The Mexican Embassy has posted a travel advisory for all planning to visit Mexico, kindly read.
TRAVEL ADVISORY – MEXICO
This Advisory includes the following sections:
A. IMMIGRATION
B. CUSTOMS
C. VEHICLE IMPORTATION
D. VEHICLE INSURANCE
E. DRIVING IN MEXICO
F. PERSONAL SAFETY
G. CONSULAR ASSISTANCE
H. BELIZEAN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN MEXICO
This information is published by the EMBASSY OF BELIZE in Mexico as a service to Belizeans to inform travellers as to Mexican laws and regulations so that they can adequately prepare for their travel to Mexico and avoid unnecessary difficulties.
It is updated as new information becomes available or to provide clarification.
A. IMMIGRATION
1. Belizeans DO NOT require a Visa to visit Mexico. This applies to the entire country – from Chetumal to Tijuana.
2. Immigration regulations apply to ALL travellers, including children and babies.
3. If you do not have a valid travel document, DO NOT pay for a “Pass”. Doing so could result in legal difficulties.
4. Only Passports and “Border Cards” (Tarjeta de Visitante Regional – TVR; issued by Mexican authorities) are valid travel documents for entry into Mexico.
5. As of April 2019 TVRs are valid for travel to Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas only, and only for 7 days – including the days of Entry to and Exit from Mexico.
TVRs can be applied for at the Sub-Teniente Lopez Border (the “old” border station) Immigration Office from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.. The card is free but may take a day or more to process.
For additional information on applying for a TVR, please see:
https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/…/1062-tarjeta-de-visitante-regi…
https://www.gob.mx/…/tarjeta-de-visitante-regional-p…/INM278
Visitors who stay beyond 7 days when travelling on a TVR risk having the card withdrawn by Mexican Immigration officials.
Even when using a TVR, travellers are encouraged to have a valid passport on them to use as an official ID.
6. Permits issued by Belize Immigration authorities are valid to EXIT and RE-ENTER Belize but NOT to ENTER Mexico, that includes Chetumal and even if only for a day.
7. As of January 2019, a fee of MX$588 per person is payable for visits of 7 days or more.
The 7 days include the days of arrival in and departure from Mexico. This applies to visitors who enter Mexico using their passport, not on a TVR.
The fee also applies to visitors who enter Mexico via land, air, or sea and depart via a different type of exit port (land, sea, or air.) Even if it is less than 7 days.
8. Visitors who intend to visit for 7 days or more should so inform Mexican Immigration Officers upon entry.
The MX$588 fee should be paid upon ENTRY into Mexico, preferably at the Banjercito bank at the Chactemal Border (the “new” border station). Banjercito working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday.
Whether the fee is paid at Banjercito or at the Immigration office, A RECEIPT MUST BE GIVEN.
9. If you believe you were somehow unfairly treated by an Immigration officer (INM) or were charged a fee without being given a receipt, you can file a complaint with the Officer-in-Charge (“Oficial de Turno”) who is on-duty 24 hours a day.
Be sure to note the exact time of the incident as well as the name and any identifying features of the official who attended to you and/or failed to issue a receipt.
10. If you do not enter Mexico on a valid travel document or if you overstay the number of days given by Mexican immigration officials, you may be detained and subsequently deported.
B. CUSTOMS
1. BEFORE entering Mexican territory, be sure to check your vehicle and luggage thoroughly for prohibited items, including narcotics, firearms, firearm components, and ammunition.
2. If you are carrying over US$10,000 cash or its equivalent in other currencies or negotiable instruments (cheques, etc.) when departing from or arriving to Mexico, you are required to declare it to Customs (SAT). The amount is per person, not per family.
3. There is no “temporary” importation of pets – no matter the size, even if only for a day, and even if you’re travelling only as far as Chetumal.
If you intend to bring a pet into Mexico (dogs and cats only), please see the following page which contains information on the procedure you need to follow:
https://www.gob.mx/senas…/articulos/tu-mascota-viaja-contigo
C. VEHICLE IMPORTATION
1. Vehicles with “Dealer” licence plates are not permitted to enter Mexico.
2. Mexican Transit Permits for vehicles imported overland from the United States expire when the vehicles exit Mexican territory, i.e. when the vehicle is first imported into Belize.
The vehicle cannot re-enter Mexico with United States licence plates even if the permit date has not expired.
3. Vehicles with Belizean licence plates may only circulate within the state of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun and Playa del Carmen) without a Temporary Importation Permit.
Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 metric tons cannot travel farther than Chetumal and no Temporary Importation Permit can be granted.
4. If the vehicle is to travel beyond the State of Quintana Roo (for example to Merida which is in the State of Yucatan), a Temporary Importation Permit must be purchased at the Chactemal Border at the Banjercito bank. Banjercito working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday.
5. 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 Importation Permit is required, the driver must have the following in original and copy:
a. When owner is present-
i. Passport
ii. Immigration Entry Registration Form (Forma Migratoria Múltiple – FMM)
iii. Certificate of Title
iv. Certificate of Registration
v. 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)
vi. If the vehicle is a rental, a copy of the rental contract is required.
b. When owner is not present (including company vehicles and rental vehicles)-
i. Passport
ii. Immigration Entry Registration Form (Forma Migratoria Múltiple – FMM)
iii. Certificate of Title (under the company`s name if that is the case)
iv. Certificate of Registration
v. 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.
vi. If the vehicle is a rental, a copy of the rental contract is required.
