Information has been released via the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture in regard to new permit requirements for foreign bus companies and tour operators coming into Belize. The permits will be issued at border points and will take effect on April 20, 2009.
For other forms of public transportation such as taxis, and buses which are transporting people for purposes other than tours, normal Customs and Immigration clearance procedures will apply before they can be allowed past border entry points.
Any vehicles originating from Belize (whether private or public) crossing over into a bordering country are subject to the regulations of the Transport Department in the respective country being visited (Mexico/Guatemala).
Additionally, all public transportation operators must have a road service permit in order to operate within Belize. The particulars of the release issued by the Ministry are as follows:
The Ministry of Public Utilities, Transport, Communications and National Emergency Management hereby informs that the changes regarding the International Road Transportation services in Belize will be conducted as follows. The enforcement of these procedures will take effect on Monday, 20th April, 2009.
Direct Intransit: A manifest of passengers will be needed at points of entry and departure; the Boom Road is to be used for all direct intransit trips.
Tour: A manifest of passengers will be needed at point of entry and departure (Same In – Same Out).
A Belize tour guide to be used on all tours; the cost of guide is to be paid by the tour.
Charter to Belize City Water Taxi: A manifest of passengers will be needed at entry and destination points; drop-off of passengers is only to be done at the Water Taxi Bus Stop on North Front Street in Belize City; charters will be allowed to return with passengers only from Water Taxi the same day.
Indirect Intransit: A manifest of passengers will be needed at the point of entry, Belize City Water Taxi and point of departure from Belize; drop-off of passengers will be allowed at the Water Taxi; this bus will be allowed to continue to Mexico/Guatemala with the remainder of the passengers only; these buses cannot pick up anyone at Water Taxi; these buses are required to pay for a guard or transport officer to the Belize City Water Taxi; these buses cannot pick up anyone on way to Mexico/Guatemala.
General Regulation: No category of international transportation will be allowed to pick up any passengers in Belize – except Tours and Charters at Belize City Water Taxi; permit will state after three (3) violations, they will be cancelled; fines will be imposed for violations; taxis will be allowed to bring in passengers but cannot return with different persons on return journey.
Other forms of public transportation follow the normal immigration and customs procedures.