Government Of Belize Release Updated COVID-19 Entry Requirements
Today, the Government Of Belize Press Office released the updated COVID-19 traveler classifications and entry requirements effective August 15, 2020.
Travelers are classified in four different groups;
- Belizean and Residents
- Persons with business concerns in Belize (non-work permits)
- Foreign second home owners, Qualified Retired Persons (QRP’s), and long stay non-nationals
- Foreign Tourists
The updated COVID-19 entry requirements include the download of the new Belize Health App, a PCR test (or rapid test prior to arrival for foreign tourists) at the traveler’s expense, and restricts the movement within the country foremost for foreign tourists.
Prior To Arrival
Belizean and Residents:
- Apply through existing controlled repatriation process
- Download Belize Health App and complete the required information.
Foreign second home owners, Qualified Retired Persons (QRP’s), and long stay non-nationals
- Application to visit must be accompanied by proof of homeownership / lease agreement or QRP ID card.
- Download Belize Health App and complete the required information.
Persons with business concerns in Belize
- Application to visit during this phase must include proof of investments in Belize and an itinerary for the duration of the visit.
- Download Belize Health App and complete the required information.
- The stay must be booked at an approved Gold Standard hotel, or the application must include the proof of homeownership, if applicable.
Foreign Tourists
- Download Belize Health App and complete the required information.
- Book your stay at an approved Gold Standard Hotel
- Take PCR test within 72 hours of boarding the flight. Negative results will provide fast-track arrival process. However, depending on health screening results, a random secondary test may be required.
Restriction Of Movement
Foreign Tourists have the most restrictions while in Belize and the restrictions include transportation to an approved Gold Standard hotel, by approved ground/air transportation, and participation in approved tours with approved Gold Standard tour operators and guides.
Persons with business concerns in Belize have to spend one day in mandatory quarantine at an approved hotel at the travelers expense. Followed by adherence to an approved itinerary including use of monitoring bracelet and/or geo fence, use of one vehicle and a trained driver.
Belizean and Residents, and Foreign second home owners, Qualified Retired Persons (QRP’s), and long stay non-nationals have to adhere to the same restrictions of movement, starting with one day in mandatory quarantine at an approved hotel at the traveler’s expense. If the test results are negative, these two groups of travelers are required to self-quarantine at home for 13 days with a monitoring bracelet and/or geo fence. Ministry of Health clearance is required thereafter, prior to being allowed to move freely.
What If Test Results Are Positive?
If the test results are positive, travelers of all groups will be placed under a mandatory quarantine at an approved quarantine hotel for a minimum of 14 days at the traveler’s expense.
What's Next?
Well, nobody knows at this point. If this proves to be an efficient plan to keep COVID-19 under control in Belize, the Government of Belize will roll out the next phase of the 5-phase reopening plan for opening the country’s borders and we will publish the updated requirements accordingly.
Until then – let’s wear our masks and hope for the best!
UPDATE – AIRPORT REOPENING DELAYED!
