Belize COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Travel Updates

Name: Belize International Airport Reopening
Start: 2020-10-01
End: 2020-10-01
Location: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport

Everything you need to know before you visit Belize.

Last Update: February 11, 2021

Belize is Open for Travel

Travelers to Belize must test negative for COVID-19 and may be required to book approved Gold Standard Accommodations. All travelers returning to the USA must have a negative COVID-19 test done in Belize, per new CDC requirements.

Daily Curfew A daily curfew from 10pm to 5am is in place. No exceptions.

Testing + Pre-travel Info
Protocols & Procedures
Entry Requirements
NewDeparture Testing
Belize Health App
Flights to Belize
Hotels to Book
Tours & Activities
Official Advisories
FAQ

Travel Restrictions Travel to Belize is by air only. All land borders and sea ports remain closed to inbound tourism. The Philip Goldson International airport (BZE) is now open and limited flights to Belize are now available from the United States.

New Belize has attained the Safe Travels Global Protocol Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council. [Read more here]

Pre-Travel and Testing:

New airport guidelines and procedures are being implemented to maintain the health and safety of our visitors and citizens.

Tip: Download Episode 28 of The Belize Travelcast to learn more about what to expect when you visit Belize.

Pre-travel process

✅ Gold Standard Accommodation. Tourists visiting for vacation only must 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".

✅ Transportation. You must make arrangements, prior to arrival, for transportation to your gold standard accommodation. You may be asked for proof of transportation arrangements by officials at the airport. Approved transportation include Private Shuttles, hotel transfers, airport rental cars, golf cart rentals, domestic flights, and airport taxi.

✅ Health App. All visitors to Belize must download the Belize Health app on their mobile phones. This will help authorities manage your visit to Belize and provide timely communication to you. [Read the App Guide.]

You must register your travel on the Belize Health app within 72 hours of your arrival in Belize. You will be provided with a unique QR code ID which you will need on arrival in Belize.

✅ Departure Test. The US Government now requires all passengers returning to the United States to show proof of a negative covid test taken 1-3 day before returning or proof of recovery from Covid in the past 3 months. Pre-Book your Departure test today to avoid airport delays or severe vacation disruption.

Testing Information

Everyone entering Belize must present a negative covid-19 test result. Those who test positive will be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days.

As of February 1, 2021, your PCR test must be done up to 72 hours before your arrival in Belize. Rapid antigen test results are accepted and must be done no more than 48 hours before arrival.

Update Everyone departing Belize to the United States must present a negative Covid-19 test before boarding their flight in Belize, per new CDC requirements.

Pre-Book your Covid-19 Departure Test. Service now available countrywide for all travelers.

Pre-testing. Visitors are highly encouraged to take a PCR test within 72 hours (3 days) of your ARRIVAL in Belize which will fast track your entry into the country. A certified negative result will put you on the fast track arrival lane at the airport. All visitors ages 5+ must present a test result or undergo testing at the airport.

Rapid Test? Yes, some rapid antigen tests are now accepted. Your rapid antigen test must be done no more than 48 hours before your ARRIVAL time in Belize.

What rapid tests are accepted? Rapid Antigen - Sofia, SD Biosensor, and Abbott (Panbio) - tests have been approved by the Belize Ministry of Health. Negative results from rapid tests will be accepted if done within 48 hours of your arrival in Belize.

An official email or correspondence from the testing facility will be acceptable. We recommend bringing as much documentation/proof as possible. It is still possible that you will be selected for testing at the airport when you arrive.

Testing on Arrival.

If you don't have a certified negative test result prior to arrival, you will be required to take a rapid test at your own expense when you arrive at the airport. Some visitors who arrive with negative test results may still be required to re-test at the airport.

You MUST undergo a test at the airport for any of the following reasons:

You do not have a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of Arrival.
You do not have a negative Rapid Antigen (Sofia, SD Biosensor, Abbott Panbio) test result taken within 48 hours of Arrival.
Your rapid test is not one of the accepted rapid tests approved by the ministry of health (Quidel Sofia, SD Biosensor, Abbott Panbio).
Your PCR or rapid test result is not accepted by the health officer at the airport for any other reason.
You are randomly selected for secondary screening.
Any other reason as determined by the health officer.

The cost of the rapid test at the airport is $50 USD. This must be paid in cash. You will be required to wait for your test results at the Philip Goldson International Airport.

If you test positive, you will be required to quarantine at your hotel, and 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, if necessary, is at your own expense and you will need to test negative before you can depart Belize. We highly recommend pre-testing prior to arrival.

