Additional Belize Border Crossing Information
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From Drive the Americas
People's experiences vary depending on crowds at the border, corrupt or honest border officials, and rules can also change. Read about individual experiences at specific borders below.
[edit] Entering Belize
Subteniente Lopez, Mexico to Santa Elena, Belize
November 2008
Belize is a relatively easy border crossing. When you leave Chetumal, Mexico and cross the border you will be approached by people trying to sell you insurance. Purchasing insurance is required in Belize but you will be able to buy it from the Insurance Corporation of Belize located behind immigration after customs has approved your permit and let you drive through.
Park in the parking lot in front of immigration and head in to get your passport stamped as well as your car permit. We were approached by a man who helped us work through the process, keep in mind that these are not "official" immigration employees and they will require a tip for their assistance. After immigration has approved your passport head to the Customs desk located behind the immigration desk to start the paperwork to import your car.
The car importation was simple for us. Make sure you have all your original documents, they will ask to see them, as well as photocopies of everything. Everything seems to move a bit slower in Belize so be patient and don't push the officers to hurry, things are laid-back and all the documents are filled out by hand. A car inspection is required though, for us, it was pretty slack. Once everything is filled out and the car has been inspected they will give you a car permit slip. Don't lose this document as it must be canceled when you exit Belize.
Insurance is purchased from the Insurance Corporation of Belize. Make sure you have sufficient coverage for the time you are in Belize as the insurance is set to expire at specific time. There are other locations where you can renew your insurance either way make sure you have it. You will be a given an insurance sticker to put in the upper right-hand corner of your windshield.
-- Posted by Kelsey
[edit] Exiting Belize
Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize to Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala
November 2008
There is only one border crossing point for cars between Belize and Guatemala, at Benque del Carmen/Melchor de Mencos. To cancel the vehicle permit, first head to Belize immigration where they will stamp your passports for exit. You will then be directed to the Customs desk in the Entry building. This seems pretty weird because you are basically walking into the building the wrong way. Once you reach the desk, present your car permit to the official and request that it be canceled. Simple.
-- Posted by Kelsey
