Mexican States Bordering Belize

The Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Campeche border Belize. The Belize-Mexico border is 160 miles long and mostly follows the course of the Hondo River. The modern boundary was agreed in 1893 and finalised in 1897. The border is one of the least-used by Mexicans but has gained notoriety due to reports of drug trafficking.

The Belize-Mexico border is 250km long and separates Belize from the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Campeche

The Belize-Mexico border is the only land border crossing between the two countries, but it is also possible to travel between the two nations by boat. The Subteniente Lopez international bridge marks the official land border crossing. The closest towns on either side of the border are Santa Elena in Belize and Subteniente Lopez in Mexico. However, the transportation hubs on either side are Corozol in Belize and Chetumal in Mexico.

There are two official crossings: the New Border and the Old Border. The New Border is used for official crossings, and the Old Border can be used to exit Belize. The Old Border is 1km in distance and the bridge can be crossed by foot. The New Border is 4km in distance and cannot be crossed by foot.

There are three ways of exiting Belize to Chetumal by land: by bus, by foot, or by taxi. There are also border fees to be aware of when entering and exiting Belize. There is a fee of 40 BZD/20 USD to exit Belize, and a Mexican tourism tax of 30 USD/600 MXN Pesos to enter Mexico.

The border crossing between the two countries officially opened in August 2021

The border crossing between Mexico and Belize officially opened in August 2021, after being closed for a period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Santa Elena border, as it is known, separates Belize from the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Campeche and is 250 kilometres (160 miles) long.

The opening of the border in 2021 brought with it a number of COVID-related changes to the crossing process. Travellers were required to take a mandatory $50 USD COVID test at the border, show proof of accommodation in Belize, and carry cash to pay various fees and taxes.

One such tax was the Derecho de No Inmigrante (DNI), also known as the Mexican tourist tax. This tax costs approximately 575 pesos or $35 USD and is usually paid when entering Mexico. If you haven't paid it upfront, you'll have to pay it when you leave the country and enter Belize. It's important to get a receipt so you don't get charged twice.

In addition to the DNI, there is also a Belize exit tax of 40 BZD or $20 USD that must be paid when leaving the country.

When it comes to transportation, there are a few options for crossing the border. Budget travellers can opt for a public bus, which costs around $50 USD, or drive across in a rental car. There is also the option of taking a taxi, but this can be quite expensive, with a fixed fee of $180 USD.

It's worth noting that crossing the border from Belize to Mexico tends to be a bit more complicated and may require some solid planning. For example, if you plan to rent a car in Mexico and bring it into Belize, you'll need to obtain a Temporary Import Permit at the border.

Overall, the opening of the Mexico-Belize border in August 2021 brought new opportunities for travellers wishing to explore these two popular tourist destinations. However, it's always a good idea to stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-related changes and border requirements before planning your trip.

The border crossing is known as the Santa Elena border

The border crossing between Mexico and Belize is known as the Santa Elena border. The border crossing officially reopened in August 2021 after being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Santa Elena border is 250 kilometres (160 miles) long and separates Belize from the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Campeche on the eastern coast of Central America. The modern boundary was agreed upon in 1893 and finalised in 1897.

The border crossing is known for its remote location, which made it difficult to explore. The sparse population in the region allowed the British colony of British Honduras, now Belize, to occupy the region. However, Mexico did not recognise British possession of the territory until the late nineteenth century. The border gained notoriety due to recent reports of drug trafficking, attracted by the border's relative isolation and a significant increase in economic activity and tourism, especially on the Belize side of the border.

There are two official crossings at the Santa Elena border, connected by international bridges. The main crossing is located between Subteniente Lopez in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Santa Elena in the Corozal District of Belize. A new bridge was opened to the public in May 2013, located about five blocks west of the old bridge.