Anyone that tests positive on arrival, will be required by law to enter quarantine at their pre-booked hotel or an approved quarantine hotel until cleared by health officials.

Testing on Departure

Per CDC requirements, before traveling back to the United States, you must get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before travel. You may be denied boarding at the Belize airport if you do not have a negative test to depart to the United States. This requirement takes effect on January 26th, 2021.

Book your CDC-compliant Covid test.

The Belize Ministry of Health provides public testing locations in San Pedro, Belize City, San Ignacio, and Placencia. Testing is also available through private test providers countrywide.

Covid-19 Testing for Departure

Pre-Book your CDC-required test from an authorized test center. We will come to you anywhere in Belize. Service available countrywide from private testing services throughout Belize, authorized by the Belize Ministry of Health. Test starts at $75pp.

Protocols & Restrictions

New Airport Arrival Procedures

Arrival in Belize

Upon arrival at the Belize international airport, there will be enhanced health screening, temperature checks, and verification of your unique ID from health app.

The Ministry of Health has established a testing area at the international airport just outside of Terminal 2. The clinic can accommodate 12 passengers at a time for testing, and is air conditioned with restroom facilities.

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.

During your stay, you must adhere to all health and safety protocols in Belize including social distancing, and wearing of masks in public. You will be required to check in daily via the Belize Health App.

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

Safe Corridor

A Safe Corridor methodology will be used for visitors in the first phase or reopening.

According to the Belize Tourism Board, "The Safe Corridor provides for approved hotels and tour operators who have been trained to operate in this new environment to host international travellers." This is now a recommendation rather than a strictly enforced regulation.

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 may still need to check in daily with the Belize Health and Travel app, and you must adhere to all regulations in place including daily curfew, requirements to always wear a mask in public, and practice 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 that expires no less than 6 months after your intended period of stay. 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.

2. Covid Testing: Everyone must provide a negative test result for entry into Belize. Testing is available at the airport at a cost of USD$50. You may also take a test before your arrival in Belize. A PCR test can be taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival, and a Rapid antigen test up to 48 hours prior to arrival (see requirements).

Everyone who tests posivite will be required to enter mandatory quarantine for 14 days at their hotel or an approved quarantine hotel.

3. Mobile App: You must download and complete the forms in the Belize Health app within 72 hours of arrival.

4. Hotel & Transportation: Tourists visiting for vacation only must have reservations at Gold Standard Accomodation in Belize. 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.

Tip: Anyone visiting for any purpose other than "vacation only" can stay anywhere. You are not always required to stay at Gold Standard Hotels. A booking or reservation at Gold Standard accommodations is NOT strictly required if you are visiting for anything other than "vacation only". For example, you may be visiting to explore retirement options, purchase property, official business, sport, wedding, honeymoon, or to visit family & friends, etc. Only foreign tourists who are visiting for "vacation only" are required to have a booking or reservation at approved gold standard accommodation.

*If you already have a reservation, and you will be visiting for vacation only, we recommend you check with the accommodation to ensure that they have been certified as Gold Standard or will be approved in time for your visit.

Mask, Curfew & Other Restrictions

A Nationwide daily curfew is in effect. The curfew hours are from 10pm to 5am.

Masks are required in all public places. Children under 6 are exempt. Masks are required on tours, with some exception. These rules will be explained by your tour guide.

Other restrictions include:

Restriction of gatherings in public places.
Restaurants without outdoor dining to have takeout and delivery service only.
Outdoors restaurants are allowed to operate by reservation.
Bars remain closed.
Gyms remain closed.
Spa's are open by appointments only.

*Keep in mind that some of these are the travel restrictions for the initial phase only, 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.

Belize Travel Health App

All visitors to Belize must register via the Belize Travel Health App before entering the country. You will need to register on the app no more than 72 hours before your arrival in Belize.

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

The Belize Travel Health app is a mobile application that will serve as your digital mobile passport to enter Belize.

See our Full Guide to the Belize Health App including answers to frequently asked questions.

The app is available on the Apple App Store and as a direct download for Android devices.

The App is free for your smartphone or tablet and will allow for Belize's Ministry of Health to manage your stay, provide timely communication to you, and assist with contact tracing if any new cases arise.

Flights to Belize.

Flights to Belize resumed as of October 1st when the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport reopened. Flights will be available from United Airlines, American Airlines, and Avianca. Tropic Air will also provide flights from Cancun, Mexico.

