Crossing from Mexico to Belize is a distinct cultural shift, where the Spanish-speaking world of Latin America gives way to the Caribbean’s English-speaking, Creole-influenced atmosphere. This border is your entry point into a different side of Central America, a nation with stronger historical ties to the British Commonwealth than to its Spanish-speaking neighbors. There are two official crossings you can use. The primary one connects Subteniente López, near the large Mexican city of Chetumal, with the Belizean village of Santa Elena in the Corozal District. This crossing uses a modern bridge and the process is generally organized and straightforward.
A much smaller, more remote crossing exists at La Unión in Mexico and Blue Creek in Belize, which involves a small ferry and is used mostly by locals and adventurous travelers. A notable feature of the main crossing is its proximity to the Corozal Free Zone, a large, walled commercial area on the Belizean side where you can shop for duty-free goods. Before you leave Mexico by land, be prepared to show proof that you have paid the Derecho de No Inmigrante (DNI), a tourist tax that is typically included in your airfare if you flew into the country. If you cannot prove it was paid, you will be required to pay it at the border.