Unlocking The Border: A Traveller's Guide To Entering Belize From Quintana Roo

The Mexico-Belize border crossing at Chetumal is a popular route between the two countries. The process is relatively straightforward, but it's important to have the correct documentation and be aware of potential scams and additional costs. Here's an introduction to the process of entering Belize from Quintana Roo:

Crossing the Border

The border crossing between Mexico and Belize is officially open. When transitioning from Mexico into Belize, you'll pass through two border cities: Chetumal in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Santa Elena in the Corozal District of Belize. This guide will focus on the process of entering Belize from Chetumal.

Documentation

To enter Belize from Mexico, you'll need a passport that's valid for at least six months after your intended stay. Citizens of most countries can enter Belize visa-free for up to 30 days. However, it's important to check the specific requirements for your nationality. Due to COVID-19 regulations, you'll also need to take a mandatory $50 USD COVID test at the border and show proof of accommodation in Belize.

Mexican Departure Tax

Mexico charges a departure tax to visitors leaving the country. If you flew into Mexico, this tax is usually included in your ticket price. If you entered by land, you likely paid the tax upfront. This tax, known as the Derecho de No Inmigrante (DNI) or Mexican tourist tax, costs approximately 575 pesos or $35 USD. Make sure to get a receipt when you pay this tax, as unscrupulous border agents may try to charge you again when you leave Mexico.

Crossing by Rental Vehicle

If you're renting a car, keep in mind that most rental companies in Mexico don't allow their vehicles to be taken outside the country. One company that does is America Car Rental, which has locations in tourist hubs like Tulum and Cancun. When crossing the border in a rental car, you'll need your immigration papers/visa (if needed), driver's license, car rental documentation, and plane ticket receipt showing you've paid the DNI tax. Additional fees may include car fumigation ($15 USD) and Belize liability insurance (approximately $15 USD per week).

Crossing by Public Bus

You can also cross the border by public bus. ADO and Marlin Espades are the main bus companies operating between Cancun/Chetumal and Belize City. The ADO bus is comfortable and offers various amenities, including USB/AC outlets and video screens. The trip from Cancun to Belize City takes around 8-9 hours and costs approximately $50 USD. Tickets can be booked on the ADO website.

Crossing by Taxi

Crossing the border by taxi comes with additional COVID-19 regulations. You'll need to show your accommodation documents and pay a fixed, non-negotiable fee of $180 USD. Sharing a taxi with strangers is not allowed, but you can share with someone you're travelling with. You won't be able to leave the taxi until you reach your hotel in Belize.

Crossing the Mexico-Belize border by rental car

The Mexico-Belize border crossing officially opened back up in August 2021, and there are still some COVID-19-related regulations in place. When transitioning from Mexico into Belize, you'll be passing through two border cities: Chetumal, Quintana Roo (Mexico), and Santa Elena, Corozal District (Belize).

Documents and Costs

As with any border crossing, you'll need to bring the appropriate documents to enter Belize from Mexico. For the most part, pre-COVID, all you needed was your passport, which needed to be valid for no less than 6 months after your intended stay period. Citizens of most countries can enter Belize for 30 days, visa-free. However, you should check if your home country meets these criteria so there are no surprises when you get to the border.

COVID-19 changed the game at this particular border crossing, and as it currently stands, there are regulations in place. You will need to take a mandatory $50 USD COVID-19 test at the border, and you will also be required to show proof of accommodation while visiting Belize, which should include your name, the hotel's name, and its full address.

If you wish to extend your time in Belize, you can stay for up to 6 months as long as you have your passport re-stamped by an immigration official. This must be done every 30 days, at a price of $25 USD per month.

It's worth mentioning that you should always carry cash with you when going through this border crossing (or any border crossing, for that matter). Mexico charges visitors a departure tax when they leave the country, and if you haven't paid this tax upfront, you'll have to pay it when you leave Mexico and enter Belize. This tax is known as the Derecho de No Inmigrante (DNI) or The Mexican tourist tax. It costs approximately 575 pesos or $35 USD. If you have paid it upfront, make sure you get a receipt so you don't get double-charged when you officially leave Mexico.

