Belize Border Closure: What's Happening?

Belize's borders are currently open to both foreign tourists and locals, with the Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) and the Northern Border (Santa Elena) accessible. However, there are specific requirements for entry. As of March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need a negative test but must provide proof of vaccination to enter through the country's airport, land borders, or sea ports. Unvaccinated children ages 5 and older must undergo SARCoV2 testing for entry. Additionally, foreign tourists entering Belize through any land border or airport are required to purchase travel insurance prior to or upon arrival.

Belize's border with Guatemala is disputed by Guatemala

Belize and Guatemala share a border that is approximately 266km (165 miles) long, close to the 89th meridian west. The border separates the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala. The border is defined in Article I of the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty of 1859, which was signed by Britain and Guatemala. The treaty states that the border begins at the mouth of the River Sarstoon in the Bay of Honduras and proceeds up the mid-channel to Gracias a Dios Falls. From there, the border turns right and continues in a direct line from Gracias a Dios Falls to Garbutt's Falls on the River Belize, and then runs due north until it meets the Mexican frontier.

However, Guatemala has disputed this border with Belize since the 19th century, claiming that the 1859 treaty is void. Guatemala argues that Britain failed to comply with economic assistance provisions outlined in Article VII of the treaty. Additionally, Guatemala's claim stems from a pre-independence 1786 Convention, which places a vague historic boundary in the Sibun River, located north of the current border. Guatemala's territorial claims over Belizean territory have varied over time, and currently, it appears that Guatemala considers all of Belize as disputed territory.

The dispute between Belize and Guatemala has led to tense encounters between the two countries. In one instance, Guatemalan military personnel confronted Belizean Territorial Volunteers near Sarstoon Island, with the Guatemalans asserting that they were in Guatemalan waters, while the Belizeans claimed they were in Belizean waters. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and the potential for escalation in the region.

Despite the dispute, there have been efforts to resolve the issue and improve relations between the two countries. In 1991, Guatemala officially recognised Belize's independence and established diplomatic relations. Additionally, in 2018, Guatemala agreed to submit its claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based on international law. Belize also held a referendum in 2019, asking its citizens to vote on whether to take the dispute to the ICJ for a final resolution.

The Belize-Mexico border is 250km long and follows the course of the Hondo River

The modern border was agreed upon in 1893 and finalised in 1897. However, the process of establishing this border was challenging due to the remote location and sparse population of the region. The British colony of British Honduras, now Belize, occupied the area, but Mexico did not recognise British possession until the late nineteenth century. Mexico's primary concern was arms smuggling from the Belizean Maya to rebels during the Caste War.

To address this issue, the Mexican government, under Porfirio Diaz, created a Federal Territory from what was previously part of the State of Yucatan. This territory later became the Territory of Quintana Roo. Mexico then entered negotiations with the British government to establish a mutually agreed-upon border. The treaty, signed on 8 July 1893, included four key articles. The first defined the upper border, the second required the UK to cease arming Mayan rebels, the third addressed the prevention of Native American encroachment into neighbouring territories, and the fourth mandated ratification by both governments.

An additional convention, signed on 7 April 1897, updated Article 3 to grant Mexican merchant ships freedom to sail through the Boca Bacalar Chico and British territorial waters in the Bay of Chetumal, excluding military vessels. This treaty established the border, starting at Boca Bacalar Chico and running through Chetumal Bay to the mouth of the Hondo River. From there, the border follows the Hondo River's deepest channel and its tributary, Blue Creek, until it reaches Garbutt's Falls. At this point, the border deviates from the river, running directly south to the border established between Mexico and Guatemala.

The Belize-Mexico border currently has two official crossings with international bridges. The primary crossing is between Subteniente Lopez in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Santa Elena in the Corozal District of Belize. This crossing is located about 16km from Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo. A second bridge, located a few blocks west of the old bridge, was opened to the public in May 2013.

The Belize Border Crossing Card allows easier movement between Belize and Mexico

The Belize Border Crossing Card is a useful document for Belizeans and Mexicans who want to cross the Belize borders with greater ease. The card costs BZ$40.00 per year for a maximum period of three years and is non-refundable. The application form must be completed in English, using blue or black ink, and submitted in person at several locations, including Belize's Belmopan Headquarters, Northern Border Station, and Southern Border Station.

The application requires a 2x2-inch photograph signed by a justice of the peace, similar to passport photos. Original supporting documents, such as birth certificates, photo identification, and nationality certificates, must also be provided. If the applicant is under sixteen, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them and sign the form.

The Belize-Mexico border is approximately 250 km (160 mi) long and mostly follows the Hondo River. It separates Belize from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. There are two official border crossings with international bridges. The primary crossing is between Subteniente Lopez in Mexico and Santa Elena in Belize's Corozal District.

The Belize Border Crossing Card simplifies the movement between Belize and Mexico for citizens of both countries. However, it's important to note that specific entry requirements may still apply when crossing the border, such as proof of vaccination or negative test results. Additionally, foreign tourists entering Belize through any land border are typically required to purchase travel insurance prior to or upon arrival.

The Western and Northern Borders are open to tourists from 6am to 10pm

Belize has land borders with Mexico and Guatemala. The Belize–Mexico border is 250 km (160 mi) long and predominantly follows the course of the Hondo River. The Belize–Guatemala border is 266 km (165 mi) long and is defined in Article I of the Wyke–Aycinena Treaty of 1859.

The Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) and the Northern Border (Santa Elena) are open to tourists from 6 am to 10 pm. Travellers must show proof of vaccination to enter Belize through these borders, and those who are not fully vaccinated will be subjected to SARCoV2 testing. Foreign tourists must also purchase travel insurance prior to or upon arrival in Belize.

The Western Border is located in the Cayo District of Belize and meets the Guatemalan Department of Peten, where Guatemala Highway CA-13 connects to the George Price (Western) Highway, leading to Belize City and Belmopan. The Northern Border can only be entered through the Chetumal Bridge.

The Belize Border Crossing Card facilitates the movement of Belizeans and Mexicans crossing the Belize borders. The card is issued only to citizens of these countries, and the application form must be completed in English, using blue or black ink. A photograph signed by a justice of the peace, along with supporting documents such as a birth certificate and photo identification, are required. The fee for a digital border crossing card is BZ$40.00 per year, with a maximum validity of three years.

The Belize-Guatemala border is approximately 165 miles long

The border between Belize and Guatemala separates the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala. There is one main highway crossing at Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. The village of Arenal, located about four kilometres south of this crossing, is unique in that it has homes and a football field directly on the border.

The territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala is one of the oldest in the Americas. It dates back to the late 1600s and throughout the 1700s when Britain and Spain signed several treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that modern-day Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, but British settlers could use the land for specific purposes. When the Spanish Empire fell, Guatemala claimed it inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory. This dispute has led to tensions and the mobilisation of troops on both sides of the border.

In recent years, there have been efforts to resolve the dispute through referendums and international arbitration. Belize and Guatemala agreed to hold simultaneous referendums in 2018 and 2019, asking their citizens whether they supported referring the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The referendums passed in both countries, and as of 2022, both nations have submitted their initial briefs to the ICJ. The court is not expected to rule until 2025 at the earliest.

Frequently asked questions