A seamless journey: Experiencing travel to Belize during COVID-19

Belize was among the earliest nations to welcome back international travelers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was eager to explore this beautiful country. With Alaska Airlines introducing new flights to this Central American gem, it was the ideal chance for me to finally go.

So, how challenging is the trip? Surprisingly, it's quite easy.

Continue reading for everything you need to know about visiting Belize and the current experience for American travelers.

COVID-19 testing guidelines

Travelers arriving at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) must present a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within two days of arrival or a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to arrival, regardless of vaccination status.

Alternatively, you can take a test upon arrival at the airport for a fee of $50 per passenger, though some airlines may not permit boarding without a pre-arrival test.

The Belize Tourism Board website provides up-to-date and clear information on entry requirements based on your travel method.

Travelers are required to stay at a Gold Standard accommodation

To visit Belize, you'll need to book a stay at one of the country's certified hotels or resorts that hold the Belize Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition (the complete list is regularly updated and can be found here).

Keep in mind that not all certified hotels appear on the list. For instance, the Gaia Riverlodge, where I stayed, wasn’t listed initially (though it is now).

Gold Standard accommodations must have an on-site restaurant, provide airport transportation, and adhere to rigorous cleanliness standards.

At the airport

Like many international travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was anxious about potentially missing my flight.

Although I was aware that a negative test wasn't required for entry, I wanted to be fully prepared.

I intended to use the BinaxNow test I had taken shortly before returning to the U.S. from Colombia as my negative test for entering Belize. Unfortunately, I discovered the day before my trip that the BinaxNow test wouldn't be accepted since it's an antigen test and my result was older than 48 hours.

Knowing there was a Clarity Lab in Terminal 6 at LAX, I arranged to get a PCR test on the morning of my flight. I took the PCR test at 7:18 a.m. for a fee of $125. Although the test upon arrival in Belize only costs $50, I didn't want to risk being denied boarding in Los Angeles.

I had also packed a backup Binax test "just in case," but I was hoping to save that for my return from Belize.

Fortunately, my worries were unnecessary.

Amazingly, there was no mention of entry requirements at the boarding gate. In fact, aside from presenting my passport, the boarding process was completely standard. Thankfully, I didn't receive my test results until I was already seated on the plane at 11:05 a.m., which meant I had to wait almost four hours for the results (Clarity claims they provide results in three to five hours).

An announcement was made at the boarding area, stating that anyone who checked in online or at a kiosk needed to see a gate agent for a passport verification. There was no mention of any COVID-19 protocols.

Honestly, traveling to Belize is simpler than it was to get to Hawaii.

Complete the immigration form

The flight crew emphasized that all passengers must complete a two-sided immigration and customs form upon arriving in Belize. One side requires details about your arrival, including your home address, passport information, residency status, occupation, and the countries you've visited in the last 30 days. The reverse side is a simple customs declaration form, and there are no specific references to COVID-19.

COVID-19 screening upon arrival in Belize

After landing in Belize, you’ll either walk down a ramp or take some stairs. As I exited the plane, I was warmly welcomed by at least 20 staff members, many of whom exclaimed, "Welcome to Belize!"

Arriving passengers are directed into two separate lines: one for those without a negative COVID-19 test and another for those of us who presented negative test results.

I was guided to a station equipped with a plexiglass shield, where I presented my negative test results from Clarity Labs (saved on my phone as an image) along with the immigration form. A friendly staff member at the check-in station stamped my form, after which I was directed around the corner to another station for an additional stamp.

Next, you turn a corner to meet customs officials who review your paper immigration form, digitally scan your passport, and add another stamp to your immigration paperwork.

After that, you encounter an official at the final customs declaration station who manually checks your passport and stamps your immigration form once again.

Finally, you present your now-stamped immigration document to one last official before exiting the airport.

Despite all the stamp collecting, the entire process took only about 10 minutes, and I was officially in Belize.

In summary

Traveling to Belize was incredibly easy. Regardless of your vaccination status, you can enter by testing before or upon arrival. It has been by far the simplest entry experience of the three countries I’ve visited recently. In fact, it was often easier than going to Hawaii during the pandemic.

I’m staying at the Gaia Riverlodge nestled in the Cayo District’s forest, and I’m really enjoying Belize so far. Everyone speaks English, which is a huge plus for any U.S. travelers who aren’t fluent in other languages. I hope to return and explore the renowned coastline soon—perhaps another flight with Alaska?

Please note that there is a nightly curfew in place from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., and authorities are strict about mask-wearing.

If you haven't seen it yet, check out our country-by-country guide to reopenings.

Be aware that the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for Belize at Level 4: Do Not Travel due to COVID-19 and crime concerns, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates the country as Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.