Searched the forum but couldn't find any recent info (past 2 years) on this subject. I was having a conversation witha couple of friends, one of which allowed their tourist visa to expire more than a year ago and is considering the possibility of exiting to Belize and then re-entering with a new visitors permit. 1st question is if anyone knows the current state of this process. 2nd question is in regards to the fee charged to someone one exits with a legal tourist document and then returns the same day. he other person in our conversation did this 2 years ago and insist thAt the entry fee is $150 usd. Seems I cant convince her otherwise that the official entry fee is on $22 usd. BTW the 2nd person ended up receiving a fake immigration document from the IMN agent at the border that was caught by IMN when she went to apply for her FM3 later that year.
My experience dates back about mmmmm maybe 5 years ago. But you don't exit Mexico and enter Belize. You exit Mexico and enter the free zone which is in between and then enter Belize - if they let you. I was asked for documentation proving my legal status in Mexico and it had to be valid to be let into Belize. I had a letter from Mexico immigration advising me I had 16 days to leave the country so that doesn't exactly count as valid paperwork so they wouldn't let me enter Belize. It's a business racket down there and there is no legal procedure - the amount you pay depends on the mood of the person who attends you. I think I paid $500 pesos to re-enter Mexico with a tourist visa. They know why you are there and will milk you for what they can - on the other hand it's easily and cheaper than having to go to Cuba or fly somewhere. The process is the same though, they have to show legal documentation from Mexico regarding their immigration status in the country.
I know this thread is a little old, but I just have to respond. In six years and multiple trips to Belize from Mexico, I have never had Belize immigration ask about my tourist status in Mexico. In fact,typically, I have no status in Mexico because I relinquish my FMT/FMM at the border and Mexico stamps my passport out. If I've flown in to Mexico, I've already paid for the visa. If I've driven in to Mexico, I simply pay the nominal fee upon departure. Upon returning to Mexico, I complete the form and receive a new FMM.
Thanks so much for that, Chica. Doubts about this process persist, and people are tempted to offer money, thinking they must bribe their way back in. Knowledge is power, in this case, as always. ___________________ Just to be clear, do you sometimes do quick turnarounds, in which you leave Mexico and re-enter on the same day?
It has been a while for me too but it was never a problem getting into Belize our returning to Mexico. I took my US plated car with a Temp Mex Permit, themed in my permit when leaving and they gave it back to me upon reentry. This was Mexico. Belize was no problem entering and leaving including leaving there for Guatemala and returning. I did have to paty a nominal fee at every entry for a (Belize) Agriculture Dept spraying if the underside of my car. I also bought a short term auto insurance policy for Belize, easily obtainable at the border.