Car Rental

While there are plenty of car rental companies in Mexico, the majority of them don't allow their vehicles to be taken outside of the country. One company that does, however, is America Car Rental. They have many locations around Mexico and in tourism-heavy places like Tulum and Cancun.

Before you leave for the border, make sure you have the following:

• Immigration papers/Visa (if needed)
• Driver's license (your regular driver's license is usually sufficient)
• Car rental documentation
• Plane ticket receipt showing you've already paid the DNI Tax

Upon crossing, you may be subject to additional fees such as car fumigation (30 BZD/ $15 USD), and Belize liability insurance (aka car insurance). Car insurance is mandatory in Belize, and a week's worth will cost you an additional 30 BZD/ $15 USD.

America Car Rental is open 365 days a year, from 8 am to 8 pm. You should set aside at least an hour to pick up the car rental, and you can find the closest America Car Rental on their website and use Google Maps to find out where to pick up the car.

A basic car from America Car Rental is approximately $700 USD for the month, including insurance (to drive in Mexico) as well as the permit to bring the car into Belize. You'll also have to factor in gas, which is anywhere from 19 to 20 pesos per litre ($3 to $4 USD per gallon) in Mexico, and $5 to $6 USD per gallon in Belize.

Crossing the Mexico-Belize border by public bus

The Mexico-Belize border crossing by public bus is a lengthy but straightforward process. The bus from Belize City to the border takes around 4 hours, and once you've crossed the border, you can take an ADO bus to Bacalar, Tulum, or Cancun.

• Water Taxi to Belize City: If you are on Caye Caulker or San Pedro, you will need to take a water taxi to Belize City. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ferry terminal. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
• Walk or Taxi to Novelo Bus Station: From the ferry terminal in Belize City, you can walk or take a taxi to the Novelo Bus Station. It is about a 15-minute walk, and there are usually taxi drivers offering their services inside the ferry terminal.
• Buy Tickets to Corozol/Border: At the Novelo Bus Station, purchase tickets to Corozol or the border. The bus to the border usually departs around 9:30 am, and the journey takes about 4 hours.
• Chicken Bus to Border: The chicken bus will drop you off directly in front of the Belize immigration building. Make sure to bring your passport and any necessary documents.
• Exit Belize and Pay Exit Tax: At the Belize immigration building, you will need to pay an exit tax of 40 BZD or 20 USD per person. Fill out the departure form and get your passport stamped.
• Taxi Across No-Man's Land: After exiting Belize, you will need to take a taxi across the "no-man's land" to the Mexican immigration building. This is a mandatory requirement, and the taxi ride should cost around 50 BZD or 25 USD total.
• Enter Mexico and Pay Tax: At the Mexican immigration building, you will need to get your passport stamped and pay the Mexican entry tax. This tax is somewhat controversial, as it seems like a scam. However, if you have already booked a flight out of Mexico, you may have already paid this tax.
• Taxi Onward to Chetumal: After completing the border crossing, you can take a taxi to the ADO bus station in Chetumal. Alternatively, you can ask the taxi driver to take you directly to your destination, such as Bacalar or Tulum.
• ADO Bus to Final Destination: At the ADO bus station, purchase tickets to your final destination. The ADO bus is comfortable and usually has air conditioning.

It is important to note that there are high fees associated with crossing the Mexico-Belize border, so make sure to bring enough cash in both BZD and USD. Additionally, be prepared for possible delays and long travel times, especially if you are taking the chicken bus.

Crossing the Mexico-Belize border by taxi

The Mexico-Belize border is located between the towns of Subteniente Lopez (Mexico) and Santa Elena (Belize). The border crossing is well signposted from Chetumal, Mexico. The border can be crossed by bus, ferry, plane, or taxi.

