(Chetumal, Mexico)

My friend from China needed a visa to cross into Belize. We headed to the Belize border as we were told that they processed visas at the checkpoint. At the checkpoint, a Mexican was collecting money for the immigration stamps one needed for exiting the country. He offered to help when my friend mentioned her need for a visa.

I went ahead to the Belizean customs to wait for my friend. Meanwhile, the ¨helpful¨ Mexican asked my friend for US$50 to process the visa. He went on to photocopy some documents at a nearby shop (yes, I know its dodgy). She paid the money and headed to the Belizean border.

The Belize customs officer pulled out a sheet to check the requirements. My friend was told that it was near impossible to get the visa (its US$2000 and you need to apply for it in Beijing).
Under P.R.C. was the Republic of China (aka Taiwan). They do not need a visa. I suspect that it is because Belize and Guatemala both recognize Taiwan instead of China as a remnant of Taiwan´s South American money for political recognition diplomacy.

We changed our plans and headed West to Palenque in Mexico instead.

(Chetumal, Mexico)