Belize Border Crossing: A Traveler's Guide To Driving Into Belize

Driving to Belize from Mexico is a popular route for tourists, as the two countries are side by side. The border crossing between the two countries is known as the Santa Elena border, and it spans 250 kilometres (160 miles). The route officially opened in August 2021, and there are a few things to keep in mind when crossing.

Firstly, you'll need to bring the correct documentation, such as a passport that's valid for at least six months after your intended stay period. Secondly, there are some costs to be aware of. Mexico charges visitors a departure tax, known as the Derecho de No Inmigrante (DNI) or The Mexican Tourist Tax, which costs approximately 575 pesos or $35 USD. There is also a mandatory $50 USD Covid test at the border, and you'll need to show proof of accommodation in Belize.

If you're renting a car, you'll need to make sure the company allows you to take the vehicle outside of Mexico. One company that does is America Car Rental, and they have locations in tourist hotspots like Tulum and Cancun. You'll also need to make sure you have the correct documentation, such as immigration papers, a driver's license, and car rental documentation.

Crossing the Mexico-Belize Border by Bus

The Mexico-Belize border crossing by bus is a straightforward process, but it can be time-consuming, so it is important to plan your journey in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the border crossing by bus:

• Travel to Chetumal, Mexico: The first step is to get to Chetumal, the city closest to the Mexico-Belize border. You can take an ADO bus from various cities in Mexico, such as Cancun, Tulum, or Bacalar. ADO buses are comfortable and offer amenities like air conditioning, USB/AC outlets, and bathroom facilities. The journey from Cancun to Chetumal takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and border control.
• Cross the Border by Taxi: Once you arrive in Chetumal, you will need to take a taxi to the border. Make sure to agree on a price with the driver before getting in, as some taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists. The taxi will take you to the Mexican border control, where you will go through the exit procedures, including paying the departure tax. After getting your exit stamp, the taxi will take you to the Belize border control. Here, you will need to fill out an entry form, get your passport stamped, and pay the entry fee.
• Travel to Corozal, Belize: After completing the border crossing, you can take a taxi to Corozal, the nearest town in Belize. This taxi ride should cost around $35 USD and will take approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a "chicken bus" from the border to Corozal for a more budget-friendly option.
• Continue to Your Final Destination in Belize: From Corozal, you can continue your journey to other parts of Belize. If you are heading to San Pedro or Caye Caulker, you can take a ferry or water taxi from Corozal. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs around $40 USD. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Corozal to Belize City, which is the main transportation hub in the country.

It is important to note that there are two official border crossings between Mexico and Belize: the New Border and the Old Border. The New Border is used for official crossings, while the Old Border can currently only be used to exit Belize. The New Border is about 4km long, and you are not allowed to cross it on foot. The Old Border is only 1km long, and it is possible to walk across, but you will need to take a taxi or bus to continue your journey.

When crossing the Mexico-Belize border, it is essential to have the proper documentation, including your passport, visa (if required), and proof of accommodation. Additionally, there are several fees and taxes to be aware of, such as the Mexico Tourism Tax (DNI) and the Belize exit fee. These fees can be paid in cash or by credit card, but it is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand.

Overall, crossing the Mexico-Belize border by bus is a safe and affordable option for travellers. By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate the border crossing with ease and continue your journey to explore the beautiful country of Belize.

Crossing the Belize-Mexico Border by Boat

The Belize-Mexico border can be crossed by boat, with several water taxis running from Caye Caulker and San Pedro in Belize to Chetumal in Mexico.

Water Jets International

Water Jets International is the only boat company that offers a route from Caye Caulker and San Pedro to Chetumal. This route does not operate daily, with boats departing Caye Caulker at 12:45 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and departing San Pedro at 2:30 pm on the same days. The journey from Caye Caulker takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, including a 1-hour wait at San Pedro, and costs $148 BZD or $74 USD. The journey from San Pedro takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs $138 BZD or $69 USD. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at EZ-BOYZ on Caye Caulker or San Pedro International Ferry Terminal on Ambergis Caye.

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi used to operate a daily service from Caye Caulker to Chetumal, departing at 7 am, but this route is no longer in service.

Thunderbolt Water Taxi

Thunderbolt Water Taxi offers a daily route from San Pedro to Corozal in Belize. From Corozal, you will need to complete the land border crossing to Mexico. This boat departs San Pedro at 3 pm daily and costs $104 BZD or $52 USD.

The Belize-Mexico Border's History

The Belize-Mexico border is 250km long and separates Belize from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The modern boundary was agreed to in 1893 and finalised in 1897.

The border between the two countries was difficult to explore due to its remote location, specifically for the Mexican territory. The region's sparse population meant that the British colony of British Honduras, now Belize, was able to occupy the region. However, Mexico did not recognise British possession of the territory until the late nineteenth century.

