Belize it! Travelers will soon have access to this tropical oasis known for diving, adventure, and jungle escapes.
The country created the “Tourism Gold Standard,” a 9-point program for hotels, restaurants, transfers, guides, and tour operators with enhanced health and safety standards for employees and travelers.
The “Tourism Safe Corridor“ status also requires hotels to manage and control the movements of all guests. Guests WILL NOT be permitted to explore the country on their own. Hotels must also have a pool and/or beachfront access, on-site entertainment, activities (i.e. gym, games, spa), and the ability to provide guided tours for guests. According to the country’s Tourist office, “the Safe Corridor will limit interactions between guests and the local community thereby reducing the possible spread of the virus.”
So, while you won’t be able to explore ancient Mayan sites, underground caves, or take a selfie at the Belize Zoo on your own, be sure to inquire about guided tours offered by your hotel.
Here’s the list of approved Gold Standard Hotels, which includes some all-inclusive resorts such as Turneff Island Resort, the Lodge at Chaa Creek, and Belizean Dreams. They’re ready to welcome guests once the international airport opens. The list will continue to be updated as new hotels become approved.
The first thing to do though is to access the Belize Health App, which will be available for download on Google Play and in the App Store, and then complete within 72-hours of your flight to Belize. You’ll also need to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72-hours of your flight. Be sure to reserve an approved Gold Standard Hotel (once you know you have negative results, of course).
Upon arrival, you’ll proceed to health screening, sanitize your shoes, and pass through the thermal imaging cameras. To continue, your temperature must be below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Your PCR test will be verified and if you didn’t get the test prior to arrival you’ll be placed in quarantine – at your expense. Be prepared – depending on your health screening results, you may be selected by random for a second test.
You made it through the screening! Now, once you go through immigration you’ll proceed to the baggage area, and once cleared you’ll move on to your Gold Standard transfer and on to your approved hotel.
Do you remember the Health App? Well, it’s for contact tracing too so the app will check in with you – daily – to be sure you’re symptom-free. If not, you could be placed in quarantine.
If you’re ready to travel again – here’s good news for American travelers – there are currently no travel bans for visitors to Belize, so Americans can add another destination to their travel list.
As we’ve seen with tourism to other destinations, this is still a fluid situation, so it’s best to visit Belize Tourism for updates.
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