Travel & Tourism
Starting January 2022 COVID-19 tests no longer required when traveling less than 24 hours across land borders
Belize’s borders with Mexico and Guatemala will fully re-open on January 1, 2022, under specific protocols, mainly applying to Belizean’s visiting the border town/cities. While a negative covid test is currently required when leaving and entering the country, the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations Honorable Anthony Mahler explained at a media luncheon held on December 16th that as of next month, anyone fully vaccinated who travels across the border for less than 24 hours will not be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test upon their return to Belize.
Travel & Tourism
Government to hire additional air traffic controllers for PGIA
More flights and new airlines are touching down at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) with increased tourism. This surge in traffic at the nation’s leading air hub has prompted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to hire eight additional persons to be trained as air traffic controllers at the PGIA.
Travel & Tourism
American Airlines connects Miami with Chetumal, Mexico; why fares may be cheaper compared to Belize
As the travel industry continues its path to normalcy, commercial airlines are exploring new destinations by opening routes to places least expected. On Wednesday, December 1st, American Airlines started a bi-weekly flight between Miami, Florida, USA, and Chetumal, Mexico. The Mexican city borders Belize’s northern Corozal Town, and the new option is already attracting the attention of travelers, who see this alternative as very economical. While flights to and from Belize to Miami cost more, authorities in the industry explain the main factors affecting the cost when flying to specific destinations.
Government
Land borders to open in early 2022; no word on sea borders
Belize’s land borders with Guatemala and Mexico are set to fully re-open in early 2022. There was no mention of sea borders. The decision was issued in a release by the Government of Belize stating that, after much discussion and considering several important factors, the Cabinet took the decision to continue kickstarting the national economy. Currently, the borders are partially open, only allowing authorized traffic and tourists staying at approved hotels to enter the country.
Travel & Tourism
Government wants to attract Mexican and European airlines to Belize
Following the inaugural flight of Alaska Airlines to Belize on Friday, November 19th, the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations is looking towards Mexico and the United Kingdom (UK) to attract additional air carriers to the country.
Travel & Tourism
More Cruise Lines Resume Port Calls to Belize
Belize continues to be a favourite destination for cruise visitors. This is evident with the resumption of port calls to Belize this month by various cruise lines including the GTS Constellation, Celebrity Reflection, and MS Viking Star, who called to Belize on November 9 and 10, respectively.
Community and Society
SI mandates new policy for tour operators/guides and entry requirements for foreign visitors
The current COVID-19 regulations under Statutory Instrument No. 119 include specific requirements for foreign tourists entering Belize via the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). The provisions also extend to tour operators and tour guides who must be immunized to provide their services to tourists.
Travel & Tourism
Sunken ship to provide new dive destination at Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve
A press conference to announce a new and unique dive site in Belize was held on Monday, August 30th in Belize City. The dive destination will involve a shipwreck in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve area treating scuba divers to a new underwater world to explore while providing a natural and protected haven for marine life. The plan is to submerge a 375-foot ship called WitConcrete that once operated as a sugar cargo vessel. The ship, built after World War II, will soon be sunk at a dive site known as ‘the Oasis,’ a stone’s throw from nearby caye resorts.