Belize Border Control: What's The Deal?

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the northwest and Guatemala to the south and west. The country also has coastlines along the Caribbean Sea to the east.

To enter Belize, visitors must have a valid passport and proof of vaccination. Children who are not fully vaccinated and unable to show proof of vaccination will be tested for SARCoV2. Tourists must also purchase travel insurance before arrival.

The Belize Border Crossing Card is a card that facilitates the movement of Belizeans and Mexicans crossing the Belize borders. The card is only issued to Belizeans and Mexicans.

Border crossing requirements for tourists

As of March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need a negative test but must show proof of vaccination to enter Belize via airports, land borders, or sea ports. Unvaccinated children aged 5 and above will need to undergo SARCoV2 testing for entry. All foreign tourists must purchase travel insurance before arrival in Belize.

When crossing borders by road, only use official border crossings and avoid travelling at night. The Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) and the Northern Border (Santa Elena) are open to foreign tourists from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. All Sea Ports are open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Persons entering Belize through the Northern Border must use the Chetumal Bridge. At the border, you will need to present your travel documents and may be asked to show proof of payment of the Mexico tourism tax. You will also need to pay an exit fee when leaving Mexico.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime, remain aware of your surroundings, avoid travelling after dark, and keep your valuables secure at all times. Criminal activity and violence are often higher around border areas, including near tourist sites such as the Mayan ruins at Caracol.

Border cards and visas

The Belize Border Crossing Card facilitates the movement of Belizeans and Mexicans crossing the Belize borders. The card is issued only to Belizeans and Mexicans. The application form must be completed in English, using blue or black ink, and submitted with one 2-inch by 2-inch photograph signed by a justice of the peace, as well as original and copy versions of supporting documents. The supporting documents required are:

• Birth certificate and photo identification (social security or voter's ID card)
• Belize nationality certificate and photo identification (social security or voter's ID card)

For applicants under 16 years of age, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian, who must accompany the applicant. The submission for the Belize border crossing card can be done at Belmopan Headquarters, the Belize Northern Border Station, Orange Walk Town Office, San Pedro Town Office, Dangrida Town Office, or the Belize Southern Border Station. The fee for a digital border crossing card is BZ$40.00 per year, for a maximum of three years, and is non-refundable.

In terms of visas, tourists do not require a visa to visit Belize for stays of 30 days or less. Visitors planning to stay longer than 30 days must have their passport re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay an additional fee for every additional month they wish to stay, up to six months. For visits longer than six months, further documentation may be required, and additional fees may apply.

Vaccination requirements

Belize's border control vaccination requirements are extensive and aim to protect travellers from a range of diseases. As of March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need a negative test but must show proof of vaccination to enter Belize through the airport, land borders, or sea ports. Unvaccinated children aged 5 and above will be subjected to SARCoV2 testing for entry.

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Belize: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Some of these vaccinations are required, while others are strongly recommended for protection against diseases present in Belize. For example, the yellow fever vaccine is required if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, and the polio vaccine is required if arriving from a region with active polio transmission. The rabies vaccine is not required but is recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come into contact with animals, as rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife in Belize.

The chikungunya vaccine is recommended for travellers to Belize as the country is a higher-risk region for this virus. Similarly, the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are recommended for most travellers, as food and water safety standards vary, and there is a risk of ingesting contaminated food or water.

The CDC also recommends that all international travellers be fully vaccinated against measles, as cases are on the rise worldwide, and measles is easily spread. COVID-19 vaccination is also recommended for travel to all regions, and eligible travellers should ensure they are up to date with their doses.

Border crossing at Chetumal

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the northwest and Guatemala to the south and west. The country's Western Border (Benque Viejo Del Carmen) and Northern Border (Santa Elena) are open to foreign tourists and locals.

The Mexico-Belize border crossing at Chetumal is a popular route for travellers. However, there is a lack of information available online and in guidebooks. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to crossing the border at Chetumal.

Transportation options

There are various transportation options for crossing the border at Chetumal, including shuttle services, taxis, buses, and ferries. It is recommended to book shuttles and taxis in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

Shuttle services and taxis

Several shuttle services and taxi drivers are available to help travellers cross the border at Chetumal. It is recommended to contact drivers in advance and ask for their advice on the crossing process. Some reliable drivers include:

• Venancio: +501-603-6711
• Alberto the BZ Transporter: +501-630-2700
• George from Get Transfer: +501-604-5789
• Jesus Catizm: +501-620-6653

Buses

The "chicken bus" is a budget-friendly option for crossing the border. In Chetumal, travellers can take the chicken bus from the 'New Market' bus station to Corozal, Belize. The bus costs around $5 USD per person from Chetumal to Corozal. It is important to note that travellers are not allowed to walk through the "no man's land" between the two borders.

Ferries

There are ferry options available from Corozal and Chetumal to the Belizean islands. The San Pedro Water Jet ferry runs from Chetumal to San Pedro and Caye Caulker. It is recommended to book online or in person.

Travel documents

When exiting Mexico, travellers are usually asked to show proof of payment for the tourism tax. This is often a soft scam, as the tax is typically included in airfare for those who flew into the country. It is recommended to download and screenshot the itemised receipt from the airline to avoid being charged twice.

At the Belize Customs Control area, travellers will need to fill out customs and health declaration forms. They will also need to provide proof of their hotel reservation and vaccination status. A COVID-19 antigen test is mandatory for all travellers and costs $50 USD.

Border process

The border crossing process typically involves the following steps:

• Get to Chetumal and take a taxi to the new border.
• Exit Mexico: Show your passport and travel documents at Mexican border control and pay any necessary fees.
• Enter Belize: Fill out the necessary forms, get your passport stamped, and take the COVID-19 test.
• Finish the Belize border process: Collect your luggage and proceed to your destination in Belize.

Belize's neighbouring countries

Belize is bordered by two neighbouring countries: Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west. The Caribbean Sea also borders Belize to the east, and the country shares maritime borders with Honduras.

Mexico

The Belize-Mexico border runs for about 155 miles, mostly along the course of the Hondo River. The border acts as a divide between Belize and the Mexican states of Campeche and Quintana Roo. The current boundary was agreed upon in 1893 and finalised in 1897. The British occupied most of the border region when Belize was known as British Honduras, due to the remoteness of the location, especially on the Mexican side.

Guatemala

The Belize-Guatemala border runs for about 165 miles and is almost a straight line. This international border is described in the 1859 Wyke-Aycinena Treaty. In Article I, the border is described as beginning in the Bay of Honduras at the mouth of the River Sarstoon and then going through the mid-channel to Gracias a Dios Falls. After the falls, the border heads north to the Mexican frontier.

Belize and Guatemala have a long-running border dispute that is not yet resolved. Since 1821, Guatemala has claimed the territory of Belize, dating back to when Spain claimed all the territories of the New World west of the line drawn by the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas. The UK never accepted these claims, and the conflict remains. The dispute has resulted in violence over the years, including the murder of a Guatemalan by a Belizean patrol in 2000. In 2005, an agreement was signed by both countries, committing them to maintain peace. In 2015, Belize allowed Guatemala to take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and in 2018, Guatemalan voters approved of this decision.

Frequently asked questions