Belize COVID-19 Updates

With the decline of COVID19 in Belize, government has curtailed its regular press releases on this subject.

On 19 May 2022 the Belize Ministry of Health issued the following advisory to the media: “Ministry of Health & Wellness (MoHW) informs the public that from the recent genome-sequencing of positive COVID-19 swabs, the Central Medical Lab has confirmed that the predominant variant circulating in Belize is the Omicron BA.2. As is evident from the increase in the positivity rate over the last few days, Belize is currently experiencing another wave of COVID-19 and must work together as a community to help control the spike and contain the spread. The MoHW has now increased surveillance measures in businesses and other public places in order to identify and isolate positive cases early.”

(Cabinet denotes Belize’s executive branch of government).

Effective 1st April 2022 most all COVID-10 restrictions have been lifted. This in accordance with Statutory Instrument 61 of 2022 Belize Public Health Reform. The following are the new COVID-19 Protocols for Belize:

✅Covid-19 testing will be limited to those who are not fully vaccinated or cannot show proof of vaccination.
✅All fully vaccinated persons will be able to enter via airport, land border, or sea port without testing.
✅Children under 5 years will not be required to present a negative Covid-19 test upon entry at the airport, land border or sea port.
✅All curfew mandates have been removed.
✅Mask wearing is not required for indoor or outdoor spaces.

Belize entry requirements are strict. All visitors must have a passport to enter Belize and their passports must be valid for no less than six months after the intended period of stay. Visitors must be vaccinated or present a recent COVID-19 test (see below). Nationals of the following countries do not currently need visas to travel to Belize: the United States of America, Canada, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, South Korea, Mexico, Israel, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Japan, The Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Uruguay, Malaysia, Morroco, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Honduras, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Venezuela, The Republic of China (Taiwan), Guatemala, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. See our Belize Visa page.

You are required to complete the Customs and Immigration Form that is provided to you on your flight to Belize.

Cabinet approved the following measures in advance of the 1st April 2022 lifting of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic:

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. 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)

All visitors to Belize must have Travel Health Insurance.

The country’s primary concern is to assure both travellers and residents that Belize’s tourism product is safer than ever before. A series of new enhanced health and safety protocols have been put in place to protect visitors, Belizeans, and our communities.

Yes, we recommended that you bring along one of the accepted COVID19 tests (see Entry Requirements above) as this will provide for a ‘fast track’ arrival process. Depending on the results of your health screening, you may be randomly selected for secondary testing. If you are unable bring along a COVID19 test, you will be required to test upon arrival; the cost is US$50.00. Only cash is accepted at this time; credit card machines and ATMs are not available in the Health Testing Unit. As of 1 March 2022 vaccinated visitors do not need to take a test on arrival.

Enhanced health and safety measures have been adapted to protect both officers and arriving passengers. Some of these measures include protective barriers to reduce contact between the officers and the passengers, kiosks for scanning of passports upon entry, luggage scanners in the Customs Hall, and safety barriers where inspection of luggage is required.

Tourists visiting Belize can move about freely, as of 1 March 2022. It is recommended that they stay at Gold Standard certified accommodations, and use tour operators, tourism transportation providers, restaurants, tourism sites and attractions, and gift shops. These Gold Standard and certified entities have all been trained and have implemented enhanced health and safety measures.

If you start to exhibit any COVID-like symptoms, immediately notify your hotel’s front desk, and they will implement their Covid Response Plan. Should you develop symptoms, and test positive for the virus while in country, you will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 7 days. It is highly recommended that you obtain the Belize Travel Health Insurance to cover any costs if you become sick while on vacation.

An individual can apply for permanent residence after legally residing in Belize for a minimum of one year. The fee for residency ranges from USD$187.50 to USD$1,562.50 depending on the nationality of the applicant. Individuals who are interested in residing permanently in Belize must submit the following upon application: Applicant must show proof that he/she has been in Belize for one year by using passport/refugees document as evidence. See our Belize Residency and Citizenship page.