Maritime travel from Belize to Chetumal at risk from tax hike

Chetumal, QR. – The honorary consul of Belize in Chetumal, José Luis Kelly, warned that commercial and visitor flow by maritime route from his country to the capital of Quintana Roo is on the verge of disappearing as a consequence of the tax called Non-Resident Right (DNR).

The Belizean representative expressed concern about the current situation, as only two shipping companies operate connecting both destinations through Chetumal Bay.

He specified that for his compatriots, payment of the DNR has become inaccessible, since in 2026 it amounts to 983 pesos. The increase compared to the previous year was 14 percent, he pointed out.

He indicated that this tax applied to foreigners has caused the “total collapse” of transit of Belizean citizens to the state capital. He stated that the high costs of the levy represent the main cause of this decrease.

Maritime Route Ceases to Be Viable Entry Alternative

José Luis Kelly considered that entry by maritime route is ceasing to be a viable alternative for his compatriots seeking to enter Quintana Roo territory. He affirmed that these administrative provisions have “dismantled” a historical relationship of good maritime neighborliness. He added that this mode of entry to Mexico, particularly to Chetumal, has been severely affected.

He emphasized that the land flow of Belizeans to Mexico continues, but that the option by maritime route, which for decades strengthened the relationship between both territories, has practically disappeared.

Kelly indicated that the maritime connection was historically the main link between Belizeans and Chetumal residents; however, currently, instead of fostering integration, it is generating a distancing. He added that the DNR is a tax with constant and annual increases, which has discouraged his compatriots from using maritime transportation to reach Chetumal.

Call to Rescue Maritime Route Between Both Countries

José Luis Kelly urged authorities at the three levels of government, as well as businesspeople from both countries, to establish working tables to seek solutions to this problem.

He recalled that complications for entry by maritime route are not recent, as they began in 1999 with the entry into force of the DNR, whose initial cost was 295 pesos and which in 2026 reached 983 pesos.

The DNR is a tax charged to foreign visitors for entering Mexico for tourism purposes or other non-remunerated activities.

According to the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur) of Chetumal, approximately 50,000 Belizeans enter Quintana Roo by land each month, generating significant economic spillover for the state capital.

Estimates from the commercial sector indicate that each Belizean visitor spends in Chetumal between one thousand and 1,500 pesos daily, representing at least 50 million pesos monthly.

Belizeans come mainly seeking lodging, recreation, medical services, gastronomy, groceries, appliances, clothing, footwear, telephony and computer equipment.