On Friday, July 15, the Caribbean country of Belize lifted all pandemic-related entry restrictions.
According to the Belize Tourism Board, the change implies that visitors to Belize will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the land and marine borders.
Kevin Bernard, the minister of health and wellness for Belize, said in a statement to T+L reporters that “with the emergence of weaker variants of COVID-19 and with the global trend of restrictions being relaxed, the time has come to take the pressure off of our health systems.”
“We’ve reached a level where it’s now everyone’s personal responsibility to decide whether they want to be vaccinated or not,” he added.
In addition, travelers will not be compelled to purchase Belize travel medical insurance; however, it will continue to be available as an optional (albeit “recommended”) add-on. For three weeks of coverage, the policy costs only $18.
Despite the country’s drastically relaxed entry requirements, the tourist board points out that foreign visitors must still reserve a room at a BTB Gold Standard-approved hotel. Travelers can search for “Gold Standard” accommodations on the tourist board’s website.
The decision was made after Belize lifted pre-entry testing requirements for travelers who had received all required vaccinations and also lifted masking requirements and restaurant capacity restrictions a few months earlier. Previously, unvaccinated visitors had to present proof of a negative test and undergo mandatory testing at the border.
With the new regulations, Belize joins a number of other countries around the globe, including the Bahamas, Grenada, Aruba, Bonaire, Australia, Italy, Sweden, Iceland, Ireland, Croatia and the United Kingdom, which have all eliminated entry requirements associated with COVID -19.
But why you should visit Belize? – Belize has it all: unspoiled beaches, beautiful jungle, rich and authentic culture, countless adventures, pristine reefs, friendly locals, wonderful food, and uncrowded Mayan ruins. Without the company of thousands of other travelers! You only have to be brave enough to book your ticket and go.