Belize Travel Restrictions: Entry, Border & Curfew Updates
Updated Regularly
Latest Updates
Vaccination: Entry into Belize requires negative covid test from all travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated.
Curfew: Countrywide curfew hours are between 9:00PM and 4:00AM daily effective October 4th, 2021.
Dining: Restaurants may offer dine-in service by reservation only to vaccinated persons only.
Tourist Entry Requirements at Airports
August 9, 2021: All travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize from other countries will be required to present a negative covid test at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA).
1
Plan Arrival
- It is no longer required to download the Belize Health App to enter Belize.
- You can now complete entry paperwork upon arrival at the Belize Airport.
2
Take Test
- Bring negative rapid test (48 hours prior) or PCR test (96 hours).
- Or take a Rapid Test at the Belize Airport for $50.00 USD per passenger.
3
Follow Protocols
- Adhere to current covid protocols.
- Adhere to current curfew hours.
- Take covid-19 test prior to departure if required. Testing areas available throughout Belize.
Land Border Opening
June 17, 2021: Foreign Tourists are permitted to enter with their own private vehicles for travel within Belize.
May 31, 2021: Belize Reopens Land Borders to Foreign Tourists.
The Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) and Northern Border (Santa Elena) will be open to Foreign Tourists only, effective May 31, 2021.
Tourist Entry Requirements at Land Borders
Only Foreign Tourists Allowed
Only foreign tourists traveling to Belize using the passport of a country other than Belize shall be eligible for entry.
Gold Standard Accommodation
Foreign Tourists must show proof of booking for at least three nights at a Belize Tourism Board Gold Standard Certified Hotel or Accommodation.
Transportation In Belize
Foreign Tourists are allowed entry with private vehicles. If not, they must be transported from the border facilities by a Certified Gold Standard Transport Operator.
Western & Northern Border Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Immunization & Testing Requirements at Land Borders
All Foreign Tourists wishing to enter Belize must provide proof of full covid-19 immunization, via a stamped immunization card issued by the country of origin of the Foreign Tourist.
Foreign Tourists that provide proof of full immunization may be subject to random testing, at their expense, on arrival by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Foreign Tourists that do not provide proof of full immunization will be administered a Rapid Test for covid-19 by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at their own expense. No external covid-19 PCR or Rapid tests will be accepted.
Any person, upon arrival, presenting flu-like symptoms will be administered a Rapid Test by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at their own expense.
Accepted Vaccines By The Ministry of Health & Wellness
The following is a listing of accepted covid-19 Vaccines for entering Belize. As per Regulation 60 of 2021 of the Laws of Belize, full immunization means that a person has received the required number of doses for the type of vaccine and the date of the final dose is not less than two weeks prior to arrival in Belize.
| Vaccine | Doses |
|---|---|
| Pfizer - Biontech | 2 |
| AstraZeneca SK Bio | 2 |
| AstraZeneca SII Covishield | 2 |
| AstraZeneca Vaxzevria | 2 |
| Moderna | 2 |
| Sinopharm | 2 |
| Johnson & Johnson I Janssen Cilag | 1 |
| Sinovac (Coronavac) | 2 |
Current Travel Restrictions
May 18, 2021: Face Masks Not Required on golf cart or similar open air vehicle.
Wear a Mask
Mandatory use of face masks in public spaces. Public spaces means anywhere outside private residences.
Social Distance
It is mandatory for all persons to abide by the six feet (two meters) social distancing rule in all public spaces.
Curfew Hours
Abide by curfew protocols. Anyone in public spaces after curfew hours risk a fine of $500 BZD.
Belize Covid Testing Locations
January 26, 2021: CDC announced that it will require a negative COVID-19 test from all passengers arriving in the United States
Private Testing Locations
Hopkins
Belize Diagnostic Center
501-613-8378
23A North Lot, Seafront StreetRapid Antigen
Public Testing Locations
Curfew Hours
October 4th, 2021: Curfew hours start at 9:00 PM daily.
Belize Health App
May 11, 2021: Persons entering Belize are no longer required to download and complete the Belize Health App.
The Belize Health App is a mobile-based application that is part of Belize's phased reopening plan. It was created to allow for daily health monitoring of arriving passengers and for contact tracing.
Gold Standard Hotels
Despite the heavy marketing push by the Belize Tourism Sector, Gold Standard Hotels are completely optional if coming into Belize by Air.
If you'd like to play it safe, you can book a Gold Standard Hotel for one night and then cancel it and stay in any hotel you wish after that. To learn more, read Why Gold Standard Hotels are not mandatory in Belize.
Please note that Gold Standard Hotels are mandatory if you are entering through land borders at the moment. This is likely to change as the reopening phases progress.
Tourist Attractions
All tourist attractions in Belize have re-opened, which includes national parks and tours. Unfortunately due to decreased tourism, small businesses like coffee shops, hostels and tour companies may still be closed or working less than 100%.
That is subject to change as tourism increases. My suggestion is to get in touch with the businesses to clarify any doubts. In terms of prices, some tours like the famous ATM tour has increased from $85 USD to $125 USD which is a steep increase caused by the new regulations put in place.
But remember, traveling during a pandemic has its perks. You'll likely have an entire Mayan Ruin to yourself, or even snorkel the barrier reef on your own. Talk about privilege!
Public Transportation
Public buses are fully operational but because of an increase in remote work, bus lines have decreased their runs.
For more information, read getting around Belize.
Frequent Questions
Can I bring my own PCR or Rapid Test when entering the Belize land borders?
No external covid PCR or Rapid Test will be accepted at these points of entry.
All travellers entering Belize through the Northern and Western Borders will be administered a Rapid Test by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at their own expense
Is the border between Mexico & Belize open?
Yes, it's open but only to foreign tourists and you are obliged to have a gold standard hotel booked for at least 3 nights. This is rigorously checked at the border.
At the border, you are also obliged to book gold standard transport which is strictly enforced by the immigration officers. The cost for taxi at the Belize Border is $25.00 USD to Corozal.
Is the border between Guatemala & Belize open?
Yes, it's also open but only to foreign tourists as well. The government has rigid rules set requiring gold standard hotel to be booked for at least 3 nights.
Since the border opening is geared towards tourists entering Belize, day trips or overnight trips to Guatemala are not enouraged. The government may deny re-entry into the country.