Belize making it even easier for Americans to visit
Editor's Note
You will no longer need to download an app to travel to Belize.
The country will no longer require visitors to use its Belize Travel Health App. You'll still need either a vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, but it's another step in the country's full reopening.
Back in March, the country said vaccinated travelers could enter Belize without providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Upon arrival, travelers must provide a vaccination record card as proof they were vaccinated at least two weeks prior to arrival. Though vaccinated travelers may still be subject to random testing upon arrival, the update should speed up entry and make travel to Belize easier.
The new guidelines came as a result of a successful two-month period in which COVID-19 transmission dropped significantly. Aside from a brief uptick around the December holidays, Belize's cases have fallen steadily since the country announced its reopening in October. By mid-February, daily new cases were in the single digits.
Belize is taking safety precautions to protect tourism workers who come into contact with foreigners by offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to frontline workers.
The safe Travels Stamp & what it means
In addition to low COVID-19 numbers, Belize was awarded the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel &Tourism Council (WTTC) in December. Developed along with governments and health experts, the certification ensures that Belize has adopted and enforces global health and hygiene protocols.
The standardized protocols were developed by industry leaders — including executives from Marriott, United Airlines, and the Expedia Group — and are based on current World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Other destinations recognized include Dubai, Barcelona, and Jamaica.
Belize’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and the small country in Central America has been eager to welcome back international tourists. The country initially aimed to reopen to international travelers by Aug. 15, but a surge in coronavirus cases worldwide forced the nation to delay its reopening until Oct. 1, 2020. Both new developments should help the country get back on its feet.
Related: 8 reasons Belize should be on your travel bucket list
The Reopening: What it entails & What that means for you
Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) reopened Thursday, Oct.1, and travelers of all nationalities are being welcomed back. American Airlines and United Airlines have resumed daily direct flights to the Central American country from Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW), and Houston (IAH), respectively. Both airlines resumed flights from Los Angeles (LAX) in January, and Delta Airlines has begun daily flights via Atlanta (ATL).
Visitors who present proof of clean health in the form of a negative COVID-19 PCR test or vaccination record card can "fast track" their arrival process but may still be randomly selected for secondary screening. The country's most recent updates to restrictions became effective at the end of February.
Visitors and returning citizens without a vaccination card will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding their flight or will be tested on arrival.
Note that all visitors will have to stay at one of the country's full-service hotels or resorts that have received the Belize Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition (the full list is updated regularly and can be found here). Among the requirements for this designation? The hotels must have private transportation to and from the airport, a restaurant on-property, and strict cleanliness protocols.
Similar to Jamaica's "resiliency corridor," Belize has designated a series of "safe corridors" for tourists to keep visitors isolated from most locals and vice versa.
Entering Belize
As mentioned above, entering travelers who are not Belizean citizens or residents must book their stay at a Gold Approved Standard hotel which has passed local certification requirements.
Related: Thinking of visiting Belize? Plan ahead. Getting a COVID-19 test can be complicated.
There may be testing upon arrival. Anyone who tests positive will need to quarantine.
Belize tourism laid out the following guidelines and requirements for tourists:
Pre-departure
- Obtain a certified negative PCR COVID-19 test within 96 hours of departure, an antigen test within 48 hours, or provide proof of vaccination two weeks prior to arrival
- Book approved lodging
- Wear face masks when traveling to the departure airport
- Wear face masks and practice physical distancing at the departure airport
On the plane
- Wear a face mask while on the plane
- Practice social distancing to the extent possible
Upon arrival
- Continue to wear face masks and practice physical distancing
- Get a health screening
- Check-in daily on health app
Once at the airport, you'll need to be medically screened as well as go through customs. If a passenger is showing symptoms upon arrival, they may be placed in quarantine at their own expense until cleared. If you show up without a COVID-19 test, you may be able to get tested on arrival for $50.
There's still no word on when cruise ships will be allowed to return.
What is open?
Belize is currently is in the middle of a five-stage reopening. Masks are required in public, and a daily curfew from 10 pm to 5 am is in place. No Exceptions. Most sites are open to the public with limited capacity. All tours and activities have to be arranged by your hotel and operated by Gold Standard-certified tour operators — the list of which can be found here.
Spas are open, though there are restrictions in place. Shops are also open, but visits must be arranged via your hotel.
How to get there?
As mentioned above, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines all offer nonstop flights to Belize. American and United have resumed flights from multiple U.S. gateways: American now flies nonstop from Miami (MIA) and Dallas (FW), and United from Houston (IAH); both offer flights with a stopover from Los Angeles (LAX). Delta has recently started flights from its Atlanta (ATL) hub.
American's nonstop flights from Miami (MIA) are in the mid- to high-$300s round-trip through May. United's flights from Los Angeles (LAX), which stop Houston (IAH), are in the mid- to high-$400 round-trip for the same period.
Related: Major U.S. carriers unexpected eliminate most change fees on North America travel
If you're located in a city other than the ones offering nonstop flights, you can connect on a variety of carriers, including the aforementioned Delta and United, as well as Panama's Copa Airlines.
Where to stay?
The current list of Gold Approved Standard hotels can be found on the Travel Belize website and will be updated daily.
Related: How to fly to Belize on points and miles
As of publication, the only approved properties from major hotel chains are the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina and the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza.
Bottom line
Belize had been on a steady upward trajectory in terms of attracting new visitors before the coronavirus derailed that trend. Now, tourists no longer need to show a COVID test if they can provide proof of vaccination.
Before you go, consider if you feel safe to travel, and book refundable airfare and hotels just in case. It takes a lot of planning and patience to travel right now, but if you follow the guidelines put in place by the Belize Tourism Board, you should have no problem having an enjoyable vacation.
And if you missed it, here’s our country-by-country guide to reopenings.
Additional reporting by Nick Ellis, Katherine Fan, and Christina Garofalo.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.