Mexico To Belize: Navigating The Border Crossing

Crossing the border from Mexico to Belize can be a little intimidating for first-time border hoppers, but it's helpful to know that there are several ways to do so. You can cross the border by rental vehicle, public bus, or taxi.

If you're renting a car, you'll need to 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 (Derecho de No Inmigrante) tax

You may also be subject to additional fees such as car fumigation and Belize liability insurance.

If you're crossing the border by public bus, you can take the ADO bus from Cancun to Belize City, which makes stops in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, and Belize City. The ADO bus is clean and has comfortable seats, video screens, USB/AC outlets, bathroom facilities, and air conditioning. Tickets can be purchased on the ADO website.

If you're crossing the border by taxi, be aware that this is one of the biggest headaches and regulations thanks to Covid-19. After showing Mexican officials your accommodation documents, you'll have to pay a fixed, non-negotiable fee of $180 USD for a taxi. You are not allowed to share a taxi with a stranger, but you can share with someone who you are travelling with. You also won't be able to leave the taxi until it gets to your hotel.

It's also worth noting that there are high border fees when exiting Belize, and you will need to have cash on hand in both BZD and USD.

Crossing the Mexico-Belize Border by Rental Vehicle

Step 1: Renting a Vehicle in Mexico

Before embarking on your journey, it is essential to choose a rental company that allows their vehicles to be taken outside of Mexico. One such company is America Car Rental, which has multiple locations across Mexico, including popular tourist destinations like Tulum and Cancun. When reserving your rental vehicle, be sure to inquire about any additional permits or documentation required for crossing the border into Belize.

Step 2: Documents and Requirements

Ensure that you have all the necessary documents before setting off on your trip. This includes your immigration papers/visa (if needed), a valid driver's license, rental car documentation, and proof of payment for the Mexican tourist tax (DNI). The DNI tax is typically included in your flight ticket if you flew into Mexico, but it is essential to have proof of payment to avoid being charged twice.

Step 3: Crossing the Mexican Border

When approaching the Mexican border, drive to the designated immigration booth and have your passports stamped. Make sure you have both your tourist visa card and the bank receipt for the visa fee. Keep in mind that if you do not have the receipt, you may be charged the tourist visa fee again.

Next, proceed to the Banjercito office to cancel and obtain a refund for your Temporary Import Permit (TIP). Bring the TIP sticker from your car, the original receipt, your passport, and your registration document. An official will accompany you to your vehicle to take photos and process the cancellation. The refund for the TIP will typically be credited back to your card within a few working days.

Step 4: Vehicle Fumigation and Border Crossing

Before reaching the border crossing, you will need to have your vehicle fumigated. Look for a small hut along the road, where you can get your car fumigated for a fee of around BZ$10. After fumigation, drive towards the main border and park your vehicle before reaching the booth.

Step 5: Entering Belize

Head to the office building opposite the border and go to the immigration desk to get your passport stamped. There is usually no charge for the visa when entering Belize.

After getting your passport stamped, proceed to the customs desk to obtain a Temporary Import Permit for your vehicle. This permit is typically valid for 30 days and can be extended up to 90 days. Provide the necessary documentation, such as your registration certificate and passport. The customs officials will inspect your vehicle, verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and place a sticker on your window.

Step 6: Purchasing Insurance

In Belize, it is mandatory to have insurance for your vehicle. Drive to the Insurance Corporation of Belize or a similar provider and purchase the required insurance. The cost is typically around BZ$46 for two weeks, and you must display the insurance sticker on the driver's side of your vehicle.

Step 7: Continuing Your Journey

After completing all the necessary steps and obtaining the required permits and insurance, you are now free to continue your journey into Belize. Remember to keep all your documents organized and easily accessible throughout your trip, as you may need to present them at checkpoints or during random inspections.

Crossing the Mexico-Belize Border by Public Bus

The Mexico-Belize border is 250km long and separates Belize from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The border crossing between the two countries officially opened back up in August 2021, after being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are two official crossings where there are international bridges: the Subteniente Lopez International Bridge and the Chac-Temal International Bridge. The former is the main crossing point and is located between Subteniente Lopez, Mexico, and Santa Elena, Belize.

