Since coronavirus, packing to travel looks different today. Face masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes fill carry-on bags. And if you’re planning to come to Belize, add a negative COVID-19 test on your packing list. Globally, countries are slowly reopening to international visitors; some restrict American travelers while others require stringent health demands. It’s important that travelers research the destination before visiting and understand how their trip might be different. At the time of writing on July 10, Belize joins 22 other countries as the first destinations to reopen and welcome back American tourists from the US.
Editor’s Note: Announced August 28, 2020, Belize will reopen its international airport on October 1, 2020. Read more on Belize’s October reopening here. This article was originally published on July 10, with edits made August 28.
American tourists can plan a vacation to Belize once the international airport reopens on October 1, the Belize Tourism Board announced. Travelers are asked to bring a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of their flight; otherwise, they must opt to take a rapid test at the airport at their own expense. Those testing positive are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine, at their own expense. At the airport, travelers will be expected to wear a mask, sanitize their shoes, and go through contactless temperature checks. Visitors will also be required to download the Belize Health App, which will assess health and help the country contact trace. The app is currently not available as yet. Additionally, the country has implemented a tourism certification program and only hotels with a “Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition” will be allowed to reopen.