in Belize. You can purchase online or upon arrival at any of the entry points in Belize (Airport, Seaports, or Land Borders).

Tip: If you purchase before arrival, and your trip is canceled, the insurance will provide some reimbursement of non-refundable hotel expenses.

What is covered by the Belize Travel Insurance?

The Belize Travel Insurance policy covers visitors for medical emergencies up to the Maximum policy limit of US $50,000.00 for the cost of US $18 for a period of 21days.

It will also cover the cost of emergency treatment, diagnostic services, outpatient care, medical equipment, hospital stay, in-hospital miscellaneous charges, emergency room, emergency surgery, emergency transportation by local ambulance, prescription drugs all at 100% of eligible expenses, up to the policy limit

The lodging expenses due to Sanitary Isolation because of the Pandemic (Covid 19) up to US$2,000.00 (Max US $300.00 per day).

This policy will also cover Reimbursement of Hotel Expenses due to inability to travel. It covers some pre-paid lodging expenses if insured is unable to travel to Belize due to: Sickness, injury, or death of the insured or a family member once legitimate proof is provided. The maximum amount reimbursable under this benefit is US $3,000 per person.

* To be eligible for this benefit, the insured must have purchased this policy before the date of trip/arrival to Belize. Coverage will only reimburse hotel fees that are not refunded by the hotel. It does not cover fees paid to private rental properties (for example Airbnb).

This policy will also provide cover for Emergency Assistance Services which include, Emergency air evacuation and transportation of a close relative up to a combined maximum of US $20,000.00, and repatriation of mortal remains up to US$5,000.00 and also covers for Emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions up to a combined maximum limit of US$25,000.00
✅ Transportation. You should make arrangements, prior to arrival, for transportation to your accommodation. Recommended transportation include Private Shuttles, hotel transfers, airport rental cars, golf cart rentals, domestic flights, and airport taxi. 

⛔️ Health App.
This is NO LONGER REQUIRED. [Read the App Guide.]

Departure Test. The US Government has now rescinded the order that requires all passengers returning to the United States to show proof of a negative covid test taken 1 day before returning or proof of recovery from Covid in the past 3 months. No testing is required as of June 12, 2022.

Testing Information

All entry testing requirements have been lifted as of July 12, 2022. You no longer need proof of vaccination, because testing is no longer required.

For EXIT from Belize, testing depends on your destination. As of June 12, 2022, the United States no longer requires a negative test before boarding your return flight. This was previously mandated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and also applied to US Citizens. This is no longer required.

If necessary, departure testing in Belize is available through Belize Diagnostic Center. Belizing is the exclusive online booking provider for departure testing.

🚧 Transit via Land Borders: Day trips are allowed. Guatemala requires a negative test within 72 hours of arrival. Mexico does not require testing. 

Vaccinated Travelers

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Belize or waive testing requirements.

Proof of vaccination is a digital copy or hard copy of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card issued by the relevant health authority of your home country, whether laminated or preserved in any other form.

Pre-Testing for Arrival

Travelers are NOT required to have a negative test as of July 12, 2022. Travelers are encouraged to test before traveling.

Self/Home Test Kits

You no longer need to have a negative test to enter Belize. However, self test kits are still regulated by the government, and you are still not allowed to bring your own self test kits into the country.

Testing on Arrival

Testing is no longer required for entry, whether vaccinated or not.


Quarantine

If you test positive while in Belize, you may be required by the Ministry of Health to quarantine at your gold standard accommodation or a designated quarantine hotel at your own expense. Your Gold Standard accommodation will have a response plan for covid-positive guests. The hotel's Gold Standard program manager will enact their response plan to ensure your safety and the safety of all staff and other guests.  

Quarantine is managed by the Ministry of Health. A minimum of 10 days is required. Those who may require additional tests for clearance can access rapid tests on days 7 and 10 at no additional cost. The Ministry of Health can provide any required certification of clinical recovery after clearance from quarantine.

*Quarantine, if necessary, is at your own expense. Travel insurance is recommended.
Anyone who tests positive on arrival may be asked to enter quarantine at their pre-booked hotel or an approved quarantine hotel until cleared by health officials. The Belize travel health insurance may cover some of your quarantine expenses if you have booked your stay at a Gold Standard hotel.

Protocols & Restrictions

Belize is open for travel! Yes, we’re back and we can’t wait to welcome you back to our shores. On October 1st, 2020, the Belize International airport finally reopened for leisure ... moretravel. Belize had closed its airport and borders on March 23rd. In this episode, Mrs. Misty Michael from the Belize Tourism Board joins us to talk about Airport protocols and other travel updates from Belize.
Guest Name:
Misty Michael

New Airport Arrival Procedures

Upon arrival at the Belize international airport, there will be enhanced health screening and verification of entry requirements.

