A few years ago I sought answers from the Mexican Embassy in Belize (Rene Santillan) and from the Mexican Honorary Consul (Maria Espat) in Corozal. I couldn't find any answers on the Mexican Department of Immigration website.

Both stated that there is no exit/departure fee/tax when departing Mexico, but there is a fee (295 pesos) for the FMM tourist card. That fee is known as DNI (Derecho de No Inmigrante) and must be paid in certain circumstances. It's often erroneously called a "departure/exit fee/tax" because that's what many visitors think they're paying when handing over money at a border. There might be other charges at the airport.

DNI is a fee that must be paid to the Mexican Government by all foreign nationals, including Belizeans who enter Mexico by air, road or sea, in the following cases:

1. Tourists staying in Mexico more than 7 (seven) consecutive days.

2. Transit travelers with destination to a third country regardless the time need for their transit. This includes those who enter Subteniente Lopez, Chetumal, by road and whose purpose is to board a flight in Cancun to travel to another country, as well as those arriving at Cancun and going to Belize.

3. Holders of the border card FMVL (Forma Migratoria de Visitante Local) that remain more that 3 (three) consecutive days in Mexico. This fee is payable in addition of a sanction for violating the permitted period allowed under the FMVL status. FMVL holders are reminded that they can only stay in Quintana Roo for no more than 3 (three) consecutive days.

Visitors who are exempt from paying the fee include:
1. Visitors who enter Mexico, stay for seven days or less, and return to the country of origin.
2. FMVL border card holders who stay less than 3 days.
3. FM3 and FM2 holders.

The DNI must be paid in pesos at any bank in Mexico. It can also be paid at the Cancun airport.

In a media report, an official from the Embassy said no money should be paid to immigration officials at the border, and to report any instances where an official asks for money. The Honorary Consul also said no money should be given to immigration officers at the border - they are not authorized to collect money.

When it comes to Mexican bureaucracy, there are the rules and then there's what really happens -- two different things. I've heard all kinds of stories.

Anyone with questions or complaints should contact the Embassy in Belmopan, or visit the Honorary Consul in Corozal. The HC is open from 9 am to 12 noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Forget email, you either won't get a reply, or you'll get a reply that doesn't answer your questions.

For more information, contact the Mexican Embassy's Consular Section at +501-223-0193 or +501-223-0194, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm or write to consular@embamex.bz.

You can also visit the Mexican Immigration website: http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/pagina_principal/en.html

Mexican Embassy's website: www.sre.gob.mx/belice or Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmbassyofMexicoinBelize