Belize has officially reopened its borders for international tourism. 

The sought-after destination on the Caribbean coast of Central America has begun welcoming back travelers to its Philip Goldson International Airport as part of the third phase of the country’s five-phase travel reopening plan. 

A number of major carriers have already resumed flights to the country, including American Airlines out of Miami and United Airlines out of Houston. 

Delta will be resuming Atlanta-Belize flights on Nov. 20. 

So what about the travel protocols?

Most crucially, all travelers to Belize must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of travel. 

They must also download the Belize Health App and completed the required questionnaire. 

All visitors will undergo a health screening and test verification process upon arrival. 

Those with a verified negative COVID-19 PCR test result can proceed to immigration and customs and then to their hotel. 

Those who do not have a test must take an immediate test at the airport, and will be placed into quarantine at their hotel until receiving clearance from the Ministry of Health. (You can find more on the travel protocols here)

The initial reopening phase will center around the Belize “Safe Corridor,” which will include hotels, restaurants and tour operators that have been approved by the Belize Tourism Board’s “Gold Standard” recognition, a nine-point program of safety protocols. 

All travelers will have to check in on the Belize Health app daily. If they report symptoms, they will have to be tested again; those who test positive will be placed into quarantine. 

“We’re confident the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program and Gold Standard Seal of Approval will allow travelers and the tourism industry to operate safely as COVID-19 restrictions are eased,” said Belize Tourism Board Director of Tourism, Karen Bevans. “While visitors will need to adhere to our ‘new normal’ entry requirements and safety protocols, their experience will remain authentic to Belize’s adventurous spirit.”

More than 130 accommodations have already been approved as “safe corridor” accommodations, according to the Belize Tourism Board. 

That includes notable names like the Cayo Espanto private-island resort, the Lodge at Chaa Creek, the Matachica Resort, among others. 

You can find the full list of Gold Standard hotels here.  

For more, visit Travel Belize. 

— CJ