Crossing the Border by Taxi

• Exit Mexico: Get your Mexican exit stamp from the tiny hut at the border. You will need to show your temporary permit and receipts from Banjercito (if you have them). There is no charge for exiting Mexico.
• Fumigation: Drive to the fumigation station and get your vehicle fumigated. This costs around $5-10, depending on the type of vehicle. Make sure you get a receipt.
• Enter Belize: Park your car and go to the immigration building to get your passport stamped. You will need to fill out a short form. There is no charge for entering Belize.
• Customs: Go to the customs desk with your vehicle papers and passport. They will check your vehicle and may ask about the purpose of your visit and where you are staying. Do not say you are in transit as they will only give you 3 days to stay in Belize.
• Road Tax: Pay the mandatory road tax, which is BZD$30 for cars and more for trucks. They accept USD, BZD, and MXN, but not credit cards.
• Insurance: Buy mandatory insurance for your vehicle. This can be purchased at the Insurance Company of Belize building near the border.

Additional Information:

• It is not possible to walk through the "no man's land" between the two borders. You must take a taxi or other form of transport.
• There are high fees at this border, so make sure you have cash on hand in USD or BZD.
• If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Mexico, make sure you have a valid visa before attempting to cross the border.
• If you are exiting Mexico and plan to return, make sure you get an exit stamp in your passport.
• If you are entering Belize with a pet, you will need to get a permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).

Border crossing from Belize to Mexico

Transportation Options:

• By Bus: The ADO bus service is the most popular and stress-free option for travelling between Mexico and Belize. It resumed operations in July 2023 and offers a direct route from Cancun to Belize City, with stops in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Corozal Town, and Orange Walk Town. The journey takes around 8-9 hours and costs approximately $50 USD. Tickets can be booked on the ADO website.
• By Ferry: There are ferry services operating between Chetumal (Mexico) and San Pedro or Caye Caulker (Belize). The San Pedro Water Jet ferry costs $74.50 USD and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. It operates four times a week. Water Jets International also offers a ferry service between Chetumal and San Pedro/Caye Caulker, with an additional $5.00 USD fee for Caye Caulker. This ferry runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
• By Plane: Tropic Air, a Belizean airline, offers daily flights between Cancun and Belize City, with a travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Border Crossing Process:

When crossing the border from Belize to Mexico, you will go through the following steps:

• Exit Belize: At the Belize border, you will need to obtain an exit stamp on your passport. There is an exit fee of BZD 40 (approximately $20 USD) per person when leaving Belize.
• Enter Mexico: When entering Mexico, you will go through Mexican Immigration and Customs. Make sure you have the appropriate documentation, including your passport and any necessary visas. Mexican Immigration officials may ask for money, but this is not an official fee. If you have proof that you paid the Mexican Tourism Tax when entering Belize (usually included in your airline ticket), show them the receipt to avoid paying twice. There is also a vehicle fumigation fee of around $5 USD that you will need to pay.

It is important to stay updated with the latest information and regulations for crossing the border, as procedures may change over time. Additionally, it is always a good idea to carry cash or have multiple payment options (USD, MXN, or BZD) when crossing the border to facilitate any necessary payments.

Crossing the Belize-Mexico border by rental car

The border crossing between Mexico and Belize officially opened back up in August 2021, however, there are still some COVID-19-related regulations in place.

When transitioning from Mexico into Belize, you will be passing through two border cities: Chetumal, Quintana Roo (Mexico), and Santa Elena, Corozal District (Belize).

Crossing from Mexico to Belize by Rental Car

One company that allows you to take rental cars outside of Mexico is America Car Rental. They have locations in tourism-heavy places like Tulum and Cancun. Before leaving for the border, make sure you have the following:

• Immigration papers/visa (if needed)
• Driver's license
• Car rental documentation
• Plane ticket receipt showing you've already paid the DNI (Mexico tourist) tax

Upon crossing, you may be subject to additional fees such as car fumigation (30 BZD/ $15 USD) and Belize liability insurance (30 BZD/ $15 USD).

Crossing from Belize to Mexico by Rental Car

Belize doesn't allow rental cars to cross borders. However, if you own a car that's registered in Belize, you can bring it to Mexico. For this process, you'll need:

• A valid driver's license
• International credit card
• Temporary Import Permit for your vehicle (approximately $50 USD)
• Mexican car insurance
• 95 Pesos for car fumigation

Frequently asked questions