Belize-Mexico Border Crossing: Bacalar & Chetumal to Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker & Belize City + Back

A small boat docked at Chetumal port waiting to take a group of tourists across the Mexican border to Belize.

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Border crossings are a frequent conundrum for travellers, and the Mexico-Belize border is no exception. With a variety of methods from buses to water taxis, there are a few different ways to cross the border, each with its own pros and cons. After extensive research, we recently took the ferry from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Belize, and then later we took the ferry to Caye Caulker. Most of the information we read beforehand was out of date, so we documented every step of the whole journey to write up the correct information here. Find out how to smoothly get from Mexico to Belize (or Belize to Mexico) via ferry, bus, shuttle, car, and more, in this border crossing guide.

Mexico – Belize border crossing at a glance

  • What: Cross from Mexico to Belize via the overland border or take the ferry to Belize’s islands – or reverse this route from Belize to Mexico.
  • Where: The land border crossing is between Subteniente LĂłpez and Santa Elena, but is bypassed by the ferry from Chetumal.
  • How: Take the ferry from Chetumal to San Pedro or Caye Caulker, or cross the Subteniente LĂłpez – Santa Elena border overland and head on to Belize City.
  • Who: Find buses on Busbud, shuttles on Viator and GetYourGuide, ferries on Bookaway, and car rentals on DiscoverCars.
  • Time: Expect the border crossing to take around 45 minutes overland, with the journey from Chetumal to Belize City taking around 3.5 to 5 hours by bus, while the ferry ride takes around 1.5 hours to San Pedro and 3 hours to Caye Caulker.
  • Time zone: Eastern Standard Time Zone and no Daylight Saving Time in Quintana Roo / Central Time Zone, and no Daylight Saving Time in Belize.
  • Languages: Spanish in Mexico, English in Belize.
  • Departure fees: None from Mexico, but you need to have paid the $283 MXN (~$15 USD) Quintana Roo Tourism Tax before leaving the state / the Belize Exit Fee is $40 BZD ($20 USD).
  • Arrival fees: $687 Mexican pesos (~$35 USD) for the Mexico Tourism Tax (usually included in airfare if flying) when arriving in Mexico / none for Belize.
  • Currency: Mexican Peso in Mexico ($ MXN), Belizean Dollar ($ BZD) in Belize. The borders accept US Dollars ($ USD).
Dan and Lucy smiling in their sunglasses as they prepare to leave Ambergris Caye on the San Pedro Belize Express Ferry.
There are several ways to cross from Mexico to Belize

How to get between Belize and Mexico

There are so many different ways to get from Mexico to Belize and vice versa, depending on which destination you choose to start and end at. Your transportation methods will also depend on your timeframe, budget, and preferences.

In this post, we’re going to cover:

  • How to get to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) from Mexico
  • How to get to Caye Caulker from Mexico
  • How to get to Belize City from Mexico
  • Plus, we’ve covered the reverse journey, explaining how to get to Mexico from San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Belize City.

We’ve covered the journey by water taxi between San Pedro and Caye Caulker (and vice versa) in depth in a separate article, so this post just focuses on arriving at San Pedro, Caye Caulker, or Belize City from Mexico and vice versa.

A decorated "Mexico" sign at Chetumal Ferry Port. Behind the sign, the sky is turning orange in the early morning sun.
The border is between Subteniente LĂłpez & Santa Elena

Belize-Mexico Border Crossings

The international border between Belize and Mexico is about 160 miles (250 km) long and follows the course of the Hondo River.

There are technically two border crossings between Mexico and Belize: one between Subteniente LĂłpez (near Chetumal, Mexico) and Santa Elena (near Corozal, Belize), and another between La UniĂłn (Mexico) and Blue Creek Village (Belize).

  • The main international border crossing is the Subteniente LĂłpez – Santa Elena crossing.
  • The border crossing between La UniĂłn and Blue Creek Village is not an official, staffed border crossing for international travellers.
  • You can bypass the land borders altogether by taking the ferry from Chetumal to San Pedro, Caye Caulker, or Belize City, which we cover later in this post.
Passengers filling up every seat on the small ferry from Chetumal to San Pedro, Belize.
You can also take a ferry between Belize & Mexico

Crossing the Subteniente LĂłpez – Santa Elena Border

The nearest Mexican city to Subteniente LĂłpez and the Belize border is Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo. The nearest Belizean towns to the border are Santa Elena and Corozal.

