Should I Be Vaccinated for My Travel to Belize?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that Belize travelers, and anyone else traveling internationally, be fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus prior to their trip. If you aren’t fully vaccinated, you should get tested for COVID-19 with a viral test 1-3 days prior to travel. Public transportation hubs and airports you may use will also require you to wear a facemask over your nose and mouth.
At Cotton Tree Lodge, we want you to have the safest Belize vacation possible while also taking advantage of the many adventures this breathtaking country has to offer. As you work to solidify your plans, be sure to review all CDC COVID-19 travel guidelines so you know what to expect and you can be best prepared for your trip.
Read on to learn more information about COVID-19 and traveling to Belize.
What Does It Mean to be Fully Vaccinated?
The CDC provides a list of conditions that qualifies you as a fully vaccinated person. You are fully vaccinated:
- Two weeks after your dose of an accepted single-dose vaccine
- Two weeks after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series
- Two weeks after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial
- Two weeks after you received the full series of a Novavax (or Covovax) COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a phase 3 clinical trial
- Two weeks after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart*
Am I More Likely to Contract COVID-19 on My Travels?
As with any virus, you stand a greater chance of contracting COVID-19 the moment you step out your door. And if you are not fully vaccinated, you stand a greater chance of contracting COVID-19.
However, adhering to local and national mandates and expert recommendations for safety provides you with a much greater chance of avoiding infection. What’s more, even fully vaccinated visitors should take just as many precautions as breakthrough cases are not uncommon.
What Are Some COVID Safe Activities to Do in Belize?
The resorts and hotels in Belize take COVID-19 very seriously. Where masks aren’t required, they’re strongly encouraged. Many of the resort activities in Belize take place outside, which provides a naturally safer environment for COVID-19 prevention. Outdoor activities in Belize may include:
- River tubing
- Guided tours
- Fishing
- River cruises
- Cave adventures
- Mountain hikes
While we can’t speak for other resorts and hospitality businesses, the guides and local help at Cotton Tree Lodge exercise the necessary precautions so guests can enjoy their stay safely and without worry. This includes activities that take place outdoors as well as indoors.
Prepare for the Trip Back Home
There are measures you must take prior to your return trip to the United States. Prior to boarding your return flight, you must show a negative COVID-19 test result. This result should be given no more than one day prior to your departure.
Additionally, you will have to provide contact information to your airline. In the event that you or a passenger contracted the virus, stored contact information helps the airline and health departments communicate with involved parties and provide information necessary to minimize the spread.
Once You Arrive
Your arrival back to the states should involve a COVID-19 test within 3-5 days. You should also self-monitor for symptoms and exercise isolation when possible. Be sure to check state and local requirements for accurate and up-to-date information.
What If I’ve Recently Recovered From a COVID-19 Infection?
Individuals who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection—and the infection is documented—within the past 90 days do not need to get a test following their return to the United States.
Cotton Tree Lodge Cares About Your Safety
At Cotton Tree Lodge, we provide lodging and itinerary fodder for guests of all kinds. Looking for a romantic getaway? We got you covered. Planning a trip for your loved ones? We have multi-room cabanas perfect for families. We also offer guided tours and fishing adventures as well as locally-run activities so you can get to know the Belize culture.
We do our utmost to ensure the well-being of our guests. In fact, all of the employees at Cotton Tree Lodge are COVID-19 vaccinated. Additionally, Belize law requires all citizens of Belize who work in the tourism industry to be vaccinated.
Check out our resort’s COVID-19 measures for more information. You can also book your stay online.