Rising Mexican DNR Tax Threatens Belize–Chetumal Sea Travel

Maritime travel between Belize and Chetumal is at risk of disappearing as a result of rising costs linked to Mexico’s Non-Resident Right tax, commonly known as the DNR.  The Honorary Consul of Belize in Chetumal, José Luis Kelly, has warned that commercial and visitor traffic by sea across Chetumal Bay is nearing collapse, noting that only two companies currently operate the route between the two destinations. According to Kelly, the DNR, applied to foreign nationals entering Mexico for tourism or other non-remunerated activities, has become prohibitively expensive for Belizean travelers. In 2026, the tax stands at 983 Mexican pesos, reflecting a 14 percent increase over the previous year. He says the rising cost has led to what he describes as a “total collapse” in maritime transit by Belizeans to the Quintana Roo capital.  Kelly explained that while Belizeans continue to enter Mexico by land, the maritime route, historically a key link fostering close ties between Belize and Chetumal, has become increasingly unviable. He added that the tax has effectively dismantled decades of good maritime neighbourliness, replacing integration with growing separation.  Kelly is now calling on federal, state, and municipal authorities, along with business leaders in both Belize and Mexico, to establish joint working groups to identify solutions aimed at preserving the maritime connection.  Despite the decline in sea travel, land crossings remain strong. According to Mexico’s National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur) in Chetumal, an estimated 50,000 Belizeans enter Quintana Roo by land each month, generating significant economic activity. Commercial sector estimates suggest Belizean visitors spend between 1,000 and 1,500 pesos per day, contributing at least 50 million pesos monthly to the local economy.  Belizean visitors typically travel to Chetumal for lodging, recreation, medical services, dining, groceries, appliances, clothing, footwear, and telecommunications and computer equipment.