D. VEHICLE INSURANCE
1. BELIZEANS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO HAVE VEHICLE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ALL TRAVEL WITHIN MEXICO, INCLUDING FOR SHORT VISITS TO CHETUMAL.
Even minor accidents can result in considerable legal and financial difficulties.
2. Third Party insurance is REQUIRED by Quintana Roo state law.
3. Some Belizean insurance companies provide coverage for travel within Mexico. Check with your insurance provider or insurance agent.
4. Insurance coverage may also be purchased at the Chactemal border station next to the Banjercito bank branch. This office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
E. DRIVING IN MEXICO
1. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
You put lives at risk, you may be subject to arrest, and your vehicle may be confiscated.
2. BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL AT INTERSECTIONS AND ROUNDABOUTS.
Most incidents involving Belizeans take place at these points.
3. Drivers are encouraged to slow down when approaching ALL intersections and not assume that they have the right of way.
4. In many Mexican cities, the driver in the roundabout must yield to the driver approaching the roundabout.
5. Respect speed limits, obey all traffic signs (be particularly mindful of Stop signs at intersections), and use seat belts at all times.
6. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, that you have a valid Driver`s Licence, and that all vehicle documents are in order.
7. Mexican nationals are not permitted to drive vehicles with Belizean licence plates.
In cases where the driver may have dual Belizean/Mexican nationality, the driver may only prove his/her Belizean nationality with a Belizean passport or a TVR issued by Mexico. Belizean Social Security or Voter’s ID cards are not acceptable under Mexican law.
8. It is contrary to Mexican law to carry passengers in the bed of a pick-up truck.
9. Mexican law prohibits vehicles with heavily tinted windows from circulating in the territory. If you drive such a vehicle, you risk paying a fine and having your vehicle impounded.
F. PERSONAL SAFETY
1. When visiting Mexico take the same safety precautions as you would in any unfamiliar place or city.
2. Take extra care if you will be visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum as incidents of violence have increased in these areas in recent months.
You are STRONGLY encouraged to travel only during daylight hours and to remain in highly trafficked tourist areas.
3. Avoid giving personal information or information on your activities to strangers.
4. Do not accept phone calls transferred by the hotel front desk if you do not know the person calling. That is how “virtual extortions” are carried out.
5. Be respectful of all Federal, State, and Municipal officials.
G. CONSULAR ASSISTANCE
1. To facilitate Consular support and confirmation of nationality, keep a copy of your Passport, Social Security card, and Voters ID. in an accessible digital media such as e-mail.
2. If you are robbed and/or lose your passport while travelling in Mexico, be sure to get a Police Report in the municipality where the incident occurred.
3. Belizean Dollars can ONLY be exchanged for Mexican Pesos at the Belize Northern Border or in Chetumal. If you intend to travel beyond the border area, be sure to have US Dollars to exchange at designated “Casas de Cambio”.
Please note that many places will not accept damaged or torn US currency.
4. Be sure to have contact information for the nearest Diplomatic or Consular Mission handy in case of an emergency.
H. BELIZEAN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN MEXICO
1. Embassy of Belize, Mexico
Bernardo de Gálvez 215
Lomas de Chapultepec
C.P. 11000
Ciudad de Mexico
Tel.: (+52 55) 5520 1274 /1346
E-mail: embelize@prodigy.net.mx
2. Honorary Consulate of Belize in Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Dr. Luis Montero
Ignacio Zaragoza 211
Colonia Centro
Chetumal
Tel.: (+52) 983 832 0939 & (+52) 983 833 4680
E-mail: consulate.chetumal@mfa.gov.bz / luis.montero@mfa.gov.bz
Covers the State of Quintana Roo, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, and other towns within the state.
3. Honorary Consulate of Belize in Merida, Yucatan
Mr. Miguel Dutton
Honorary Consul of Belize
Calle 53 No. 498 (Por 56 y 58),
Colonia Centro
Apartado Postal 89
C.P. 97000,
Mérida, Yucatán
Tel: (+52) 999 928 6152
Fax: (+52) 999 928 3962
E-mail: dutton@sureste.com / consbelize@dutton.com.mx
4. Honorary Consulate of Belize in Veracruz, Veracruz
Mrs. Sandra Vázquez
Honorary Consul of Belize
Av. Xicotencatl No. 756, Altos Letra D
Colonia Centro
C.P. 91700
Veracruz, Veracruz
Tel: (+52 1) 22 9216 8414
E-mail: rempresarial@hotmail.com
5. Honorary Consulate of Belize in Monterrey, Nuevo León
Mr. Raymundo Pérez
Honorary Consul of Belize
Av. Industria 923, Entre Villagrán y Villagómez,
Colonia Bella Vista
C.P. 64410
Monterrey, Nuevo León
Tel: (+52) 818 331 5780
Fax: (+52) 818 331 5788
e-mail: letra@prodigy.net.mx
6. Honorary Consulate of Belize in Tijuana, Baja California
Mr. Arturo Pérez
Honorary Consul of Belize
Boulevard Bellas Artes No. 17686, Int. 116
Colonia Garita de Otay
Delegación Tijuana
C.P. 22430
Tijuana, Baja California
Tel: (+52) 664 647 5501 /502 /503
e-mail: aperez@grupologix.com