Multiple checkpoints have been put in place at the airport. Visitors have reported a very seamless process with minimal added wait time.

To learn more about the new airport procedures on arrival, please download episode 28 of The Belize Travelcast. *Note that some details may have changed since the recording of the podcast.

During your stay, you must adhere to all health and safety protocols in Belize at that time.

*The protocols are subject to change as the situation evolves. All updates will be posted on this site.

You are encouraged to stay at Gold Standard hotels, use authorized Gold Standard transportation providers, and go on tours with gold standard tour operators. You must adhere to all regulations in place wearing of masks indoors and practicing social distancing.
 
*Browse the Official List of Gold Standard Hotels.

Belize Entry Requirements & Travel Restrictions

These are the Belize travel restrictions and entry requirements in place for travelers to Belize.

1. Passport & Visa: All visitors to Belize must have a valid passport valid for at least three months after the date of arrival. Most visitors do NOT need to obtain a visa prior to arrival, including visitors from the United States, Canada, EU member states, and CARICOM member states. 

Traveling with children? You must have a notarized travel authorization from the parent not traveling with the children, or other documentation showing that authorization is not required (custody papers, etc).
2. Covid Testing:  No testing is required for entry, whether vaccinated or not. You no longer need proof of vaccination since there is no testing requirement.(see requirements).

Anyone who tests positive while in the country may be asked to quarantine for 10 days at their gold standard accommodation or an approved quarantine hotel.

3. ⛔️Mobile App: You no longer need the Belize Health app.

4. Hotel & Transportation: Tourists visiting for vacation only are encouraged to have reservations at Gold Standard Accomodation in Belize. You must stay at approved (licensed) accommodation only. All transportation and tours within Belize should be arranged through approved Gold Standard service providers. You may rent a vehicle from a rental provider at the airport. 

*Staying only at Gold Standard accommodation is no longer required.

5. Travel Insurance: All visitors may purchase local Belize Travel Health Insurance prior to entering the country.

Mask, Curfew & Other Restrictions

The nationwide curfew is NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

Masks are NOT required indoor or outdoor. Private businesses may still require masks. 

All restrictions have been dropped as of April 1, 2022. 

*Keep in mind that these travel restrictions change often and may be different when you travel to Belize. Keep checking this page for the most up-to-date Belize travel restrictions and important travel updates.

Entry from Land Borders and Seaports

The Belize land borders are now open for tourism. Foreign tourists may enter via the northern (Santa Elena) and western (Benque Viejo) land borders for recreation and vacation purposes. Tourists will be able to enter Belize via Chetumal, Mexico, and via Melchor de Mencos, Peten, Guatemala. 

Exit from land borders remains open as always. A border exit fee of $40 bzd is payable to exit land borders. 

The San Pedro and Punta Gorda seaports are open, but transportation options may still not be available. 


Testing Requirements at Land Borders: NONE

*Check back on this website for updated details regarding new protocols and procedures that may be required for entry at land borders and seaports.

Belize Travel Health App 

What is the Belize Health App and where do I get it?

The Belize Travel Health app was a mobile application required for entry into Belize. *The Belize Health app has been discontinued.

Flights to Belize.

Flights to Belize resumed as of October 1, 2020 when the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport reopened. Direct flights are available from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Panama. 

United Airlines

Daily direct flights are now available from Houston, Texas

Flights are also available from Denver Colorado, Chicago Illinois, Newark New Jersey, and Los Angeles California.

American Airlines

Direct flights now available via Miami FL, Dallas TX, Charlotte NC, and Los Angeles CA.

Delta Airlines

Direct flights via Atlanta GA, and Minneapolis MN.

Frontier

Direct flights from Orlando FL, and Denver CO.

Alaska Airlines

Direct flights are available via Seattle WA, and Los Angeles CA.

Tropic Air

Tropic Air, a domestic airline in Belize, also provides flights from Cancun Mexico, Roatan Honduras, and San Salvador El Salvador. We recommend checking their schedule as flights are only available on Mondays and Fridays. 

Discounted Domestic Flights available.

Tropic Air also provides flights to Ambergris Caye and flights to Placencia from the Belize international airport (BZE).

*Find the best rates and book your Tropic Air flight here.

TAG - Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos

Flights to/from Guatemala City

Southwest Airlines

Direct flights via Houston (Hobby airport), and Denver CO. 

Sun Country Airlines

Direct flights from Minneapolis.

COPA Airlines

Direct flights from Panama City, Panama.

WestJet

Direct flights from Toronto and Calgary, Canada.

Air Canada

Service is currently suspended. 


*For information about the Belize International Airport, see our official guide.

What Hotels are open in Belize?

