Tourists Exempt from Non-Resident Fee on Belize-Chetumal Boats

Despite concerns raised by business owners in southern Quintana Roo, tourists traveling by boat from San Pedro, Belize to Chetumal will not be subjected to the Non-Resident Fee (DNR). This fee is similar to the one charged to cruise ship passengers, but the Quintana Roo Port Administration (Apiqroo) has confirmed it will not apply to these boat travelers.

Vagner Elbiorn Vega, the director of Apiqroo, assured that there is no cause for concern. He clarified that the federal fee, which will be implemented from July, is only for foreign visitors on cruise ships docking at the ports of Cozumel and Mahahual. "The Non-Resident Fee does not apply to tourists entering the state via the San Pedro Belize-Chetumal route using the Express Water Taxi," Vega said. He also confirmed that these tourists are not subjected to the $5 fee introduced on January 1.

Each tourist using these maritime routes contributes approximately 40 pesos to the state. They also pay an average of around 1100 pesos for docking rights and tolls at the maritime terminal. Apiqroo collects up to 480,000 pesos per year from these fees, considering there are about 1000 foreign visitors per month traveling from Belize to the state capital of Quintana Roo.

The Fiscal Wharf of Chetumal is a significant entry and exit point for many travelers. They often stay overnight in local hotels and contribute to the local economy by shopping and dining in the city. Vega emphasized that there is no financial risk for tourists or businesses, as these boats are not considered for the $42 DNR fee approved by the Federal Executive, or the additional $5 fee agreed with shipping companies from 2024 onwards.