Belize's Bordering Cities: Exploring The Neighbors Of This Tropical Paradise

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The country also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast. The Belize-Mexico border is about 250km long and mostly follows the course of the Hondo River. The Belize-Guatemala border is an almost straight line about 266km long.

The Belize-Mexico border runs for 250km, mostly along the Hondo River

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west. The Belize-Mexico border runs for about 155 miles (250km), mostly along the course of the Hondo River. The Hondo River is a river in Central America, approximately 150km long, which flows in a northeasterly direction into the Caribbean Sea. The river is formed from the confluence of several upper tributaries, such as Blue Creek and Chan Chich (Rio Bravo), which originate in Guatemala's Petén Basin region, and Booth's River, which originates in the Belizean district of Orange Walk.

The Hondo River forms the international border between Mexico and Belize, separating Belize from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The border begins at Boca Bacalar Chico, a narrow channel that separates the southern tip of the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and Ambergris Caye. It then runs through Chetumal Bay to the mouth of the Hondo River, which it follows through its deepest channel. The border then continues along the river's tributary, Blue Creek, until it reaches the meridian of Garbutt's Falls. From this point, the border runs directly south to the border established between Mexico and Guatemala.

The modern Belize-Mexico border was agreed upon in 1893 and finalized in 1897. The border was difficult to explore due to its remote location, especially on the Mexican side, which allowed the British colony of British Honduras (now Belize) to occupy most of the border region. However, Mexico did not recognize British possession of the territory until the late 19th century. The border has two official crossings with international bridges, connecting Subteniente Lopez, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Santa Elena, Corozal District, Belize, and La Union, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Blue Creek Village, Orange Walk, Belize.

The Belize-Guatemala border is an almost straight line, running for 165 miles

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a country situated on the east coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west. The Belize-Guatemala border is an almost straight line, running for 165 miles. This international border is described in Article I of the 1859 Wyke-Aycinena Treaty, which states:

> Beginning at the mouth of the River Sarstoon in the Bay of Honduras, and proceeding up the mid-channel thereof to Gracias a Dios Falls; then turning to the right and continuing by a line drawn direct from Gracias a Dios Falls to Garbutt's Falls on the River Belize, and from Garbutt's Falls due north until it strikes the Mexican frontier.

The border separates the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala and runs close to the 89th meridian west. The border has been disputed by Guatemala, which claims that the treaty is void as Britain failed to comply with economic assistance provisions found in Article VII. Despite this, the border has been recognised and implemented by Guatemala for 80 years, and Guatemala did not occupy any part of Belize.

The dispute over the border has a long history. During the late 1600s and 1700s, Britain and Spain signed treaties regarding territories in the Americas, agreeing that modern-day Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, although British settlers could use the land. When the Spanish Empire fell, Guatemala claimed that it inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory. Since then, Guatemala has claimed sovereignty over Belize, in whole or in part.

In 1859, the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty was negotiated between Guatemala and Britain, with Guatemala recognising British sovereignty over the region and forming the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. However, tensions flared up again in the 20th century, with Guatemala renewing its claims over the territory. In the early 1990s, Guatemala officially recognised Belize's independence and diplomatic relations were established. However, in 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance back to inheriting claims from the Spanish Empire. Guatemala and Belize stationed troops at the border, and in 2008, both countries agreed to hold simultaneous referendums to send the issue to the International Court of Justice.

The Belize-Guatemala border has been a source of tension and dispute for centuries, with Guatemala claiming sovereignty over Belize. Despite the 1859 treaty establishing the border, Guatemala has disputed its validity and claimed sovereignty over Belizean territory. The issue has been taken to the International Court of Justice, with a ruling not expected until 2025 at the earliest.

