Belize Set to Launch Regional Visitor Card for Southern Mexico Residents

Belize’s long-discussed Regional Visitor Card for residents of southeastern Mexico will be launched shortly, nearly two years after the proposal was first raised as a means of strengthening tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.  The initiative resurfaced this week following meetings in Chetumal involving Belizean officials, business leaders, and private sector representatives. When implemented, the Regional Visitor Card, known as the TVR, would be available to residents of Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas, allowing easier access to Belize without some of the existing travel requirements.  The concept is not new. In September 2024, then Belize Ambassador to Mexico, Oscar Arnold, spoke of the benefits such an arrangement could bring to both countries, particularly in boosting tourism, commerce, and regional integration.

Oscar Arnold, CEO, Foreign Affairs: “That is also linked to the visitors card as well, where they will apply for that. I understand from immigration sources that there’s a bit of a backlog but that they are working to get those cards, the people who have already applied and paid for that service to try to get them their card as early as possible. And I believe that is linked with trying to get more Mexican tourists who live in the bordering states in Mexico to visit Belize a little bit easier. This is in direct response or for reciprocity of the border cards that the Mexicans have had going for a couple of years now, where Belizeans can apply for a border card as well. And when they’re traveling and entering Mexico, they only have to present the card they don’t need their passport to be There was also a fee at the land borders for any non-national who exits Belize. But now that waiver is in place for Mexicans.”

Under the proposal, the card would function similarly to the Regional Visitor Card currently issued by Mexico’s National Migration Institute to visitors from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. At present, Mexican nationals traveling beyond Belize’s free zone are generally required to present a passport and obtain additional permits.  Chief Executive Officer of the Corozal Free Zone, Neri Ramirez, has indicated that the measure could also encourage greater cultural exchanges between Belizeans and Mexicans, while Belize’s Honorary Consul in Quintana Roo, Jose Luis Kelly, says additional initiatives are being explored to further deepen bilateral relations.  The proposal has reportedly received strong backing from business groups in southern Quintana Roo, including representatives from the tourism, hospitality, restaurant, and commercial sectors, who view the Regional Visitor Card as a practical tool for increasing economic activity and movement between the neighboring countries.