BELIZE CITY — Anyone looking to travel to Belize must now show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Starting this Monday, Aug. 9, all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test when arriving at Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). PCR tests must be taken within 96 hours of travel, while a negative result from any approved antigen rapid test must be taken within 48 hours of travel.

If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of US$50 per passenger. Children under five years old are not required to present a negative test. Children five and up will be required to present a negative test.

All travellers entering Belize through the Northern and Western borders will be administered a rapid test for COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at their own expense. No external COVID-19 PCR or rapid test will be accepted at these points of entry.

According to the Belize government, these measures are being put in place in response to new variants of the COVID-19 virus and in an effort to protect both international visitors and the local population.