Forbes has recently named Belize as one of its top travel destinations of 2022. It’s no wonder as Belize, a country in Central America that is home to many ancient sites and beautiful beaches, really is a slice of paradise. Belize takes its place on Forbes’ list along with other popular destinations such as Mexico, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, Canada, and Peru. We’ll go over why you should consider taking a trip to Belize this year, what the entry requirements are like and what to expect as a tourist.

Why Visit Belize? 

Belize is on the east coast of mainland Central America with 240 miles of Caribbean coastline as well as over 400 islands. English is the first language, making communication a breeze for visiting travelers.

The country is also extremely biodiverse. You can visit the white sand beaches on the coast or the dense jungle inland. Step back in time and visit the mysterious Mayan ruins that dot the countryside of Belize. Visiting ruins such as Altun Ha, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Lamanai make for great adventures. Many people believe that the Riviera Maya in Mexico is the only place to find Mayan ruins, but in ancient times Belize was a part of the Mayan civilization.

Mexico has been an incredibly popular destination throughout the pandemic and its popularity doesn’t show signs of slowing down. But if you’re looking for another destination that may be a bit less crowded, then the beaches of Belize might be the place for you.

Belize is also home to spectacular natural phenomena like the Great Blue Hole and Bocawina National Park, plus countless other outdoor wonders like coral reefs, waterfalls, lush jungles, and ancient caves. There are endless outdoor activities for nature lovers.

Travel journalist and photographer Stephanie Vermillion stated: “?h?r?’? ? r????n ??l?z? ?? buzz?ng th?? ???r: n?w h?t?l? l?k? ?u?t??n?bl? gl?m??ng ????? ??ll? ?nd V?ll?? ?r?m??? th? ult?m?t? ??ntr?l ?m?r???n ?mm?r???n, wh?l? ? h??t ?f n?w n?n?t?? fl?ght? m?k? g?tt?ng h?r? ? br??z?,” V?rm?ll??n ???d. “?ut th??? t?ur??m ?dd?t??n? ?r? m?r?l? ?u???rt?ng ?h?r??t?r? ?n m? ult?m?t? r????n t? v???t ??l?z? r?ght n?w: ??nn??t??n. ?t’? ??m?th?ng w? ?ll ?r?v? ?ft?r tw? ?dd ???r? ?f ??u??d tr?v?l; ?t’? ?l?? wh?r? ??l?z? ?h?n??.”

Entry Requirements For Belize

The rules are slightly different to enter Belize depending on if the passenger is fully vaccinated or not.

Vaccinated passengers can enter test-free. The only need to show proof of being fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated passengers are still permitted to enter, but they will need a 48-hour antigen test or a 72-hour PCR test. They may also be tested on arrival.

All arrivals will still need to show proof of travel health insurance and proof they booked accommodation that is considered ‘gold standard’, which basically means it’s accredited by the Belize Tourism Board.

Flights To Belize

Direct flights to Belize can be found from U.S. cities like, New York, Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Houston, and Orlando.

Direct flights from surrounding Latin countries include from Cancun, Guatemala City, Panama City, San Salvador, and a handful more. 

Canada also flies to Belize direct seasonally from Toronto.