Community and Society
Carnival Sunrise celebrates Line’s 50th Birthday with stop in Belize during Sailabration Cruise
As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s year-long 50th birthday celebrations, Carnival Sunrise arrived in Belize on Tuesday, March 8th. To commemorate the festivities, Carnival Sunrise shipboard leaders presented a celebratory birthday cake to local officials from the Belize City Cruise Port.
Travel & Tourism
Long lines continue at international airport on weekends; visitors advised to pre-purchase new travel insurance
Saturdays are the busiest days at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), with as many as four international flights landing simultaneously. This results in long lines as passengers wait to get cleared through COVID-19 screenings, customs, and immigration. As of February 15th, another factor has been added to the entrance process, delaying clearance when travelers must purchase the new mandatory travel and health insurance at the airport.
Travel & Tourism
First day of travel insurance sees delays at PGIA
On Tuesday, February 15th, the Belize Travel Health Insurance (BTHI) for international visitors came into effect. The mandate implemented by the Ministry of Tourism saw some inconveniences on its first day at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), when a number of passengers arrived without insurance. This caused delays and even frustration among some travelers who needed to purchase the insurance at the airport. The process, since then, has reportedly improved, and most visitors seem to support the new policy.
Travel & Tourism
Tropic Air inaugurates non-stop flights between San Salvador, El Salvador, and Belize
On Friday, February 11th, Tropic Air Belize inaugurated its new non-stop service between Belize City, Belize to San Salvador, El Salvador. This is another milestone for the Belizean airline which currently flies to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. In celebration of this new service, a special introductory fare of US$99 each way plus taxes is available through February 28, 2022.
Travel & Tourism
Travel and Health insurance now available for purchase online
The policy is mandatory, costs US$18, and aims to protect travelers against medical and non-medical expenses incurred if an individual tests positive for COVID-19 during their visit to Belize. The insurance policy provides coverage for up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to COVID for a period of 21 days. The insurance also provides up to US$2,000 for lodging expenses to cover quarantine. The new insurance also provides for emergency assistance services such as air evacuation, emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions, trip cancellations, and other expenses incurred by COVID-19, such as extended stays.
Health
New Health and Travel Insurance for visitors is still a go; some stakeholders do not support itÂ
Despite the opposition of numerous tourism stakeholders to the government's plan to require health and travel insurance on visitors, this new requirement is expected to come into effect on February 15th. The new requirement even applies to those with their own health and travel insurance. This new insurance will be available for purchase via an online portal still in the works or at any country's entry point. The cost is US$18 for coverage up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to COVID-19 and up to US$2,000 for lodging at the mandatory quarantine. The policy also makes provisions for trip cancellations, which may be necessary if someone falls ill with the virus.Â
Government
Re-opening of land borders and seaports set for Monday; restrictions applyÂ
Monday, February 7th, the land borders and seaports with Guatemala and Mexico will fully re-open. The government has been working on specific measures to avoid any potential COVID-19 outbreak. Some of these requirements indicate that only fully vaccinated persons can travel through these borders. No COVID-19 test will be required for trips less than 24 hours upon returning to Belize. However, for any overnight traveling, a test is needed to enter the country at the cost of $100 per person.Â
Travel & Tourism
Tropic Air to begin nonstop flight between Belize and El Salvador
After months in the works to further connect Belize with Central America, on Tuesday, February 1st, Tropic Air announced its new international route to San Salvador, El Salvador. The maiden flight is set for February 11th, and will initially be scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For February, the airline is offering an introductory fare of US$99 each way, plus taxes.