There are several ways to cross the border by bus. One option is to take the ADO bus from Cancun to Belize City, which stops in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, and finally, Belize City. The ADO bus is clean and has comfortable seats, video screens, USB/AC outlets, bathroom facilities, and air conditioning. The price for this bus is around $50 USD and tickets can be booked on the ADO website. The Cancun to Belize City route operates twice a day, at 7:30 am and 10:15 pm. The Belize City Bus Station is sometimes referred to as Novelo's and can be found here.

Another option is to take a local Belizean bus from Chetumal to Belize City. These buses only run between Corozal and Chetumal, so you will have to transfer a few times to get to your final destination. The cost of this bus is 15 BZD/ $7.50 USD per person.

If you are entering Belize from Mexico via taxi, you will have to pay a fixed, non-negotiable fee of $180 USD. You are not allowed to share a taxi with a stranger but can share with someone who you are travelling with. You will also not be able to leave the taxi until it gets to your hotel.

When transitioning from Mexico into Belize, you will need to bring the appropriate documentation, including a passport that is valid for at least six months after your intended stay period. Citizens of most countries can enter Belize for 30 days, visa-free. However, you should always check the entry requirements for your specific nationality.

There are two main border fees to be aware of when entering and exiting Belize: the DNI Mexican tourism tax and the Belize exit fee. The DNI tax costs approximately 575 pesos or $35 USD and must be paid when leaving Mexico and entering Belize. If you flew into Mexico, it is usually included in your ticket price, and if you entered by land, you most likely had to pay upfront. Make sure you get a receipt so that you don't get charged again when you leave Mexico.

Additionally, there is a departure tax of 40 BZD/ $20 USD when leaving Belize.

Crossing the Mexico-Belize Border by Taxi

The Mexico-Belize border crossing is located between the towns of Chetumal, Mexico, and Santa Elena, Belize. The border crossing is open 24/7, and it is possible to cross by taxi, bus, or on foot.

If you are crossing the border by taxi, you will need to take a taxi to the border from Chetumal. The taxi will drop you off at the Mexican border, where you will need to get out and go through Mexican immigration and pay the departure tax. You will then need to walk or take a taxi to the Belizean border, which is about 3km away. At the Belizean border, you will need to go through immigration and pay the entry fee. Once you have cleared immigration, you can take a taxi to your final destination in Belize.

The whole process of crossing the border by taxi should take around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the wait times at immigration. The cost of the taxi from Chetumal to the border is typically around $150 USD, but you may be able to find a cheaper option if you are willing to share a ride with other travellers. The departure tax from Mexico is approximately $35 USD, and the entry fee for Belize is $20 USD.

It is important to note that some taxi drivers may try to overcharge you or scam you at the border. It is recommended that you agree on a price with the driver before getting into the taxi and that you have all your documentation ready, including proof of accommodation in Belize and proof of payment of the Mexican departure tax if you have already done so.

In addition to the taxi fare and border fees, you may also need to pay for luggage storage if you have large bags that will not fit in the taxi. This can cost around $5-10 USD per bag.

Overall, crossing the Mexico-Belize border by taxi is a relatively quick and easy process, but it can be expensive. If you are travelling on a budget, you may want to consider taking a bus or walking across the border instead.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crossing the Border by Taxi

• Take a taxi from Chetumal to the Mexican border.
• Get out of the taxi and go through Mexican immigration. Pay the departure tax and get an exit stamp in your passport.
• Walk or take a taxi to the Belizean border.
• Go through Belizean immigration and pay the entry fee. Get an entry stamp in your passport.
• Take a taxi to your final destination in Belize.

Tips for Crossing the Border by Taxi

• Agree on a price with the taxi driver before getting into the taxi.
• Have all your documentation ready, including your passport, proof of accommodation in Belize, and proof of payment of the Mexican departure tax if you have already paid it.
• Be aware of potential scams or overcharging by taxi drivers.
• If you have large luggage, you may need to pay for luggage storage, which can cost around $5-10 USD per bag.
• The whole process should take around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on wait times at immigration.
• The cost of the taxi from Chetumal to the border is typically around $150 USD, but you may be able to find a cheaper option if you share a ride.
• The departure tax from Mexico is approximately $35 USD, and the entry fee for Belize is $20 USD.