The Mexican side (Chetumal) is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the Belize side (Santa Elena) is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

There are two official border crossings between Belize and Mexico at the Subteniente LĂłpez-Santa Elena crossing: the Old Border (a pedestrian bridge) and the New Border (a vehicular bridge).

The Old Border

This crossing is primarily for pedestrian traffic and features a pedestrian bridge. This crossing is restricted and used only for pedestrians and light vehicles like bicycle-taxis, and only during limited hours.

The New Border

This crossing is for both pedestrians and vehicles, and is located on a separate car and bus bridge. It sits about 5 blocks west of the old bridge and was opened to the public on 15th May 2013.

The Chac-Temal bridge is the main route used for the crossing from Mexico to Belize and vice versa. It has modern customs and immigration facilities on both sides. Standard immigration and customs checks take 30 to 60 minutes here.

A colourful "Belize" sign in front of a flat horizon surrounded by greenery.
You can cross the land border on foot or in a vehicle

Belize-Mexico Transportation

There are several ways to transit between Mexico and Belize, including by:

  • Airplane
  • Ferry
  • Car
  • Shuttle
  • Bus

The method of transportation you choose will depend on your intended destination, budget, timeframe, and preferences.

A table comparing various transportation methods to cross the Mexico-Belize border, including plane, water taxi, car, shuttle, and bus.
Each method has its pros and cons

Bookaway is amazing for booking shuttles and transport throughout Central America. You can get 5% off with our code THOROUGHLY5.

By plane

You can fly to Belize from many airports throughout Mexico, including major hubs like CancĂşn (CUN), Mexico City (MEX), and Chetumal (CTM). Direct flights typically land in Belize City (Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)) and are offered by regional airlines:

Occasionally, larger carriers like Aeroméxico also operate these internal routes. Flight times range from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the departure point, making flying the fastest and most convenient option.

From here, you can connect to a variety of transportation methods to reach some of the other amazing destinations in Belize.

San Pedro also has a regional airport, John Greif II Airport (SPR), while Caye Caulker is home to Caye Caulker Municipal Airport (CUK), both of which you can get domestic flights to from Belize City.

Placencia (PLJ), Dangriga (DGA), and San Ignacio (CYD) also have their own airports, if your preferred destination is on the mainland.

Flying might be the fastest way to get to Belize from Mexico, but it’s also one of the most expensive options. And, if you’re heading from the islands, it will require a transfer, ferry, and possibly even an overnight hotel.

A small Tropic Air plane positioned facing the observer on an airstrip.
You can fly into Belize City Airport from Mexico

By ferry

We read that you can’t cross directly from Mexico to Belize’s islands (like Caye Caulker or San Pedro on Ambergris Caye), but this is incorrect. Taking the water taxi is the best option if your Belize itinerary starts in one of the northern cayes.

The ferry is up and running and crosses directly from Chetumal to San Pedro and Caye Caulker, two of the most beautiful islands in Belize.

The easiest, smoothest, and most economical way to reach Belize from Mexico is to take the ferry. Two operators run the route from Chetumal to Belize by Ferry:

A ferry might give the impression of a large ship, but it’s actually more of a water taxi. They’re high-speed boats designed to carry between 50 and 100 people, depending on the exact vessel. The water taxis leave from Chetumal Fiscal Dock.

Boats also run from Corozal to San Pedro via Thunderbolt and from Corozal to San Pedro or Caye Caulker via Belize Sea Shuttle. But this route requires you to take the overland route to Corozal first, which is pretty pointless when you can go directly from Chetumal.

The entry to "Terminal Maritima de Chetumal" which is the International Ferry Terminal in Chetumal, Mexico.
Water taxis run to and from Chetumal

By car

The Philip Goldson Highway links Belize City to the Mexican border. You can drive from Mexico into Belize via the international bridge at the Subteniente LĂłpez-Santa Elena crossing. It’s about 150 miles (240 km).

