Travel. Caribbean. Pandemic.
Why Belize is the Best Caribbean Country to Visit (right now)
A quick guide to visiting Belize during the pandemic
By late 2020, the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean had reopened to tourists. However, many countries imposed COVID-19 related entry and movement restrictions on visitors, which are still in effect today. In Jamaica, tourists are restricted to a “resilient corridor” stretching across parts of the northern and southern coasts. In St. Lucia and St. Kitts, visitors are effectively quarantined at their resorts for 7 to 14 days, the entirety of most trips. In Antigua, visitors generally can move around the island but face restrictions in renting cars at the airport. Countries also have different and confusing COVID-19 test requirements. For example, all of the above countries require a negative COVID-19 test before travel, but St. Kitts does not accept results from LabCorp.
These types of restrictions may work fine for a lot of people. However, if you want more freedom to move around and explore, then I highly recommend Belize. Belize is one of the few Caribbean countries allowing tourists to move freely around the country independently. Visitors are not required to quarantine and are not restricted to certain areas (assuming a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival).
After a week-long work trip, I just returned from Belize and wanted to share my personal experience with arrival, moving around, and returning to the states.
[Following a surge in cases in November — January thought to be due to national elections, cases and testing yield in Belize are now low — with a 7 day average of 6/day as of early March. See Belize Ministry of Health for daily updates.]
Getting to Belize
Plenty of Flights from the U.S. — By late 2020, most U.S. airlines resumed flights to Belize. There are daily flights from many major cities like Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and Houston across the major airlines. Also, many of these flights right now are practically empty. My flight from Miami on February 28th was about 30% full. It was the same on my return flight to Charlotte a week later. Over the last three years, I have never been on a flight to or from Belize that was less than 90% full.
Simple COVID-19 Entry Requirements — The Government of Belize has two relatively simple requirements for visitors to meet before arrival. First, obtain a negative COVID test result in the days before departure; a hard copy or picture on your phone will suffice. However, recent updates to Belize’s entry requirements suggest that proof of full immunization may be shown instead of a negative test (this update was made after I arrived). This greatly simplifies the arrival process as more Americans get vaccinated. Second, download the Belize Travel App on your phone and submit the entry form three days before departure.
In my arrival experience, I found the travel app straightforward, but at no point did airport or immigration officials scan the QR code on my app. They did scrutinize my test result, so make sure you did the right test within the stated timeframe (note — you can pay for a rapid test upon arrival, but it will take you longer to clear immigration).
Also, keep in mind that health insurance will usually not cover COVID-19 testing for work or leisure. When budgeting your trip as a rapid test in the U.S., keep in mind that it can cost over $100.
Moving Around Belize — What You Can and Can’t Do
Transportation — Visitors can freely move around the country. There is a “Tourism Safe Corridor,” but visitors are not required to stay in this area. You may rent a car at the airport and immediately visit any business or tourist site. You may also take a taxi from the airport or arrange for your hotel or tour operator to pick you up. If you are going straight to the “cayes” or islands, with most beaches and resorts, you can immediately transfer over to a domestic flight.
For my visit, I rented a car at the airport. Since I was there for business and moving back and forth between Belize City and the capital, Belmopan, driving myself was cheaper and more convenient. Also, Belize drives on the “correct” side (i.e., right side) of the road, making it an easy transition for Americans. The added benefit of renting right now is that you further reduce the potential for COVID-19 transmission since you are not in a confined space with a stranger for long periods.
What You Can Visit and Do — Basically, you can visit any attraction as before, assuming it is open. Mayan ruins? Yes. Beaches? Yes. Zip lining? Yes. Gift shops? Yes.
I make a special plea that if you visit Belize, please leave your beach resort and spend some money with local vendors. I stopped by a couple of large gift shops outside of Belmopan (Art Box and Orange Gallery), and they reported only a handful of customers each day. They both sell beautiful, locally made gifts, furniture, and food, so please help them stay in business.
Current COVID-19 Restrictions — Generally, the restrictions are reasonable and manageable for a tourist. The Ministry of Health updates them occasionally, and the main ones include:
- Wear a mask — Everybody must a face while in public, even if walking outside. Most of the population takes this seriously, and I often saw individuals walking alone with a mask.
- No indoor dining — Restaurants are restricted to outdoor dining and take-out. This wasn’t a major issue at my hotel (Best Western) since they have a large, covered outdoor dining area.
- 10 pm curfew — All residents and visitors must be off the streets from 10 pm to 5 am. Unless you like raves, this should not be a problem for most.
Exit Requirements
Generally, Belize does not have any special exit requirements related to COVID-19. However, since late January 2021, the Centers for Disease Control require all travelers entering the U.S. to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. This is a major complication in certain countries as COVID-19 testing may not be widely available. Fortunately, several private clinics in Belize now offer rapid, anti-gen tests for a fee. Rapid testing is also available at the airport, also for a fee. Keep in mind the time limits associated with each type of test — you don’t want to get to the airport with 30 minutes to spare and realize your test was taken too early. As of 2 March 2021, your test must be taken no more than 3 days before your flight’s departure.
At the Best Western in Belize City, you do not need to leave the hotel — a concierge service will perform the test onsite for you.
Unfortunately, as of 8 March, proof of vaccination is not sufficient for reentry to the U.S. All travelers must provide a negative test result.
This was a straightforward process when I departed. At check-in, airline staff checked my test result and then provided my boarding pass. At no other point, including entering the U.S., was I asked again for the test result.
In my opinion, Belize is the best destination to visit in the Caribbean right now, offering the right balance of COVID-19 restrictions and access to tourist attractions. While other countries in the region may offer higher-end, all-inclusive resorts, Belize allows visitors to travel anywhere and visit any attraction. If you value freedom and like to see more than just the beach, try Belize.
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