If you have an upcoming flight into Belize, please check with your airline. We will post updates here as soon as official announcements are made. It is expected that United, Delta, Avianca, and American Airlines will have flights when the airport reopens.

Find the Best Flight Deals to Belize Here.

United Airlines

Daily direct flights are now available from Houston, Texas.

Flights available on weekends from Denver, Colorado, Chicago Illinois, Newark New Jersey.

Flights from Los Angeles have commenced on January 9th.

The United Airlines Chicago-Belize seasonal flight is scheduled to begin service to the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) effective Saturday, January, 9th, 2021; the flight is scheduled to arrive at 6:50 pm.

Important Read how this late arrival flight may be affected by the daily curfew.

American Airlines

Daily direct flights now available via Miami Florida and Dallas Texas

Weekend flights available from Charlotte North Carolina.

Flights from Los Angeles, will commence in January.

Delta Airlines

Daily Flights via Atlanta are now available.

Avianca

Flights should be available starting on October 26th. Flights via El Salvador from Wednesday to Saturday, and on Mondays.

Tropic Air

Tropic Air, a domestic airline in Belize, will provide flights from Cancun Mexico starting on October 12th. We recommend checking their schedule as flights are only available on Mondays and Fridays.

Flights to/from Flores Guatemala will resume in January.

Flights to/from San Salvador coming soon.

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

Flight to/from Flores, Peten Guatemala. (near Tikal archeaological site)

Southwest Airlines

All flights suspended from March 23 through the end of 2020. Flights will not resume until 2021.

Sun Country Airlines

Fights on weekends from Minneaopolis.

COPA Airlines

Flights to resume until December at the earliest.

WestJet

No Flights available yet.

Air Canada

Service is currently suspended.

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

What Hotels are open in Belize?

You must stay at approved Gold Standard accomodations if you are visiting for vacation only. Approved accommodations are those that have received the Gold Standard Certification.

Recommended Hotels in Belize

These are the recommended hotels in Belize that will be open on or after the airport reopens. Hotels must have approved Gold Standard certification for accepting international guests when travel reopens.

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. Tour groups are reduced, and Gold Standard tour companies and tour guides have undergone comprehensive training to ensure health and safety. Most 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. Most tours do not require masks except during the transportation to the site or attraction.

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

Read Full Release >

Will I be able to visit all sites and attractions?

Yes, to a certain extent. For tours and activities, you must also use an approved tour operator who has received the Gold Standard Certification.

You may now use rental cars when you visit Belize. If you intend to visit sites and attractions on your own, you must submit details to your car rental agency. We recommend that you submit all the sites that you may want to visit.

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

Some caves will be open for visitation as of August 3rd, including the ATM Cave, Barton Creek Cave, and Nohoch Che'en Cave.

Tours to sites and attractions MUST be arranged through your Gold Standard Hotel. Tour operators approved to conduct tours will be those that have achieved Gold Standard certification.

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! As of October 19th you can rent vehicles from approved rental providers at the International Airport. You will be required to submit an itinerary, and a GPS device will be used to ensure that you restrict your travel to your itinerary. Transportation can also be provided through your hotel or approved Gold Standard transportation providers.

Are there any cases of Coronavirus in Belize?

Yes! Belize has recorded over 12,000 cases as of February 2021, with over 300 deaths. The government continues to take action to mitigate the spread including a delay in the airport reopening, a nationwide curfew, closing of schools, 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?

Everyone is welcomed to visit Belize. You must satisfy all entry requirements, including visa requirements where applicable. Most visitors do not need a visa. Travel into Belize is by air only. ALL LAND BORDER ENTRIES ARE CLOSED! Land borders will remain closed until further notice! Citizens and diplomats may enter via land borders for emergencies, but all others will be denied at land borders and sea ports.

The international airport is now open for travel.

Who can travel to Belize?

Everyone is welcomed to travel to Belize. There are no restrictions or prohibition 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 regards to the nationality of the visitors. Visitors from all countries are welcomed to visit. Everyone will be required to present a negative PCR Covid-19 test upon arrival, or take a rapid test at the airport. Certain guidelines will be in place.

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

Yes, everyone will be required to take a test and have a negative result to enter Belize. Visitors are encouraged to take a PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to your ARRIVAL in Belize, or a rapid antigen test no more than 48 hours before ARRIVAL. A pre-arrival test result will put you on the fast track processing at the airport. The time window starts from the time the test was taken (not when you receive your results).

If you do not have a valid negative test result before arrival, you will be required to take a rapid test at the airport health screening station. The cost of testing at the airport is $50 USD. Anyone not arriving as a tourist may be required to undergo testing at the airport.

Testing at the airport is done via nasal swabbing. You will be required to wait at the Philip Goldson International Airport for your test results.

Will I be placed in quarantine?

As of October 1st: Enhanced health screening will be in place at the airport. No quarantine is necessary to visit Belize as long as you have a negative test result. If you test positive upon arrival or while in the country, you will be required to enter a 14-day quarantine at your own expense.

The 10-day self quarantine will no longer be required as of October 19th for citizens, residents, and others not arriving as tourists. You must still present a negative test for entry.

Our best recommendation for leisure travel visitors is to get a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or a rapid antigen test within 48 hours of arrival. This will fast-track your airport processing in Belize. If this is not possible, testing is available at the airport but you should plan for additional delays upon arrival to complete a rapid test. Keep in mind that if you test positive at the airport, your vacation will be spent in quarantine at your own expense.

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. We're looking forward to sunny days ahead when you can visit Belize without restrictions. 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 wellbeing of those around you, including those in the places you plan to visit.

If you have obvious symptoms on arrival into Belize or arrive from a restricted country, 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?

Thе Gоvеrnmеnt оf Веlіzе оffісіаllу аnnоunсеd on March 13th, 2020, thаt сruіѕе ѕhір саllѕ tо Веlіzе аrе bеіng ѕuѕреndеd аѕ а раrt оf еffоrtѕ tо соntаіn thе ѕрrеаd оf thе соrоnаvіruѕ. The reopening of cruising to Belize is slated for phase 4 of the reopening plans. No date has been set for phase 4.

Carnival Cruise Line - all cruises suspended.
MSC Cruises - suspension of cruises extended.
Royal Caribbean Cruises - suspension of sailings of their global fleet
Disney Cruise Lines - suspension of cruises extended
Holland America - pause in operations extended
Cunard Line - pause in operations extended
P&O - pause in operations extended

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

ALL borders are closed! The BZE International airport reopened for travel on October 1st, 2020. All Land borders and sea ports remain closed.
MOST Archeological Sites are now OPEN for visitation. Caves remain closed.
The following caves opened for visitation starting August 3rd: ATM Cave, Nohoch Che'en, and Barton Creek.
International and Domestic travel is now permitted.

*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

When will the Belize airport reopen?

October 1st. The airport reopened for international travel on October 1st. ALL land border entries ramain closed. Visit Belizing.com for the latest updates.

What Hotels are open in Belize?

Travelers must stay at approved Gold Standard hotels when visiting Belize after October 1st, 2020. A full list is available at Belizing.com

Is Belize open for Travel?

Yes, Belize is Open! The international airport reopened on October 1st for leisure travel. All visitors must test negative for Covid-19 to visit Belize. Enhanced health screening is in place at the airport.

Does Belize have any travel restrictions?

You will be required to take a COVID-19 test. There are NO restrictions on who can visit Belize for vacation. However, you must test negative for entry.

Will I have to take a COVID-19 test?

Yes, everyone entering Belize must take a COVID-19 test. You may take a PCR test up to 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival or a rapid test up to 48 hours (2 days) before arrival. You may also take a rapid test on arrival at the airport at a cost of $50 USD.

Are the Belize land borders open?

No, the land borders remain closed. Keep checking Belizing.com for the latest updates.

Where can I download the Belize Health App?

The app is now available on the Apple App Store. Search for the "Belize Travel Health" app. It is also available for Android devices as a direct download. Visit Belizing.com for more updates.

Can Americans travel to Belize?

Yes, Americans can travel to Belize for leisure starting on October 1st. Belize will not impose any travel restrictions based on nationality. No quarantine is necessary to visit Belize.

Can I stay at an Airbnb during my vacation in Belize?

Yes, you can stay at an Airbnb as long as the Airbnb property is a Gold Standard approved property. You can check out the full list of Gold Standard approved properties here.

Can I stay with friends or family in Belize?

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 unless you are visiting for "vacation only".

Do I need to take any tests when departing Belize?

Yes, you may need to take a test when departing.

Is Testing Available when Departing Belize?

The CDC now requires all international air passengers to present a negative test done within 3 days when traveling to or transiting through the United States. This also applies to citizens and permanent residents of the United States, as well as all others who have a flight transiting through the USA. Testing is available in Belize at private medical facilities. The Belize government will also facilitate testing for travelers through specific testing sites throughout the country and at the airport.