It’s vital you ensure your rental allows cross-border travel. Driving in Belize is pretty easy, with a handful of highways connecting major towns.

A private taxi from Mexico to Belize City costs around $150 USD from Chetumal. If you reach Corozal via another method and need a transfer, it’s only around $20 USD from Corozal.

A taxi in Chetumal, Mexico. Taking a taxi is one of the more expensive, but most convenient, methods of travel in Chetumal.
Not all rental car agencies allow you to cross the border

By shuttle

It’s just as affordable to book a shuttle from Mexico to Belize or the other way around, and it removes any stress, as it’s all organised for you. It’s cheaper than a taxi and faster than a bus.

You can choose between shared shuttles and private transfers, each offering a slightly different level of comfort at different price points.

Several companies offer overland shared shuttle services from Chetumal or Bacalar in Mexico to Belize City or San Ignacio in Belize. If you want to go to the islands, many operators also include your ferry ticket from the port in Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker.

GuateGo is one of the biggest providers of shuttles in the region, running several routes between Mexico and Belize. You can find their shuttles and other operators on websites like GetYour Guide and Viator.

A tourist shuttle, parked in a busy car park, with the words "Belize Caving Expeditions" on the side. Taking a shuttle is one of the most affordable ways to get around Belize.
Shuttle journeys are long and often uncomfortable

By bus

Buses run several routes from Mexico to Belize, with the most common route going from Chetumal, the major crossing hub on the Mexican side.

From Chetumal, buses run daily to Corozal and Belize City, costing around $5 to $8 USD and taking roughly 3 to 4 hrs.

To get to Chetumal by bus, it’s easy to take the ADO bus, which runs routes directly from CancĂşn, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar to Chetumal, where you can change to Belize City. The journey can take between 3 and 9 hours and cost between $20 and $50 USD.

There’s incorrect information online about an overnight bus from CancĂşn to Belize City, stopping in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. This bus doesn’t exist. Instead, you need to take the bus to Chetumal and cross the border from there.

To reach Caye Caulker or San Pedro from here, you’ll need to get to the ferry port in Belize City. The chicken bus from Corozal to Belize City is still running and is the cheapest option at about $8 USD. But it’s an uncomfortable and long option, and you’re likely going to want onward travel from Belize City afterwards, as it’s not the most popular place in Belize for travellers.

An ADO bus on its way to Cancun. ADO buses are an affordable way to travel around Mexico.
Some buses run from Mexico to Belize and back

How to get from Chetumal to Belize

So, we’ve established that, if you’re not flying, the easiest way to get to Belize from Mexico is from Chetumal – and the same is true for travelling from Belize to Mexico, where you’ll arrive in Chetumal.

How to get from Chetumal to San Pedro

The easiest way to get to San Pedro from Chetumal is to take the direct water taxi.

Alternatively, you could cross the land border by bus or car, arriving in Corozal, where you can take the water taxi to San Pedro. You could also cross the land border by bus or car and head to Belize City, where you can change to the water taxi for San Pedro.

How to get from Chetumal to Caye Caulker

The easiest way to get to Caye Caulker from Chetumal is to take the water taxi, which stops in San Pedro for immigration before continuing to Caye Caulker.

Alternatively, you could cross the land border by bus, car, or shuttle from Chetumal, arriving in Corozal, where you can take the water taxi to San Pedro and then Caye Caulker. You could also cross the land border by bus or car and head to Belize City, where you can change to the direct water taxi for Caye Caulker.

How to get from Chetumal to Belize City

The easiest way to get to Belize City from Chetumal is to take the overland border crossing by car, bus, or shuttle. You can easily arrange a Belize City transfer to organise the whole journey for you.

The archway to Chetumal International Ferry Port in Mexico.
Ferries are the best way to reach the islands

Is there a ferry from Mexico to Belize?

