The government of Belize has started its reopening strategy as the International Airport will reopen on August 15, 2020.
On that date, the open entry will apply for chartered flights, private aviation, and international leisure travel.
The reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport marks a phased reopening for leisurely travel, beginning August 15. Arriving travelers can either present a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of travel; or, pay for a rapid test within the airport at the traveler’s expense. Additionally, travelers to Belize will be put through some precautionary measures. Including; temperature checks, sanitizing procedures; and agreement to adhere to a track and trace system.
Though dates haven’t been announced for phases four and five, phase four will see the full reopening of the overnight tourism sector with the Guatemala and Mexico borders opening. Phase five will involve the return of cruise ships.
Here’s what we know so far…
Travelers Should Know
Belize has had more than 50 days of a COVID-19-free environment. Because of this, the country has been diligent and precautious with its reopening strategy. The ongoing efforts will offer vacation opportunities with minimal risk of contracting COVID-19 while in Belize.
In addition, Belize has a low population density and is only a short distance by air from major U.S. cities. Making the destination well-poised for post-COVID-19 travel.
All travelers to Belize will be required to adhere to health and safety measures implemented by the government, including social distancing, hand sanitizing, proper hygiene, and the wearing of face masks in public spaces.
Pre-Travel Arrangements
Here are other air travel requirements that travelers should know about:
- All passengers traveling to Belize will be required to download the Belize Health App and complete the required information prior to boarding the flight to Belize.
- A QR code with a unique ID number will be returned to the passenger and will be used for contact tracing while in Belize
- Passengers are encouraged to take a COVID PCR test within 72 hours of travel to Belize
- As a part of the pre-travel process, the passenger should start by booking his or her flight and selecting a hotel that’s permitted to reopen, as the country’s reopening of hotels will be a phased approach
Entry Requirements
Passengers that provide certification of a negative test result from a COVID-19 PCR test done within 72 hours of travel, will be allowed immediate entry into Belize via a ‘fast track’ lane. Passengers that do not provide a negative COVID-19 test, must test upon arrival in Belize, at the passenger’s expense. A negative test result will allow entry into Belize. Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 at the Belize International Airport will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days at the passenger’s expense.
Visitor Requirements
All visitors to Belize will be required to:
- Wear a mask during the entire landing, deplaning and arrival process, and while inside the airport
- Undergo temperature checks using non-contact digital infrared thermometers or thermal imaging cameras
- Adhere to social distancing guidelines in all queues for health checks, immigration, and customs inspections
- Follow and respond to the comprehensive, pro-active, contact tracing guidelines to facilitate an appropriate and rapid response from health officials should COVID-19 symptoms develop
- Use sanitizing stations to sanitize hands frequently and facilitate other health screening requirements on arrival
At the Airport
The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport also has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization measures:
- Installation of barriers and sneeze guards between passengers and immigration and customs officers
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout the terminal building to assist with proper hand hygiene
- Floor markers placed six feet apart to promote social distancing and assist passengers in lining up
- Sanitization of passenger luggage prior to transfer into the terminal building
Airport Departure Rules
Residents and visitors departing from Belize will also see new enhanced health and safety measures implemented. Some of these new measures include:
- Limiting entry into the terminal building to ticketed passengers only
- Mandatory use of face masks at all times while in the terminal building
- Safety barriers installed at check-in counters and the Immigration area
- Social distancing to protect passengers
We will be sure to keep you in the loop and up-to-date with the latest information regarding Belize travel.
We look forward to seeing you down in paradise soon!
