COVID19 Information: Belize is Open – What You Need to know
Peace of Mind – All Crew Tested Upon Request
We know that health and safety are at the forefront of the decision-making process on whether to travel and where to go in 2022. On our yacht charters, the captain and first mate will be tested prior to your arrival (upon request) and will be isolated before the charter departs for your peace of mind. While aboard the boat, they perform daily temperature checks, wear masks, and sanitize regularly. Our private guides and drivers wear masks and have daily temperature checks, and vehicles are sanitized before and after use. You can see more about our updated policies and procedures further down this page.
Please always refer to the latest updates and information from the Belize Tourism Board on this link.
Covid Information in Belize
Belize’s international airport has been open since October 1st and we have been safely welcoming guests since then. We have achieved the Tourism “Gold Standard Certification of Recognition” which ensures hotels are rigorously following the 9 Step recognition program with enhanced protocols with regards to cleaning, sanitizing, management of inventory, distancing of staff, regular monitoring, and reporting.
Our top priority is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all guests, our employees, and the wider communities where we live and work.
Our commitment to keeping our Guests and Employees Safe:
- Industry Leading guest and public area cleaning practices based on CDC and EPA guidelines include Electrostatic sprayers which distribute a CDC-approved disinfectant before and after each charter, and all high-touch surfaces wiped down to eliminate bacteria.
- Hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and multiple sanitizing stations throughout our property and charter vessels for your safety and convenience.
- Social distancing measures for employees and guests.
- Personal protection equipment utilized by employees and guests.
Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Belize.
Before Your Visit
- All visitors are required to apply for Belize Travel Health Insurance – mandatory insurance that helps protect travelers against incurred medical and non-medical expenses if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Belize.
- The cost of the policy is US$18 and provides coverage for up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to the treatment of COVID-19 for a period of 21 days. This insurance plan will come online under the country’s public health regulations and provide cover for lodging expenses due to quarantine up to US$2,000 (max US$300/day). Travelers will also be covered for emergency assistance services such as air evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, it covers trip cancellations and expenses incurred by COVID-19 positive travelers for extended stays.
- Effective March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers no longer require a negative test but must show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize’s airport, land borders, or seaports.
- If unable to show proof or if unvaccinated, travelers are required to present proof of a negative PCR result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival. 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 the age of 5 years will not be required to present a negative test.
On Arrival in Belize:
- You will disembark the plane – wearing a face mask – and proceed to health screening.
- If you brought along your proof of vaccination or a medical note from your doctor stating that you have had COVID-19 within the last 3 months, you will proceed to the ‘fast track’ lane for Immigration & Customs processing.
- If you brought along your negative COVID-19 test, you will proceed to the ‘fast track’ lane for Immigration & Customs processing. Depending on your health screening, you may be randomly selected for secondary testing.
- If you were unable to bring the results of a PCR or rapid test, you must proceed to the testing area where you’ll be required to take a COVID rapid test. Testing is at the passengers’ expense and costs US$50.
- Proceed to Immigration and Customs, and then exit the airport via the Safe Corridor using our approved ground transportation. You will receive your test results at your Gold Standard hotel via the Ministry of Health.
- A positive test result will require you to quarantine at your hotel until the Ministry of Health provides clearance.
During your Stay in Belize:
- As of April 1, 2022, mask-wearing is no longer required for outdoor spaces. Some indoor spaces still have mask requirements.
- Guests are advised to practice social distancing and proper hand hygiene, to protect themselves and others they come in contact with.
- Outdoor restaurants and bars are open and operating at 50% capacity. You are allowed to move around freely, but must wear a mask and ensure social distancing.
- We want you to see and do as many of the local activities in our beautiful country, during your visit. Tourists visiting Belize can move about freely, however, it is recommended that they remain within the Tourism Safe Corridor. The Tourism Safe Corridor includes Gold Standard certified accommodations, tour operators, tourism transportation providers, restaurants, tourism sites and attractions, and gift shops. These Gold Standard and certified entities have all been trained and have implemented enhanced health and safety measures.
At BSV
We have achieved our Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition and have implemented enhanced sanitary protocols and training so our crew continues delivering the 5-star service we are known for while ensuring everyone’s safety.
We are very mindful of the dynamic situation surrounding COVID-19, health and safety concerns, and the need to remain flexible for all. Below are our policies, procedures & steps to welcome you back:
1. Health and safety pre-departure, onboard & post-departure
Safety is our first priority, as it always should be. We have made modifications to our already stringent sanitizing and cleaning procedures in line with the Gold Standard Certification guidelines, the guidance of global experts and authorities including the WHO and CDC. We have a detailed document available to you at your request, here is a summary of our procedures:
Pre Departure
- Crew testing – all crew will be tested upon request prior to departure and will isolate before the charter departs.
- Private transfers – guests are required to sanitize hands before entering the vehicle (sanitizer will be available) and require that you travel this short distance with a protective face mask. Our driver will handle luggage with gloves. Our vehicle is thoroughly disinfected between each transfer.
- Prior to arrival each yacht will be sprayed with an Electrostatic cleaner and left sealed off for 24 hours
- Temperature checks of crew and guests using non-contact thermometers
- Sanitizing stations will be available on the dock pre-boarding the vessel
- Each yacht will have disinfectant spray, hand wipes, and sanitizing products readily available
On charter
- Masks to be worn by crew and guests in all close social situations on and off the boat
- Crew will wear masks and gloves when cleaning guests’ cabins and the vessel
- Social distancing and sanitary protocols will be enforced onshore
- Crew and guest hands to be washed and sanitized when embarking on the vessel having been onshore
Post charter yacht decommission and recommission processes
- All linens will be removed and stored in a restricted storage area
- Recreational equipment (snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear) will be disinfected immediately upon return to the dock after guests depart then left sealed off for 3 days
- All elements will then be cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected again prior to the next boarding
- Galley provisions will be cleaned and disinfected on the dock before being unpacked on board
- Clean linens will be placed in a storage facility for 3 days before being unpacked and the cabins made up
2. Booking flexibility
We have updated our standard charter contract to offer more flexibility and leniency. In summary:
- You may opt to reschedule your charter up to 60 days prior to departure with no rebooking fee. Charter is to be completed within 12 months of the original charter start date based on mutually agreed dates.
- If guests wanted to have an extension beyond 12 months of the original start date, you can secure charter funds for up to 24 months for a $1,500 rebook fee (you would need to do this 60 days before the end of the 12 month period)
- There are no rebooking fees if you need to change your charter due to ‘force majeure’ circumstances surrounding COVID-19. Your charter can be rescheduled and completed within 12 months of the original charter start date based on mutually agreed dates.
Please contact us if you would like a copy of our contract in full, we hope this provides assurance to you.
We all look forward to welcoming you back to Belize!
From Cliff, Rachael, Patricia, Jessica, & the entire BSV team.
