Belize launches digital border crossing card for eligible Mexican visitors

Belize has officially launched its Digital Border Crossing Card program, allowing eligible Mexican citizens to stay in the country for up to seven days, an extension of the previous three-day limit. The initiative is expected to attract more Mexican visitors to Belize, supporting tourism and strengthening ties between the neighboring countries.
Officials officially launched the program at a ceremony on Friday, October 23rd, at the northern border in the Corozal District. Minister of Immigration Honorable Kareem Musa said the goal is to give Mexican travelers more time to enjoy Belize.
“This program is extended to eligible Mexican nationals who reside in Mexico’s five southern states,” Musa said. “Residents of these states can apply for the digital border crossing card free of charge. This expansion gives our neighbors more time and greater opportunity to experience Belize.”
Musa said the initiative would also bring economic benefits to Belizean communities. The card will be valid for three years. Applications can currently be submitted only in person at a newly opened office at the northern border.
Minister of Tourism Honorable Anthony Mahler underscored the importance of accessibility. “Tourism thrives on connectivity, accessibility, and meaningful experiences. When we make it easier for people to visit, explore, conduct business, and build relationships, we create opportunities for our tourism industry and for the wider economy,” Mahler said. “For Belize, our land border crossings are important gateways for tourism, commerce, and regional integration.”
Mahler added that the northern border plays a vital role in connecting Belize with Mexico and facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services between neighboring communities.
For tourism destinations such as Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Ambergris Caye, the program offers an opportunity to attract more visitors. Local stakeholders noted that most of their tourists come from the United States and Canada. They said that expanding into the Mexican market could benefit the islands, particularly during the slower months when arrivals from those countries decline.
Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez said he is working with the San Pedro Town Council to explore ways to capitalize on the program. “Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker will benefit tremendously,” Perez said. The neighboring Mexican city of Chetumal is considering a marketing campaign featuring businesses from both islands.
Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) President Efren Perez welcomed the initiative. “I applaud this important milestone for tourism between Belize and Mexico,” he said. “The introduction of the free Digital Border Crossing Card for eligible Mexican nationals from the five southern states will greatly benefit our communities.”
Perez said the development followed years of advocacy by the association on behalf of the tourism private sector. He noted that easier access would create opportunities for Mexican visitors to discover Belize and allow more local businesses and communities to benefit from regional tourism.
He added that the BTIA’s Orange Walk, Corozal, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker chapters have been building relationships with their Mexican counterparts and exploring joint promotions and multi-destination packages. Perez thanked chapter leaders and private sector partners for their efforts ahead of the program’s launch.
Official figures show Belize’s northern border recorded 31,656 overnight tourist arrivals in 2025, accounting for 5% of the country’s total overnight arrivals. Mexican nationals represented 35% of overnight visitors entering through that crossing, up from 30% in 2024. During the same period, overnight arrivals by Mexican nationals through the northern border rose about 27%, from 8,585 to nearly 11,000.