The Mexican government wanted to end arms smuggling from Belizean Maya supplied by rebels during the Caste War. As a result, the government of Porfirio Diaz created a Federal Territory which had previously belonged to the State of Yucatan. They later formed the Territory of Quintana Roo and decided to negotiate with the British government to fix the common border.

A treaty was signed on July 8, 1893, in Mexico City, and an additional convention was added on April 7, 1897. The treaty consisted of four articles: the first set the upper border, the second required the United Kingdom to stop arming Mayan rebels, the third required both states to prevent Native Americans from gradually encroaching into the territory of the neighbouring country, and the fourth required ratification of the treaty by the respective governments.

The border gained notoriety in recent years due to reports of drug trafficking, with drug traffickers attracted by the border's relative isolation. This problem has also become more prevalent due to a significant increase in economic activity and tourism, especially on the Belize side of the border. Bilateral agreements have been made between the two countries to combat the issue.

Border Fees and Taxes

There is no fee to enter Belize, but there is a mandatory departure tax. This exit fee is BZ$40 (US$20) and includes BZ$30 for a border exit fee, BZ$7.50 for a Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) fee, and BZ$2.50 for a border development fee. This fee must be paid in cash and in USD by non-Belizeans. However, citizens of Belize are exempt from paying this fee.

If you are a foreigner who has stayed in Belize for less than 24 hours, you are exempt from paying the BZ$7.50 conservation fee.

When entering Mexico, there is a Mexican tourist tax known as the Derecho de No Inmigrante (DNI) or Mexican Tourist Tax. This fee is approximately 558-575 pesos or US$35. If you have flown into Mexico, this tax is usually included in your ticket price. If you are entering Mexico by land, you will most likely have to pay this tax upfront.

Upon exiting Mexico, there is a departure tax. This is also known as the DNI and costs 575 pesos or US$30-35. If you have already paid this tax when entering the country, make sure to get a receipt so that you do not get charged again when leaving.

Crossing the Border

When crossing the border, it is recommended to always carry cash. Additionally, be aware of potential scams. For example, Mexican immigration officials may ask for money when you are leaving the country. This is extortion and a scam, and you do not have to pay.

If you are renting a car to cross the border, be aware that most rental companies in Mexico do not allow their vehicles to be taken outside of the country. One company that does is America Car Rental. When renting a car and crossing the border, you will need the following:

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

Upon crossing, you may be subject to additional fees such as car fumigation (BZ$30/US$15) and Belize liability insurance. Car insurance is mandatory in Belize and will cost an extra BZ$30/US$15 per week.

Border Crossing Requirements

When driving to Belize, you will be crossing the Mexico-Belize border. This border is 250km (160 miles) long and separates Belize from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The closest towns on either side are Santa Elena (Belize) and Subteniente Lopez (Mexico).

Crossing from Mexico to Belize

When transitioning from Mexico into Belize, you will be passing through two border cities: Chetumal, Quintana Roo (Mexico), and Santa Elena, Corozal District (Belize). As with any border crossing, you will need to bring the appropriate documents to enter Belize from Mexico.

For the most part, pre-COVID, all you needed was your passport, which must be valid for no less than six 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.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were additional regulations in place, including a mandatory $50 USD COVID test at the border, and the requirement to show proof of accommodation while visiting Belize. It is not clear whether these requirements are still in place, so it is best to check before travelling.

If you wish to extend your time in Belize, you can stay for up to six 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 is worth mentioning that you should always carry cash with you when going through this border crossing (or any border crossing). Mexico charges visitors a departure tax when they leave the country. 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 the departure tax upfront. 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 haven't paid this tax upfront, you'll have to pay it when you leave Mexico and enter Belize. If you have paid it upfront, make sure you get a receipt so you don't get charged twice.

Crossing from Belize to Mexico

Crossing from Belize into Mexico requires some solid planning. Transport logistics aside, make sure you are aware of any COVID-19-related requirements before travelling.

Aside from a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry, you will need to complete an immigration form (also known as a tourist card) called Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). The form is filled out online and must be approved before you can use it. Once approved, print it out and carry the card with you. It should be completed within 30 days of your travel date.

Most foreign nationals can stay a maximum of 180 days in Mexico on the FMM, but double-check as some citizens from certain countries will require a visa. The FMM card costs 575 pesos ($35 USD) but is free if you're crossing by land and staying in Mexico for less than a week.

Upon entering Mexico, you'll have to pay the DNI Mexican tourist tax to cover your departure. Make sure you get a receipt so that when you leave Mexico, you have proof that you've already paid it.

Leaving Belize also requires you to pay a departure tax of 40 BZD or $20 USD.

Frequently asked questions