CHETUMAL, Mexico, Wed. Apr. 24, 2019– About 12,000 persons, including Belizeans, who went to spend the Easter holiday in Chetumal and other destinations in Mexico, were denied entry into that country because they did not have a passport or the Mexican border permit issued by that country. The travelers arrived at the border in groups that were on excursions, and in buses, private vehicles, and by other means of transport, and they were refused entry.

In March, before the Easter holiday, an announcement was made on Mexican social media that Belizeans wishing to visit Chetumal for the Easter could enter the country without a passport. The announcement said that visitors would be given a pass, and that the arrangement was being made only for the Easter.

The Mexican Embassy in Belize said that they knew of no such arrangement, that the arrangement announced was not made by Mexico’s federal authorities. Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, His Excellency Oliver Del Cid, said that he heard the announcement but knew that it was bogus, that the Mexican government did not make such announcement. He said that there are only two means by which travelers can gain entry into Mexico — by presenting a valid passport, or by showing a border permit issued by Mexico. He said that new immigration officers are in charge of procedures at the border and are enforcing existing immigration laws.

Unfortunately, thousands of persons got the wrong message and they were turned away.