Belize

Belize Traveler Article:

Belize: Crossing the Border

This article contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic. Please note that the discussion was closed to any additional postings as of Nov 1, 2016 and, as such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated and cannot be commented on by travelers at this time. Please take this into account when making your travel plans.

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Passports: All visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country.

The connecting hub from Mexico to Belize is Chetumal, Quintana Roo. From Chetumal, take the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi from Muelle Fiscal (Municipal Pier). Travelers through Mexico can either take the ADO bus to Chetumal or fly from Mexico City to Chetumal on Interjet. Boats leave daily at 3:30 p.m. and the rate is $30US.

Visas: Nationals from the European Union plus the following countries do not need a visa to enter Belize: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, United States and Venezuela.

Additional documentation: Single parents travelling with minor children (16 and under) require a notarized letter of authroization from the other parent, or if deceased, a death certificate. Belize has had a rash of kidnapping victims brought to the country and this is sometimes a requirement by the airlines prior to being allowed to board any flight into Belize.

Belize border crossing

Crossing the Border at Chetumal by Vehicle

Border name: Santa Elena or simply Chetumal
Between cities: Subteniente Lopez (Chetumal), Mexico and Santa Elena (Corozal), Belize
Cost for visas: $0
Cost for vehicle: $5 USD for fumigation, $23 USD for 2 weeks insurance

A very effiecient and smooth border crossing even by vehicle.

The steps:

Go to the Mexican immigration booth, hand in your tourist cards and have your passport stamped.
Go to the Mexican Banjercito and have your Vehicle Import Permit cancelled and your vehicle deposit ($200-400) refunded.
Drive over the bridge.
Stop at the fumigation area to have your car sprayed.
Park in the marked lot outside the immigration building.
Go to the immigration counter and have your passports stamped or visas issued.
Go to the customs counter, present your vehicle title and get an import permit.
Go back to the car and drive through the gate, an official may inspect the contents of your vehicle, the VIN and the plates to make sure they match the permit.
Go to the Insurance office and buy mandatory insurance for the duration of your stay in Belize.
Put the insurance sticker on your car windshield.

More information on crossing this border by vehicle

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