BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Sept. 2, 2021– The Ministry of Health and Wellness released a statement yesterday reiterating its stance on mandatory testing at the borders for those travelers and persons unable to present an official vaccination card.

The Government of Belize requires that a person seeking entry at the border present a negative PCR-test— the cost of which must be covered by that person.

“While the Ministry of Health & Wellness acknowledges that this may be an inconvenience for some, this requirement is necessary to protect the residents of Belize,” the release from the Health Ministry states.

It also informs persons that no COVID-19 PCR or rapid test done overseas will be accepted at the entry points. The required test will have to be administered and paid for in Belize.

“The Ministry reiterates that the Cabinet of Belize has made a decision that ALL travelers entering Belize through the northern and western borders will be administered a COVID-19 test by the Ministry of Health & Wellness, at their own expense,” the release states.

At the end of May this year, GOB opted to reopen the land borders up north at Santa Elena and west at Benque Viejo for travelers entering the country for recreation and vacation purposes only.

Travelers are able to enter Belize through Chetumal, Mexico, or Melchor de Mencos, Peten, Guatemala. Those persons must hold a foreign passport, have a booked Gold Standard accommodation for no less than three nights, and must use Gold Standard transportation.