The Embassy of Belize in Mexico issued a travel advisory for Belizeans visiting Mexico for Easter.
Immigration
· Border cards are valid for travel within the State of Quintana Roo, Campeche, Tabasco and Chiapas only and only for 3 days – including the day of arrival.
· All visitors should ensure that they are in possession of a valid passport when crossing the border.
· Keep a copy of your passport, drivers licence, social security card, and voters I.D. in an accessible digital media such e-mail.
Vehicles
· Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, that you have a valid driver`s licence, and that all vehicle documents are in order.
· Vehicles with Belizean licence plates may only circulate within the state of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun and Playa del Carmen) without a temporary import licence. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 metric tons cannot travel further into Mexico apart from Chetumal and no permit is granted.
· If the vehicle is to travel beyond Quintana Roo (for example, to Merida which is in the state of Yucatan), a temporary import permit must be purchased at the Chactemal Border (Chetumal Border Immigration) at the BANJERCITO Bank. Banjercito working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday. The cost of the permit is US$51 plus tax and payment can be done in cash (US$) or credit card. Depending on the model of the vehicle, a deposit (between US$200 and US$400) is required, refundable on cancellation of the permit.
· If a temporary import permit is required, the driver must have the following in original and copy:
When owner is present:
1. Passport
2. Entry Registration Form (Forma Migratoria Multipe -FMM) issued by Immigration Officer
3. Certificate of Title
4. Certificate of Registration
5. If the vehicle is being purchased through a lending institution such as a bank or credit union, an authorisation from the Institution is required (no older than three months)
6. If the vehicle is a rental, a copy of the rental contract is required.
When owner is not present including company vehicle:
1. Passport
2. Entry Registration Form (Forma Migratoria Multiple -FMM) issued by Immigration Officer
3. Certificate of Title (under the company`s name if that is the case)
4. Certificate of Registration
5. If the vehicle is company owned, authorisation letter with letterhead, logo and stamp with the details of the vehicle and of the person who is going to drive.
6. If the vehicle is a rental, a copy of the rental contract is required.
· Mexican transit permits for vehicles imported overland from the United States expire when the vehicles exit Mexican territory.
· The vehicle cannot re-enter Mexico with United States licence plates even if the permit date has not expired.
· Vehicles with Dealer licence plates are not permitted to enter Mexico.
· Be sure to obtain vehicle insurance that is valid in Mexico. Third party insurance is required for all vehicles on federal roads, i.e. Highways. The insurance package can be purchased from a Belizean Insurance Company that has an agreement with a Mexican Insurance Company. Check with your insurance company for coverage.
Personal Safety
· Take the same safety precautions as you would in any unfamiliar or major city.
· Avoid giving personal information or information on your activities or your family to strangers.
· Unless you are expecting a call from someone who knows you are at your chosen hotel, do not accept external phone calls transferred by the receptionist if you do not know the person calling. This is how “virtual extortions” are carried out.
· Do not drink and drive. You put other lives at risk, you may be subject to arrest, and your vehicle may be confiscated.
· Respect speed limits, obey all traffic signs, and use seat belts at all times.
· Be respectful of all Federal, State, and Municipal officials.
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