GOB COVID-19 PROTOCALS

The Government of Belize (GOB) and Belize Tourist Board (BTB), met with many industry stake holders and medical personnel when establishing the International Airport protocols for reopening Belize during the COVID-19 pandemic. These developed protocols are intended to keep our International guests and local Belizeans citizens safe. These protocols are referred to as the Gold Standard Recognition Program, which is a 9-point program, needed for both hotels/lodging and tour operations, which includes fishing. This 9-point Gold Standard certification program seeks to enhance the tourism industry’s health and safety standards by adapting new behaviors and procedures to ensure both employees and travelers are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize’s tourism product. The 9 Point standards are:

1. Appointing a “Gold Standard Program Manager” to implement protocols and ensure compliance
2. Daily health and temperature checks for guests and employees
3. Social distancing and the use of face masks while in public spaces
4. Enhanced room cleaning and increase sanitization of public spaces and high touch surfaces
5. Designated ‘Isolation/Quarantine rooms’ for suspected Covid-19 cases and action plans for handling suspected employees or guests.
6. Establishing a clear & consistent communication for frequent feedback with employees and guests; relating to the protocols and their impact
7. Hand sanitizing stations across the property
8. Online check-in/out, contactless payment systems, and automated ordering/booking systems
9. Training staff to ensure they are prepared to manage and implement the new protocols based on their role

During the October 1st reopening, only resorts/hotels/operators/etc certified through the Belize Tourism Board’s Gold Standard Program are allowed to accept visitors. Belize River Lodge has qualified as a “Gold Standard Certified” hotel and tour operator, so we will be open as October 1st. Belize River Lodge has established a thorough COVID-19 safety program for your visit to BRL. This safety program begins when we meet you at the airport, takes into account our daily routines and ends when we say goodbye and you are returned to the airport for check-in (more details on BRL’s COVID-19 Safety Program).

GOB Requirements with the October 1, 2022 Phased Re-Open
This link is the GOB travel requirements when the PGIA airport opens October 1st.

Airlines Travelling to Belize in October 2020
American Airlines from Miami, FL (airport code: MIA) and United Airlines from Houston, TX (airport code: IAH) will be offering direct flights to Belize (airport code: BZE) as of October 1, 2020.

PGIA Protocols
The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols. These include:
– installation of barriers and sneeze guards between passengers and Immigration & Customs officers
– hand sanitizing stations throughout the terminal building to assist with proper hand hygiene
– floor markers placed 6 feet apart to promote social distancing and assist passengers in the queuing process
– sanitization of passenger luggage prior to transfer into the terminal building.

Movement with Belize (GOB)
Guests can only be transported to approved Gold Standard hotel, by approved ground/air transportation, and participate in approved tours with approved Gold Standard tour operators and guides.

All Belizean laws MUST BE observed including Covid-19 laws (GOB)
1. Facemasks/Face coverings are mandatory in all public spaces in Belize, this includes BRL
     – When arriving in Belize, a face mask/face covering must be worn during the entire landing, deplaning and arrival process, and while inside the airport.

2. Undergo temperature checks using non-contact digital infrared thermometers or Thermal Imaging Cameras.

3. Social distancing must be observed
     – While at the airport, adhere to social distancing guidelines in all queues for health checks, immigration and customs inspections

4. Utilize the sanitizing stations to sanitize hands frequently and facilitate other health screening requirements on arrival.

5. Follow and respond to the comprehensive, pro-active, contact tracing guidelines to facilitate appropriate and rapid response from health officials, should Covid-19 symptoms develop.

Prior to Guest’s Arrival (GOB)
1. All visits must be confirmed with an approved Gold Standard Hotel, which Belize River Lodge is!

2. All visitors will be required to download the free Health App on their mobile device and fill in the necessary information no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Belize. After filling out the eight-step application process, a unique QR code will be provided which should be presented to health authorities at the international airport upon arrival.
The Health App will also be used as a tool to limit contact at the airport by removing the requirement to fill out a physical immigration form.
     – Apple users can find the Health App in the App Store and Android users can download from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB)
     – The App can also be downloaded on the Belize Covid-19 website

3. Take a PCR test within 72 hours of boarding flight as a negative result will provide a “fast track” during the arrival process.
     – A scan of your negative test must be uploaded into the Belize Health Contact Tracing App allowing you to quickly enter Belize through a “fast track” lane.
          * If you cannot find a local source for PCR test, the following are options offer at-home Covid-19 PCR test kits. The results are sent electronically within the 72 hour window:
                    – CVS has a drive up option, for CVS option, click here.

                    – QuestDirect™ COVID-19 at-home collection kit, for QuestDirect option, please click here. 

                    – Let’s Get Checked,  for Let’s Get Checked option, please click here.

                    – There may be other options in your area as well.

4. Don’t forget your passport, it is still required!

Upon Entry in Belize (GOB)
1. When arriving in Belize, a face mask/face covering must be worn during the entire landing, deplaning and arrival process and while inside the airport.

2. There are some minimal changes at the airport, IF you have your negative COVID-19 PCR test results and you have the updated the Belize Health App.
     – There will be two lines at the airport:
          * Guests arriving with a negative COVID-19 PCR test will be “FAST TRACKED” through the arrival process, similar to regular past arrivals.
          * Line for people arriving without a negative test, will be given a COVID-19 PCR test and must wait for the result.
     – Random Quick Test secondary screening may be given.

3. While at the airport, arriving guests’ shoes will be sanitized and temperatures will be checked.
     – Depending on your health screening results, you may be randomly selected for secondary testing – you will have to take double rapid test if necessary, at traveler’s expense; US$50.

4. Utilize the sanitizing stations to sanitize hands frequently and facilitate other health screening requirements on arrival.

5. After clearing Immigration, stop in the Duty Frees if you would like anything, gather your luggage, visit Belize Customs desk. Depart the airport to the right and our Belize River Lodge representative will meet you at the “meet and greet” area.
     – For rest of airport process, please see “BRL’s Airport Meet & Greet” below.

6. During your stay in Belize, you will need to follow and respond to the comprehensive, pro-active, contact tracing guidelines to facilitate appropriate and rapid response from health officials, should Covid-19 symptoms develop while in Belize. (Really, all you need to do is keep the already downloaded Health app updated!)

If someone test COVID-19 positive while in Belize. (GOB)
1. Minimum 14 day mandatory quarantine at approved quarantine hotel at traveler’s expense.
2. Two negative PCR test to qualify as COVID-19 recovered.