You should stay at approved Gold Standard accommodations if you are visiting for vacation only. Approved accommodations are those that are licensed by the Belize Tourism Board. 

Recommended Hotels in Belize

These are the recommended hotels in Belize that that you can book now for your next vacation.

Browse the full list of approved Safe Corridor Hotels that you can book for your next trip to Belize.

Tours & Activities

You are able to enjoy all tours and activities in Belize. Gold Standard tour companies and tour guides have undergone comprehensive training to ensure health and safety. All sites and attractions are open. You should expect slightly higher prices due to the added overhead of providing tours with reduced group sizes. The experience is the same as before. 

Top Things to Do in Belize

Browse a list of the most popular tours and attractions in Belize that you can book now for your next trip. These are bucket list tours that you must do in Belize.

Official Press Releases

Travel-related releases from the Government of Belize Press Office.

Will I be able to visit all sites and attractions?

Yes, Belize is fully reopened. You are free to explore the country at your pleasure once you are here. There are no restrictions. For tours and activities, it is recommended that you use an approved tour operator who has received the Gold Standard Certification. 

You may now use rental cars when you visit Belize.

As of May 15, 2021 The Institute of Archaeology, National Institute of Culture and History (IA/NICH) announced that archaeological reserves are open to visitation.

You can visit all the attractions, including the ATM Cave, Barton Creek Cave, and Nohoch Che'en Cave

Connect with Locals on Facebook Groups

Ask questions and get recommendations from locals and fellow travelers in these Facebook groups:
Belize Vacation by Belizing.com
Ambergris Caye Tourists by Mangata Villas

Are Rental Cars Available?

Yes! You can rent vehicles from approved rental providers at the International Airport. Transportation can also be provided through your hotel or approved Gold Standard transportation providers.

Are there any cases of Coronavirus in Belize?

Yes! You can get the latest numbers from the Ministry of Health Facebook Page 

The government continues to take action to mitigate the spread including a daily nationwide curfew, strict mask mandate, closing ALL borders, and limiting social gatherings.

Official Advisories Booking Cancelations Closures & Event Cancelations

What is the Belize Gold Standard for Health & Safety

Belize had adopted a stringent set of standards that all hotels, tour operators, and transportation providers must follow before they are allowed to accept international guests. The Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition means that hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operations must develop and maintain sanitization and cleanliness standards before being approved to accept international guests.

Will I be denied entry into Belize?


The international airport is now open for travel

Who can travel to Belize?

Everyone is welcomed to travel to Belize. Otherwise, there are no restrictions or prohibitions on who may travel to Belize. The main requirement for entry is proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. Non-resident second homeowners and others with business concerns are equally allowed to visit. Homeowners should register as "resident" in the health app.

Are there restrictions for visitors from certain countries?

There are no restrictions with regard to the nationality of the visitors. Visitors from all countries are welcome to visit. Unvaccinated travelers will be required to get a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival. Certain guidelines will be in place.

Will I need a Covid-19 Test to Travel to Belize?

NO! As of July 12, 2022, all testing requirements have been lifted. Visitors are no longer required to have a negative test for entry, whether vaccinated or not. 

Will I be placed in quarantine?

Enhanced health screening may be in place at the airport as the situation evolves. No prior quarantine is necessary to visit Belize. If you test positive upon arrival or while in the country, you may be asked to enter a 10-day quarantine at your own expense, depending on the regulations at that time.

Our best recommendation for leisure travel visitors is to get a negative rapid test before arrival to check your status. Keep in mind that if you test positive at the airport, your vacation may be spent in quarantine.

If you suspect that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 before traveling to Belize, we ask that you cancel your trip and not attempt to enter the country.

Please continue checking this web page and the official Government Press Office Facebook page for new updates.

Should I cancel my travel plans to Belize?

We hope you do not need to cancel. Belize has lifted most travel restrictions and everyone is welcome to visit. If you are sick or have been in contact with or close proximity to people who are infected, we ask that you please make the most responsible decision and cancel or postpone your travel plans. We encourage you to make the best decision for you and your family, while also considering the well-being of those around you, including those in the places you plan to visit.

If you have obvious symptoms on arrival into Belize and test positive at the airport, you may be placed in quarantine at your own expense, or denied entry to Belize altogether.

If you cannot travel due to restrictions out of your control, we encourage you to consider putting your bookings on hold for a later date and avoid cancellation or other fees that may be assessed. Contact your accommodation and other service providers for details. At this time, email or other online communication may be most effective due to the high volume of inquiries.

If you made a booking on Belizing.com, see here for more information.


Are cruise calls to Belize canceled?

Cruise ships are now visiting Belize as of July 7, 2021.

Cancelation and Refunds

Can I cancel my booking?