Yes! As we’ve mentioned, you can travel by ferry (water taxi) from Mexico to Belize, departing from Chetumal and arriving at San Pedro or continuing on to Caye Caulker. It’s a quick, affordable, and smooth process, and popular with backpackers.

We’ve broken down everything you need to take the ferry from Mexico to Belize or vice versa below.

The ferry from San Pedro to Caye Caulker on a clear, cloudless day
Ferries run from Chetumal to San Pedro & Caye Caulker

The Chetumal-Belize Ferry

There are two companies that run the Mexico to Belize ferry route and back:

  • San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi – The main ferry operator between Chetumal and the Belizean islands. It also runs routes between San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Belize City.
  • International Islander Ferries – This is the company we took from Chetumal to San Pedro.

You may also see the name San Pedro Water Jets International floating about. This is the old name for International Islander Ferries.

The inside of the Caye Caulker to San Pedro Ferry. The ferry is quite quiet with more empty seats than taken seats.
Two ferry companies cross from Mexico to Belize

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is Belize’s leading ferry operator, founded in 2008 and expanded in 2010 to include the first international route between Chetumal (Mexico) and Belize’s islands, San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

The company operates daily at 3:30 PM.

They have a modern fleet of 14 vessels, ranging in capacity from 45 to 120 passengers, many equipped with on-board lavatories, bucket seating, and standard safety features like life jackets and first-aid kits.

The Belize Express information desk at Chetumal Ferry Port.
San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi has larger boats

International Islander Ferries

International Islander Ferries (formerly called Water Jets International) is a dedicated water taxi service connecting Chetumal (Mexico) with Belize’s islands, San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Operating around four times weekly, their morning departures deliver around 50 passengers on high-speed single-hull ferries.

International Islander Ferries primarily run at 10:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Their boats are fitted with essential safety gear (life jackets, extinguishers, first-aid kits, dual emergency exits), though they do not have onboard toilets. The boats are smaller and less comfortable than the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, but can be cheaper.

The International Islander Ferries information desk at Chetumal Ferry Port.
International Islander Ferries are also popular

How to get from Bacalar to Belize

While the easiest way to reach Belize from Bacalar would be to go to Chetumal on the ADO bus or by collective or taxi, and then follow our directions above for overland and ferry travel, you can also go directly to Belize from Bacalar by booking a shuttle.

Various operators offer shared and private shuttle services from Bacalar to destinations in Belize, including Belize City, San Ignacio, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker.

Alternatively, you can take an ADO bus from Bacalar to Corozal, and then change for the water taxi to San Pedro or Caye Caulker, or get the bus to Belize City.

A drone shot of Bacalar Rapids, a crystal clear river that cuts through the surrounding brown grasslands.
Connections from Bacalar to Chetumal are common

How to get from Bacalar to Chetumal

The most popular and budget-friendly way to get from Bacalar to Chetumal is to take an ADO or Marlin Espadas bus, which costs around 110-140 Mexican pesos ( $6-8 USD) and takes around 50 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day and offer air-conditioning and comfortable seating.

Alternatively, shared colectivos depart hourly from early morning to evening, taking about 45 minutes and costing around 100-120 Mexican pesos ($5-6 USD), making them a great local option.

For more convenience, opt for a taxi or Uber, which costs between 200-600 Mexican pesos ($10-30 USD) and takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and negotiation.

A quicker, more scenic option is the Tren Maya, which opened service between Bacalar and Chetumal, costs about  124 Mexican pesos (~$7 USD), and takes around 40 minutes.

The road down Chetumal pier that leads to the international ferry terminal. The road is lined with palm trees and sculptures.
It’s an easy journey from Bacalar to Chetumal

How long does it take to get from Mexico to Belize?

Travelling from Mexico to Belize and vice versa can take anywhere from under an hour to several hours, depending on your destination and mode of transportation.

How long does it take to get from Mexico to San Pedro?

If you’re heading to the Belizean islands, the ferry ride takes around 1.5 hours from Chetumal to San Pedro, with an additional 30 to 45 minutes required for passport control once you arrive.

It’s recommended to arrive around 2 hours before your departure time.

How long does it take to get from Mexico to Caye Caulker?