Crossing the Belize-Mexico Border by Rental Vehicle

Renting a Vehicle:

• Rent a vehicle from a company that allows cross-border travel, such as America Car Rental, which has multiple locations in Mexico, including tourist hubs like Tulum and Cancun.
• Ensure you have the necessary documentation, including immigration papers/visa (if needed), a valid driver's license, and rental car documentation.
• If entering Belize, be aware that Belizean rental cars cannot be taken across borders. Only personally owned vehicles registered in Belize can be driven into Mexico.

Crossing the Border:

• When approaching the border, drive to the designated immigration booth and have your passports stamped. Make sure you have the tourist visa card and bank receipt for the visa fee.
• Proceed to the Banjercito office to cancel and refund your Mexican Temporary Import Permit (TIP). Provide the necessary documentation, including the TIP sticker from your car, the original receipt, your passport, and your registration document. An official will accompany you to your vehicle to take photos and process the cancellation.
• Before reaching the border crossing, stop at the disinfection hut to have your vehicle fumigated for a fee of around BZ$10.
• Park your vehicle before the border booth and proceed to the immigration office building.

Entering Belize:

• At the Belizean border, park on the right and enter the emigration building to fill out a visa application form. The visa is valid for one month and can be renewed.
• After obtaining your visa, go to the customs desk to complete the vehicle importation process. Provide your registration certificate, passport, and other relevant documents. They will issue a 30-day temporary import permit for your vehicle, which can be extended up to 90 days.
• Find the payment agent to pay the road tax, which is approximately 30 BZD. Payment can be made in cash (USD, Mexican Pesos, or BZD) or by credit card.
• Purchase vehicle insurance from the Insurance Corporation of Belize. This is mandatory and costs around 46 BZD for two weeks. Place the insurance sticker on the driver's side of the vehicle.

Additional Considerations:

• Allow for sufficient time to cross the border, as the process can take around an hour or more, depending on queues and other factors.
• Always carry cash (in various currencies) when crossing borders to cover any unexpected fees or charges.
• Be aware of potential scams or requests for additional payments at the border. Have all your documentation ready and be prepared to show proof of payment for any relevant fees.
• If you plan to return to Mexico after your visit to Belize, do not get your passport stamped when exiting Mexico, as this may cause issues when re-entering.

Crossing the Belize-Mexico Border by Public Bus

The Mexico-Belize border officially opened back up in August 2021, and there are a few ways to cross it by public transport. The most popular bus for the Cancun to Belize City route is ADO, which makes stops in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town and finally, Belize City. The ADO bus is clean and has comfortable seats, video screens, USB/AC outlets, bathroom facilities, and air conditioning. The price for this bus is 960 pesos or approximately $50 USD and tickets can be booked on their website. The Cancun to Belize City route operates twice a day, at 7:30 am and 10:15 pm. The Belize City Bus Station is sometimes referred to as Novelo's and can be found here.

If you are in Chetumal, you can take a taxi to the Nuevo Mercado bus terminal. Numerous buses leave for Belize around midday. The drivers are all Belizean, speak good English and are very helpful. They charge 250 Mexican pesos to Belize City so about $12 USD. You will have to pay an exit fee of 40 BZD or $20 USD at the border.

If you are in Tulum, you can take the ADO bus from Tulum to Chetumal, and then take a taxi to the Nuevo Mercado bus terminal in Chetumal.

If you are in Belize City and want to go to Mexico, you can take the ADO bus from Belize City to Cancun. The Belize City to Cancun route operates twice a day, at 11 am and 7:30 pm. Tickets go on sale 2 hours before the bus leaves Belize City. You can purchase them from the ADO agent/kiosk in the Belize City bus station. The price for this bus is approximately $40 USD. It's charged in two parts. The first payment is made in Belize City, and the second payment is paid when you arrive in Bacalar. Bring enough Mexican pesos and/or BZD so that you can cover the remaining cost of the ticket and don't get stranded!

Frequently asked questions