The Santa Elena border crossing connects Chetumal, Mexico, and Santa Elena, Belize

The border crossing is accessible by bus, taxi, or shuttle. The bus is the most budget-friendly option, costing around $8 USD from Chetumal, Mexico, to Belize City, Belize. However, it can be confusing to locate the correct bus, and the journey is long and bumpy. Taxis and shuttles are more comfortable and faster but more expensive. A private taxi from Chetumal to Belize City costs around $150 USD. Shuttles are ideal for larger groups and can be shared, reducing the cost per person.

When crossing the border, travellers must go through exit and entry procedures for both countries. It is important to have the necessary travel documents, such as passports and proof of onward travel, readily available. Additionally, there may be fees and taxes to pay, such as an exit tax when leaving Mexico and a COVID-19 test upon entering Belize. It is recommended to have local currency (Mexican pesos and Belize dollars) to pay for any fees or taxes.

The border crossing has gained notoriety due to reports of drug trafficking, as the relative isolation of the area and the increase in economic activity and tourism on the Belize side have made it attractive to drug traffickers. Bilateral agreements between Mexico and Belize have been put in place to combat this issue.

The Belize-Guatemala border dispute: Guatemala claims the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty is void

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west. The country also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast. Belize City is the largest city in Belize, while the capital is Belmopan.

The Belize-Guatemala Border Dispute

Guatemala has a long-running border dispute with Belize, which is not yet resolved. Guatemala has laid claim to Belizean territory since 1821, arguing that it inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory when the Spanish Empire collapsed. This claim was also made by other newly independent Central American states, including Mexico, in the early 1800s.

In 1859, Britain and Guatemala negotiated the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty, which recognised British sovereignty over the region and established the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. Article VII of the treaty included a clause about building a mutually beneficial road from Guatemala to the Atlantic Coast, near Belize City. However, this road was never built.

Less than 10 years after the treaty was signed, Guatemala renewed its claims on the area, arguing that the broken promise of the road rendered the treaty void. Britain stationed troops in Belize, then known as British Honduras, to protect the region from Guatemalan invasion. Negotiations between the two countries took place over the following decades, but the dispute continued.

In 1931, an exchange of notes between the UK and Guatemala reaffirmed the borders from the 1859 treaty, and concrete monument markers for the border were constructed. However, tensions rose again in 1934, when Guatemala inquired about complying with Article VII and requested financial compensation for the road. Britain offered a compromise, but Guatemala did not accept.

In 1946, Guatemala officially tried to declare the treaty null and void, but Britain suggested taking the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which Guatemala rejected. In 1948, Guatemala threatened to invade and annex the territory, leading Britain to deploy troops to the border. Negotiations between the two countries resumed in 1961 but were unsuccessful.

In 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance back to inheriting claims from the Spanish Empire and the Federal Republic of Central America. Guatemala and Belize stationed troops at the border, and in 2000, a Belizean patrol shot and killed a Guatemalan in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. In 2008, the two countries agreed to hold simultaneous referendums to send the issue to the ICJ, which passed in both countries by May 2019. As of 2022, both countries are settling the dispute at the ICJ.

The Belize-Mexico border has two official crossings with international bridges

The two official crossings are located between Subteniente Lopez, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Santa Elena, Corozal District, Belize; and La Union, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Blue Creek Village, Orange Walk, Belize. The former is the main crossing, located approximately 16km (10 miles) from Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo and the region's main city. A new bridge was opened to the public in 2013, located about 5 blocks west of the old bridge.

The border between Mexico and Belize is one of the less frequently used borders by Mexicans. However, it has gained notoriety due to recent reports of drug trafficking, with drug traffickers attracted by the border's relative isolation. This issue has become more prevalent due to a significant increase in economic activity and tourism, particularly on the Belize side of the border.

The border can be crossed by water taxi or public bus. However, it is important to note that there are high border fees and taxes, and it is not permitted to walk across the border—a taxi must be taken. There are mandatory COVID-19 tests at the border, costing $50 USD, and proof of accommodation in Belize is required.

Frequently asked questions