For Caye Caulker, the same ferry from Chetumal first stops in San Pedro, where you transfer to another boat, making the total journey time about 3 to 3.5 hours – 1.5 hours to San Pedro, 30-45 minutes for immigration, and another 45 minutes to Caye Caulker.

How long does it take to get from Mexico to Belize City?

If you’re crossing the border overland at Subteniente LĂłpez – Santa Elena, near Chetumal, the border process itself typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, though it can be longer during busy periods due to immigration checks and baggage inspections.

From Chetumal, getting to Belize City overland by shuttle, private transfer, or bus generally takes around 3.5 to 5 hours, including the border crossing.

A sign directing travellers to the "Passengers Ferry to San Pedro" in Chetumal.
The journey time isn’t too long

How much is the ferry from Chetumal to Belize?

The ferry fares from Chetumal, Mexico, to various destinations in Belize vary based on the route and operator. Additional entry and exit fees may also apply, and we’ve covered these below.

How much is the ferry from Chetumal to San Pedro?

For travel from Chetumal to San Pedro, the one-way ticket typically costs  1,100–1,300 Mexican pesos (~$55-70 USD).

How much is the ferry from Chetumal to Caye Caulker?

For Chetumal to Caye Caulker, fares range from  1,200–1,400 Mexican pesos (about $60-75 USD).

A view across the water from the ferry port at Chetumal on a cloudy morning.
The ferries are quite cost-effective

Buying Chetumal to Belize Ferry Tickets

Purchasing ferry tickets for travel from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro or Caye Caulker is straightforward but requires some preparation due to border procedures and limited availability.

You can buy tickets at a desk in person or online, either directly or on Bookaway. We found that the prices to buy in person were slightly more expensive than the online prices.

Ticket sales close 3 hours prior to departure, and no refunds are allowed. Changes in booking are ok, but must be requested more than 24 hours before departure.

It’s really important you check that all the passenger information provided matches your official ID and visa requirements. Corrections must be made more than 24 hours before departure.

We’d highly recommend buying your tickets in advance, as seats are limited and can sell out. This is especially true in busy periods like holidays or in peak season between December and April.

  • In 2015, Quintana Roo in Mexico switched to Eastern Standard Time Zone and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Belize uses Central Time Zone and also no longer observes Daylight Saving Time. This means Quintana Roo is 1 hour ahead of Belize.
The timetable for the San Pedro Belize Express displayed on a screen in a ferry terminal.
You can buy tickets online or in person
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What is it like to take the ferry from Chetumal to Belize?

We wrote detailed notes throughout the whole process, from buying tickets to boarding the boat in Chetumal and arriving in San Pedro, so we can give you a clear picture of what it’s like to take the water taxi. If you’re travelling from Caye Caulker or San Pedro to Chetumal, the details will be pretty much the same, but in reverse.

Check in

Most visitors (including us) spend a night in the city, which gives you time to see some of the top things to do in Chetumal. This means you can get to the dock nice and early the next day.

You need to check in at least 1 hour before departure, so we’d recommend arriving 2 hours early. You are required to clear immigration before boarding, which can take some time.

For us, check-in was said to open at 8:00 AM and close at 9:00 AM, so we arrived at around 7:00 AM at the Chetumal office. Check-in actually opened at 7:30 AM.

We showed our proof of purchase and received our boarding passes – reusable laminated cards.

We were then told to wait in the waiting area, where we were provided with immigration and declaration forms for items we were taking into Belize. It’s handy to have a pen with you, as they’re not provided! There was a nice sea breeze in the open-air waiting room, but a few bugs, so have some eco-friendly insect repellent on you too.

Around 8:30 AM, our bags were collected by a staff member, tagged, and taken to the boat. 1 piece of luggage is allowed for free, and you can take a small carry-on bag onto the boat with you. We did have an extra bag of food with us, but it wasn’t checked and wasn’t a problem.

