PM Eyes 5% of 1.1 Million Mexican Shoppers as Border Card Expands to Seven Days Nationwide

Prime Minister Johnny Briceño says the expanded Mexican Border Crossing Card is a “historic day” for Belize. He says it could bring in 55,000 more visitors from Mexico.

The Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour announced this week that it is updating the application process ahead of the launch of the expanded Digital Border Crossing Card programme. The expanded card will let eligible Mexican nationals stay in Belize for up to seven days anywhere in the country, compared with the current three-day stay limited to the northern districts.

Briceño said the idea has been discussed for years. “I think it’s a historic day,” Briceño said. “Because for many, many years we’ve been talking about finding opportunities.”

He said he worked on the card with the Cabinet and the ministers responsible for tourism. He said it has been a long process. “With this card now it will make it easier for Mexicans to come to Belize and to visit the entire country,” Briceño said. “Because at one time you could only go as far as Corozal.”

He also said the government is working with the Customs Department on letting Mexican visitors bring their vehicles into Belize without paying fees. “We’re even working with the Customs Department that will be able to allow you to bring in your vehicle without paying any fees,” he said. “The only thing you’ll have to pay, obviously, is the insurance.”

He pointed to the size of the market next door. He said there are 130 million Mexicans across the border, and 1.1 million of them visit the free zone. “If we can get 5 percent of 1.1 million, that’s 55,000 Mexicans to be able to cross into Belize,” Briceño said. He said that number would be at least a 10 percent increase in the overnight visitors Belize has now.

“So it’s a great opportunity for us, an economic opportunity for Belizeans,” he said. He said the card would also help build a stronger relationship between Mexico and Belize.