Today's press encounter also allowed us to ask Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler about the decision on mandatory traveler's insurance for COVID-19.
Since February 15, each visitor arriving to Belize has to pay 18 dollars US for a policy. It is meant to provide up to $50,000 US in medical expenses related to the treatment of COVID-19 for a period of 21 days.
But, global vaccine rates are up, testing is no longer mandatory for travelers, and the virus is now considered a reduced threat to public safety. So, will Belize now lift this mandatory health insurance?
Here's what the Minister had to say when we asked about it:
Daniel Ortiz
"Will there be a move to remove the mandatory travellers insurance or will that have to be kept in place?"
Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"Like I said, once it is not required we are going to move it and so we will have a discussion with the industry and with the members at the Belize Tourism Board and then we will see where we go from there. But like I said I am a man of my word, if it is not required anymore then we will remove it."
Daniel Ortiz
"Is there any timelines suggested as to when you will move towards that?"
Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"I know there is a board meeting coming up at the Belize Tourism Board and they will ventilate it at that point and then they will give me their recommendations."
As you heard, the Minister says that this question will be put to the Tourism authorities very soon.