Belizing.com enables direct booking with local licensed providers in Belize. Since your booking is direct with each service provider, you may be restricted by their cancelation policy. The main question is whether and how much refund you may get. In most cases, we believe you can get a full refund.

Contact the Service Provider First. We recommend messaging the service provider via your Belizing Inbox before canceling your booking. If YOU cancel the booking, then the refund policy of the service provider applies and no automatic refund may be provided. If the SERVICE PROVIDER cancels the booking, then you will always get a FULL refund. For this reason, we recommend communicating with the service provider first to ask if they agree to a full refund. If yes, ask them to initiate the cancelation from their Belizing Inbox.

Consider Changing your Date. We recommend considering a date change for your travel plans. Some cancelations may incur a fee or 3 to 30% depending on the policy from the service provider. There is no fee to change your travel dates. You must communicate with the service provider to agree on a new date or to hold your booking until you have confirmed new travel dates.

Check your Confirmation Email. Please check your booking confirmation email for the cancelation policy that applies to your booking. The email will include your voucher number, as well as the details of the cancelation timeline and fees that may apply. Check your junkmail folder if you cannot find the email. Please reference your voucher number when communicating with your service provider or Belizing.com staff. 

If you do not agree with any decision by the service provider, then Belizing.com staff can mediate to find a resolution. You can contact us directly at support@belizing.com or message us on Facebook. We are here to help and we understand the frustration that this pandemic is causing to both travelers and tour companies alike.

How will my refund be processed?

All refunds for bookings made on Belizing.com or via Belizing Payments are automatically processed to your original form of payment. Once your refund is processed, it may take 5 to 10 business days for you to see it in your credit card statement. Refunds will show as a credit to your account.

Please do NOT dispute the charges. If you do not see the credit within 10 days, please contact us at accounts@belizing.com

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is always a good idea for international travel. You should also check coverage offered by your credit cards used to pay for your bookings. However, if you’re purchasing it due to concerns related to COVID-19, be sure to read the policy carefully as rules may differ by company. Travel insurance may not widely cover cancellation or offer the travel flexibility you’re seeking. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine whether you are covered.

Still have Questions?

Join our Belize Vacation Facebook Group to ask questions or provide answers to questions from other Belize travelers and locals.

Closures & Cancelations

  • The BZE International airport reopened for travel on October 1st, 2020. All Land borders and sea ports will reopen for tourism by May 31, 2021.

  • All Archeological Sites are now OPEN for visitation. 

  • The following caves opened for visitation starting August 3rd, 2021: ATM Cave, Nohoch Che'en, and Barton Creek. 

  • International and Domestic travel is now permitted.
  • All restrictions have been lifted in the country. 
*Find the most current press releases via the official Government of Belize Press Office Facebook page.

Important Links


As the coronavirus situation evolves around the world, we will provide regular updates from official sources to help you make informed decisions about your Belize travel plans.

FAQ

The airport reopened on October 1st, 2020. Daily flights to Belize are available. Visit Belizing.com for the latest travel updates.
Travelers are encouraged to stay at approved Gold Standard hotels when visiting Belize on vacation. A full list of gold standard hotels is available at Belizing.com
Yes, Belize is Open! The international airport reopened on October 1st, 2020 for leisure travel. All visitors must test negative for Covid-19 to visit Belize. Enhanced health screening is in place at the airport.
There are NO restrictions on who can visit Belize for vacation. All travel restrictions were dropped as of July 12, 2022 for all visitors, including vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
As of July 12, 2022, all testing requirements have been lifted. Visitors are no longer required to have a negative test for entry.
The land borders are fully reopened. However, some cross-border transportation services may still be unavailable. Keep checking Belizing.com for the latest updates.
The Belize health app has been discontinued. You do not need any app to visit Belize. Visit Belizing.com for more updates.
Yes, Americans can travel to Belize for leisure as of October 1st, 2020. Belize will not impose any travel restrictions based on nationality. No quarantine is necessary to visit Belize. NO negative COVID test is required for entry.
Yes, you can stay at an Airbnb as long as the Airbnb property is licensed by the Belize Tourism Board. We also encourage using Gold Standard approved properties. You can check out the full list of Gold Standard approved properties here.
Yes, you are allowed to stay with friends and family in Belize. Having a booking at a gold standard property is highly encouraged, but not strictly required under the updated travel protocols as of March 2022.
Belize has never required testing for departure, but certain destinations require testing before boarding your departure flight. US-bound air travelers are no longer required to test in Belize before their departure flight.
Testing is available in Belize at private medical facilities. Contact us if you need to schedule a covid test while visiting Belize.
No, visitors are NOT required to get a covid test to enter Belize. Your vaccination status does not matter.
No, the local travel insurance is no longer mandatory. We highly encourage all visitors to get the local travel insurance.