The international maritime terminal of Chetumal, Mexico. From here, travellers, can catch a ferry to San Pedro in Belize.
Check-in is super smooth

Chetumal immigration

Mexican immigration was supposed to open at 9:30 AM, but was late and opened at 9:45 AM. We all queued up, showing our FMM slips or downloaded QR code (the Mexican Tourist Card you’re given on arrival) and getting our passports stamped.

Technically, we’d left Mexico at this point, but we had more waiting outside the entrance to the terminal as our boat was being prepared.

A hatch for Mexican immigration at Chetumal ferry port.
There may be queues for immigration

Boarding

We finally were able to board the boat about an hour late. Departure was scheduled for 10:00 AM, but we actually left at around 11:00 AM. We’ve heard this is pretty common, so be aware if you have plans as soon as you’re scheduled to arrive at your destination.

Boarding was smooth – you simply queue, show your passport, hand over your boarding pass, and choose a seat on the boat. If you’re travelling to Caye Caulker, you’ll keep hold of your boarding pass until San Pedro, so you can re-board after Belizean immigration.

Two laminated boarding passes for the Water Jets International ferry from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro, Belize.
Boarding is quick and easy

The water taxi

The boat you board will depend on which company you choose and which vessel they’re using that day. Typically, there will be seats in the middle and benches around the sides, or bucket seats throughout.

San Pedro Express Belize has larger boats and more facilities. The International Islander ferry did have a small lavatory, but it was hard for anyone except those at the back to reach it due to the boat being pretty cramped.

Inside a very busy ferry from Chetumal to San Pedro. Passengers are sat in every seat and on all sides of the small, enclosed boat.
International Islander Ferries has smaller boats

The journey

The journey can be a little bumpy, so we’d recommend taking seasickness precautions and choosing a seat in the back of the boat where it’s smoother. Keep your eyes on the horizon. We also found earbuds or headphones super useful for tuning out and staying calm.

We had pleasant weather and a pretty smooth crossing, and were in Belize in no time.

Dan and Lucy sitting on the ferry from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro, Belize. They are smiling at the camera and have their sunglasses on.
The journey isn’t the most comfortable

Arriving in Belize

As the boat reaches Ambergris Caye, it stops at the Coast Guard to register (you don’t get off here). Then, it continues on to San Pedro.

Look out of the windows as the sprawling mangroves along the coast slide by. The water is a clear turquoise colour and simply stunning – a beautiful welcome to Belize.

The view out of the window of the crowded ferry from Chetumal to San Pedro.
Belizean immigration is quite an easy process

San Pedro immigration

When you arrive into San Pedro, you’ll disembark the boat and form two queues: one for those staying in San Pedro and another for those continuing to Caye Caulker.

There are toilets on the pier, and a man will likely be there for you to convert any currency you have, like leftover Mexican pesos, into Belizean dollars (it was a good rate).

If you’re staying in San Pedro, you’ll collect your bags as they’re offloaded and queue for immigration.

Here you’ll get your passport stamped, hand over your declaration of goods, and enter Belize.

If you’re continuing to Caye Caulker, you’ll wait for the San Pedro visitors to clear immigration. Then you’ll go through immigration and re-board the boat, handing in your boarding pass.

Belize is one hour behind the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, so be sure to put your clocks back!

The immigration building at the port of San Pedro, Belize. Visitors to the Island of Ambergris Caye from Chetumal in Mexico must sign in and have their passports stamped.
Belize and Mexico are in different time zones

Continuing onto Caye Caulker

The journey from San Pedro to Caye Caulker is fairly smooth and quick. Since you’ve already done immigration, you can simply pick up your luggage once you’re on land and continue on your way.

  • If you wanted to do the journey from Belize to Mexico by water taxi, you can just reverse this route.
A sign by Belize Water Taxi that reads "Welcome To Caye Caulker. Thank you for choosing us!".
The boat from Mexico stops at both islands

Immigration Requirements

There are some requirements for entering and leaving each country, which you should know ahead of time.

Arriving in Mexico

All foreigners entering Mexico have to pay a single entry fee called the Mexico Tourism Tax (DNI). It’s about 687 Mexican pesos (~$35 USD), but it is almost always included in your international flight ticket’s price, with all other taxes. If you’re crossing the land border, you’ll likely be asked to pay it at immigration. It’s only required for foreigners staying more than 7 days in Mexico.

