Bz. Embassy in Mexico offers transit tips

We have not been in contact today with a group of Belizeans reportedly held up in Texas waiting to cross the Mexican border… But we did speak to the Belize Embassy in Mexico City. Ambassador Salvador Figueroa explained that the problems involving Belizeans transiting through Mexico have been around for many years and are compounded by the fact that Belize is so small compared to Mexico and that Mexico has signed free trade agreements with all the Central American nations except Belize. Another problem is that Mexico frequently changes the rules concerning what can and cannot be brought through, and Belizeans have no way of knowing when those changes are made. The result is that much of the overland transit through Mexico is handled on an exceptional basis, with the Mexican government waiving certain requirements at the request of the Government of Belize. In speaking to News 5, Ambassador Figueroa offered the following general tips for those Belizeans driving through Mexico as more than just tourists.

One: All Belizean truckers who operate freight service between the U.S.A. and Belize should register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This allows the Government of Belize to issue a letter of commitment to the Mexicans that their cargoes are indeed in transit.

Two: The embassy requests that all Belizean commercial traffic be routed through the border crossing at Matamoros. This will greatly simplify the expediting of travellers and cargo as officials and brokers at Matamoros will become familiar with the handling of Belizean traffic and goods through that port of entry.

Three: Travellers should make full, truthful and exact declarations for customs as failure to do so can result in serious problems with Mexican officials.

And four: Check carefully with your customs broker regarding any recent rule changes, and if there are problems contact the embassy in Mexico. Figueroa stressed that his staff can help procure exemptions on some rules, but that it is important to respect the protocols and not abuse the system.

The ambassador added that Belize and Mexico are in the process of negotiating a consolidated transport agreement, but it will still take some time to finalise its completion. To contact the Belize Embassy in Mexico you can call 5255-5520-1274 or 1346 or email embelize@prodigy.net.mx. The officer to ask for is Max Ruiz.