Belize has opened its borders for foreign tourists

Belize announced the partial opening of its land borders at a conference held in Chetumal, where in addition to presenting the security protocols, they spoke about the importance of tourism in this destination and what it means to receive foreign visitors again.

In the face-to-face event, in front of the local Chetumal press, as well as the live broadcast for national media, the conference was chaired by the Minister of Tourism of Belize, Honorable Anthony Mahler; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, Honorable Ramón Cervantes; the executive director of the Ministry of Tourism of Belize, Lic. Nicole Solano; the president of the Belize Tourism Office, Lic. Evan Tillett, Dr. Luis G. Montero, Honorary Consul of Belize in Quintana Roo and the technical chief of the Ministry of Tourism of Belize, Lic. Abil Castañeda.

Nicole Solano indicated that this reopening will allow the entry and exit of Mexican and foreign tourists: "This opening is the first phase of our reopening process, for this, sanitary security protocols have been developed that have been highly effective." He expressed that visitors can be sure that they will be able to enjoy the attractions of Belize in a healthy and safe way.

The reopening of the Belize border is significant for a tourism sector in the process of recovery after the crisis caused by Covid-19. "On the part of the Ministry of Belize we are very excited in this phase, and convinced that our reopening will be safe and that we will soon be able to continue with the following phases and thus, fully reestablish our land connection," said the executive director of the Ministry of Tourism of Belize.

On the other hand, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Honorable Ramón Cervantes, mentioned that in Belize the initiative was taken to close the borders to control the wave of infections, however, this measure affected production and trade throughout the area economic. “Belize has decided to gradually open its borders; 8 months ago we started with the air, and now, we open the land borders ”. Likewise, he thanked Mexico for the bond and brotherhood towards the Caribbean country, and mentioned that this reopening will attract more Mexicans.

The Minister of Belize, the Honorable Anthony Mahler, shared with the press that Belize is open not only for tourism, but also for trade. "Belize is a safe destination, in which all the measures and protocols for the health of visitors are being taken," he commented, "the opening of the borders will allow more foreign tourists to arrive, in addition to reactivating the country's economy." He also emphasized the close relationship between Mexico and Belize, which is made up of Mayan heritages and the closeness and warmth of its people.

Dr. Luis G. Montero, Honorary Consul of Belize in Quintana Roo, thanked the local and national press and specified some details regarding said reopening: “The date has arrived to open the borders, especially the northern border, with Chetumal and Guatemala, where the largest number of people enter; It is important to mention that, unlike before the pandemic, the only way to enter Belize will be with a passport; there will no longer be local permits ”. The consulate will no longer issue permits to enter the country as part of the Belizean government's effort to care for its people and the tourism that visits them.

“Belize is a safe and healthy tourist destination, this is proven because the airport was opened on October 1 and there have been no infections; The free zone was opened on February 1, the casino on April 15 and there has been no increase in infections, and surely, as of today with the partial reopening of the borders of Belize, tourists will gradually be able to enter by car ”, added Dr. Luis Montero. He also indicated that the country was the last in Central America to become infected, and the first to reduce the number of infections, so a successful reopening is predicted.

It is important to note that the tourism industry in Belize is the main creator of jobs, so it is excellent news for the economy of the destination and its inhabitants.

In this Phase 1, only tourists who have booked in Gold Standard hotels and have been transferred by taxis or Gold Standard tour operators will be allowed to enter. Visitors must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or a rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV2 approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), taken within the 24 hours prior. All tourists, including those with proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, may be required to undergo the test at their expense, at the discretion of the MOHW. Foreign travelers who test positive for Covid-19 will be denied entry.

As of May 31, the hours of operations at the borders will be from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, until further notice.

In the first phase, the direct transit of travelers from border to border (transit passengers) will not be allowed. The entry or exit of Belizeans, diplomats, military personnel, permanent residents, etc. it will continue in a restricted manner and still requires official permission from the relevant agencies.

To ensure the safe entry and exit of travelers, a new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is being implemented at points of entry that follow the strict health and safety protocols that have been successfully implemented at Phillip Goldson International Airport. , to include health and temperature control, physical distancing and disinfection, as well as the mandatory use of masks in all public spaces while in Belize, and all foreign citizens must comply with the laws.