If you visit Quintana Roo, which you will be if you’re crossing the border into Belize, you also need to pay the Quintana Roo Tourist Tax (VISITAX). This is a local state tax of around 283 Mexican pesos (~$15 USD). You can pay the entry tax online before or during your stay, but it must be paid before you leave. Retain the receipt and QR code to show at the border when you leave.

At the Mexican border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket, show proof of your accommodation (e.g. a hotel booking confirmation), or prove that you have enough money for your stay.

You need to make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport upon arrival, as you may need to show it when you leave. If you don’t need a visa to enter Mexico, you’ll be given a stamp with the number of days you can stay (usually 180 days).

Check if you need a visa to enter Mexico, as you’ll be denied entry if you need one and don’t have one.

Leaving Mexico

There is no exit fee to leave Mexico.

To leave Mexico, you might be asked to show your passport with the entry stamp showing how many days you were allowed to stay. If you lose your passport, you must pay a fee (about 700 MXN pesos) to replace the entry stamp.

You may also need to show your FMM slip or downloaded QR code (the Mexican Tourist Card you’re given on arrival).

Arriving in Belize

There is no entry fee to pay when you arrive in Belize.

Check if you need a visa to enter Belize, as you’ll be denied entry if you need one and don’t have one. Many nationalities can visit Belize without a visa for 30 days.

Leaving Belize

When leaving Belize by land or water, there is a departure tax of $40 BZD / $20 USD to be paid in cash. If you’re flying out, this is usually included in your airfare.

The port of San Pedro as viewed from the ferry. The ferry is the easiest and most affordable way to get between the islands of Belize.
Check immigration requirements before you go!

Mexico to Belize Border Crossing Scams

When crossing the border from Mexico to Belize, especially at the Chetumal–Santa Elena border, you should be aware of common scams, which usually revolve around exit and entry fees.

We met other travellers who had been pressured for money illegally and threatened that they wouldn’t be allowed to board the boat without paying. We didn’t come across this ourselves, and our crossing was super smooth, but it’s good to be aware.

A frequent scam involves Mexican immigration officials demanding a cash “exit tax” of around 500-700 MXN (~$25-35 USD) from those leaving by land. Travellers are often told they must pay or risk not getting their passport stamped. While you do have to pay the Mexico Tourism Tax (DNI) when you arrive, which is a federal fee of ~294 Mexican pesos (~$15 USD), it’s almost always included in your international airfare, or you’ll have already paid it at the border you entered through. Plus, it’s only required for foreigners staying more than 7 days in Mexico. To avoid this, bring printed or digital proof (like a flight receipt) showing that the fee was paid with your airline ticket, and firmly but politely insist that you’ve already covered the cost.

Similarly, some people have reported being charged an illegitimate “entry fee” of up to $60 USD upon arriving in Belize – this is a scam, as Belize only requires a departure fee ($40 BZD or $20 USD). To protect yourself, never pay fees that aren’t officially posted, always request a receipt, and travel in groups when possible, as this often deters scammers.

Staying calm, informed, and assertive is the best defence at these border crossings.

A painting of sea life including sharks, a turtle, a dolphin, eagle rays, and a stripey fish. At the top of this scene are the words "Welcome to San Pedro".
Be aware of common border scams and stay alert

Mexico to Belize Border Crossing Tips

Here are some useful tips for crossing the border from Mexico to Belize smoothly:

  • Bring all necessary documents – your passport (valid for at least 6 months) with entry stamp, tourist cards, and any required visas. Make sure you have printed and digital copies of your travel itinerary and accommodation bookings, just in case.
  • Have cash ready in small denominations – Mexican pesos and US dollars are commonly accepted, but some border fees or taxes may not be payable by card, so cash is essential.
  • Be aware of entry fees, exit fees, and scams – sometimes immigration officials may ask for an unofficial cash exit tax or entry fee, so know if you need to pay and have proof you’ve already paid all legit taxes.
  • Prepare for some waiting time – border crossing processing can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during peak travel times or holidays.
  • Use official border crossing points – the Subteniente LĂłpez-Santa Elena crossing and Chetumal ferry are the main border crossings for tourists.
  • Keep your luggage close and secure – be mindful of your belongings, and watch out for unofficial “helpers” offering assistance – they may expect a tip or try to scam you.
  • Have your onward travel details handy – immigration officers may ask where you’re going next or how long you plan to stay in Belize.
  • Check transportation options in advance – arrange shuttles or buses ahead of time when possible to avoid long waits after crossing.
  • Change money at the border – change your leftover cash at the border so you aren’t stuck with unusable currency.
A car driving through the archway that marks the entrance to Chetumal Ferry Terminal. From this terminal, travellers can take ferries across the border into Belize.
With preparation, the border crossing is smooth

Mexico to Belize Ferry Border Crossing FAQs

Is there a border between Belize and Mexico?

Yes. The official border crossing for tourists is at Subteniente LĂłpez (Mexico) and Santa Elena (Belize), near Chetumal.

Can you cross from Mexico to Belize?

Yes, you can cross by land, ferry, or air. The border is open and commonly used by travellers, both to enter Mexico and Belize.

What Mexican city is close to Belize?

Chetumal is the main border city in Mexico, located just north of the Belize border.

How long is the border between Mexico and Belize?

The Mexico–Belize border is approximately 250 km (155 miles) long and follows the Hondo River.

Is the Mexico/Belize border open?

Yes, the border is open to both tourists and locals. Entry and exit requirements may vary based on your nationality.

Can you take a boat to Belize?

Yes. Ferries run from Chetumal to San Pedro and Caye Caulker, operated by companies like San Pedro Belize Express and International Islander Ferries.

Is there a ferry from Chetumal to Belize?

Yes. The ferry connects Chetumal to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker, with immigration procedures handled at the terminal.

How long is the ferry from San Pedro to Chetumal?

The ferry trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, not including customs and immigration.

How long is a water taxi from San Pedro to Belize City?

The water taxi between San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Belize City takes around 1.5 hours, with stops at Caye Caulker along the way.

Can I travel from Belize to Mexico by bus?

Yes, several bus and shuttle companies operate routes between Belize City, Corozal, and Chetumal.

How to get from Bacalar, Mexico, to Belize?

Travel to Chetumal (1 hour by car or bus), then cross the border by shuttle, bus, or ferry. Total travel time to Belize City is 4 to 5 hours.

How to get from Chetumal, Mexico, to Caye Caulker?

Take the ferry from Chetumal to San Pedro (1.5 hours), then transfer to a boat to Caye Caulker (45 to 60 mins). The full trip takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.

Can you fly directly from Mexico to Belize?

Yes, direct flights operate from CancĂşn, Mexico City, and other major Mexican cities to Belize City (Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport).

What is the easiest way to get to Belize?

If you’re near Chetumal, the easiest route is the ferry to San Pedro or overland by shuttle to Belize City. From elsewhere in Mexico, flying is fastest.

Do you have to pay to cross the Mexican border?

Yes, if you’re entering Mexico, you may be asked to pay the Mexican Tourist Tax. If you’re exiting by land, you’ll need to show proof you’ve paid it. If you arrived by air, this fee is usually included in your ticket – ask for proof to avoid double payment.

If you’re leaving Belize, you’ll need to pay the exit fee ($40 BZD / $20 USD).

Do you need a visa to go to Mexico from Belize?

Many nationalities do not need a visa to enter Mexico for stays of up to 180 days. Check the Mexico Immigration website for your country.

Do you need a visa to go to Belize from Mexico?

Most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Belize for short stays (up to 30 days). Check the Belize Immigration website for your country.

Sunrise over the water from the port town of Chetumal in Mexico.
We hope your border crossing is stress-free!

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A Complete Guide to Chetumal, Mexico

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San Pedro vs Caye Caulker: Which Island is Right For You?

A Traveller’s Guide to San Pedro & Ambergris Caye

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A Comprehensive Caye Caulker Travel Guide

27 Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker

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