When crossing the border from Mexico into Belize, individuals will pass through two border cities: Chetumal in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Santa Elena in the Corozal District of Belize. Appropriate documentation, such as a passport valid for at least six months after the intended stay period, is required to enter Belize. Citizens of most countries can enter Belize visa-free for up to 30 days. However, it is recommended to check the specific requirements for your country before travelling. Additionally, there may be COVID-19-related regulations in place, such as mandatory testing and proof of accommodation.

Various transportation options are available for crossing the Santa Elena border, including rental vehicles, public buses, taxis, and shuttles. It is important to be aware of the regulations and requirements for each mode of transportation. For example, renting a car in Mexico and bringing it into Belize requires additional documentation and insurance. Public buses, such as ADO and local chicken buses, offer a more affordable option but may involve longer travel times and multiple transfers. Taxis and shuttles provide a faster and more comfortable journey but can be more expensive.

The Santa Elena border crossing is a popular route for tourists travelling between Mexico and Belize. Knowing the specific requirements and regulations can help ensure a smooth and safe journey between these two countries.

The border starts at Boca Bacalar Chico, a narrow channel that separates the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and Ambergris Caye

The border between Belize and Mexico starts at Boca Bacalar Chico, a narrow channel that separates the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula's Caribbean coast from Ambergris Caye. The modern boundary was agreed upon in 1893 and finalised in 1897, with the two countries signing a treaty to this effect in Mexico City. The border then runs through Chetumal Bay in a broken line up to the mouth of the Hondo River.

Boca Bacalar Chico is a maritime channel that connects the Caribbean Sea to Chetumal Bay. It is located at 18.75° N latitude and 87.833333° W longitude. The channel is part of the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico.

The border between Mexico and Belize was difficult to explore due to its remote location, especially for the Mexican territory. The region's sparse population allowed the British colony of British Honduras, now Belize, to occupy the area. 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, previously part of the State of Yucatan, and later formed the Territory of Quintana Roo. Mexico then decided to negotiate with the British government to fix the common border.

An additional convention, signed in 1897, updated Article 3 of the original treaty to include a provision establishing freedom for Mexican merchant ships to sail without restriction through Boca Bacalar Chico and all British territorial waters in the Bay of Chetumal. Military vessels were excluded from this agreement.

In 2007, an agreement was announced between Mexico and Belize regarding the delimitation of the maritime boundary in the Bay of Chetumal. This agreement sparked some controversy as there were concerns that it implied a territorial return to Belize, including inland areas. However, it was later clarified that it only corrected the maritime boundary and did not alter the original 1893 border treaty.

The Mexican government wanted to end arms smuggling from Belizean Maya during the Caste War

The Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Campeche share a border with Belize. The border is 250km (160mi) long and predominantly follows the course of the Hondo River. The modern boundary was agreed upon in 1893 and finalised in 1897, but Mexico did not recognise British possession of the territory until the late nineteenth century.

The Caste War of Yucatán (1847-1901) was a conflict between the native Maya people of the Yucatán Peninsula and the Hispanic Yucatecos. The war was sparked by the encroachment of Europeans onto native land, privatisation of that land, broken contracts, and poor working conditions for the Maya. The Maya were able to resist the Spanish for 19 years, compared to the Aztecs who fell within two years. However, the Maya were eventually forced to work as labourers on large estates, which precipitated the war.

During the war, the United Kingdom recognised the Maya state due to the value of its trade with British Honduras (modern-day Belize) and supplied arms to the rebels. The Mexican government wanted to end this arms smuggling from the Belizean Maya, which was prolonging the war. As a result, the Mexican government negotiated with the British to fix the common border. They agreed to recognise British governance of the territory in return for Britain's promise to refrain from arming the Maya. A treaty was signed on 8 July 1893, which included four articles:

• The first set the upper border.
• The second required the United Kingdom to stop arming Mayan rebels.
• The third laid out the obligation of both states to prevent Native Americans from encroaching into the territory of the neighbouring country.
• The fourth required ratification of the treaty by the respective governments.

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