Exploring Guatemala And Belize: Can I Drive A Rental?

Driving a rental car from Guatemala to Belize is possible, but it requires careful planning and preparation. It is important to note that most rental car companies do not allow their vehicles to be taken across borders. However, there are a few companies, such as Crystal in Belize and America Car Rental in Mexico, that offer this option for an additional fee. When renting a car for this purpose, it is crucial to obtain the necessary permits and insurance, as the requirements differ between countries.

Border crossings in Central America can be confusing and intimidating, especially when compared to the simplicity of crossing borders within the European Union. The process of crossing from Guatemala to Belize involves multiple steps, including obtaining exit and entry stamps, paying various fees, and undergoing vehicle inspections and fumigation. It is recommended to have local currency on hand, as card payments may not be accepted everywhere. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the safety considerations and road conditions in the region.

Overall, while it is possible to drive a rental car from Guatemala to Belize, it requires careful planning and an understanding of the specific requirements and procedures involved.

Border crossing process

The only land border crossing between Guatemala and Belize is at Benque Viejo Del Carmen in Belize and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala.

Crossing from Guatemala to Belize

• Cross the bridge and park at the white building on your right.
• Get your passport stamped at the Migracion and Aduana of Guatemala inside the white building.
• Hand over your TIP and sticker at the Aduana.
• Drive to Fumigation and pay the required fee. You will receive a receipt.
• Park in front of the green building.
• Go to the Migration and Aduana for Belize inside the green building.
• Show your passport and let the official know where you plan to stay. Get your passport stamped.
• At the Aduana desk, show your license, passport, and registration. Your TIP will be stamped into your passport.
• Go through the door on your right and pay for the import of your vehicle at the little window outside.
• Drive through the last check and leave the border.

Crossing from Belize to Guatemala

• Park your car at the Belize immigration center.
• Go inside the building and walk up to the counter. The representatives speak both English and Spanish.
• Get your passports reviewed and hand them back.
• Pay the exit fee. As of 2023, the exit fee is approximately $40 Belize dollars or $20 USD per person. They accept both Belize and US dollars.
• Proceed to the small window in the back of the building to get your passport stamped.
• Exchange your money outside the building. You will find money changers who can exchange your currency from Belize dollars or US dollars to Guatemalan quetzales.
• Drive your car through the fumigation area where they will spray insecticide.
• Park your car and walk across to the immigration building.
• Get your passport stamped and receive a small piece of paper that you must present when exiting the country.
• Head to your left to turn in your rental car paperwork. They will check the paperwork and passports, inspect the vehicle, and check that the VIN number matches.
• Pay for a vehicle import permit at a separate window. As of 2023, the vehicle permit costs approximately $22 US dollars or 165 quetzales.
• After receiving the receipt for the vehicle permit, return to the counter to receive your permit.
• Drive across the bridge into Guatemala. There may be military guards who will ask for your permit and charge a fee of 20-50 quetzales ($2.60-$5.00 US) to pass.

Additional Information

• It is important to note that most rental car agencies in Belize do not allow you to take their vehicles across the Guatemala border. An exception is Crystal, a car rental agency that charges a $25 USD fee for crossing the border.
• There may be children or young adults who speak English at the Guatemalan border who can help translate and guide you through the process for a small tip.
• The re-entry process when returning to Belize from Guatemala is not as complicated as the initial border crossing.

Rental car agencies

If you're planning to drive a rental car from Guatemala to Belize, it's important to note that most rental car agencies in Belize do not allow their vehicles to be taken across the border into Guatemala. However, there are a few exceptions.

Crystal Auto Rental

Crystal Auto Rental is one of the few rental car companies in Belize that permits its vehicles to be taken into Guatemala. They have been in business since 1989 and are considered a trusted name in the industry. They have offices at the international airport and on the Goldson Highway in Belize City. Crystal charges a $25 USD fee for crossing into Guatemala, which covers the additional paperwork required for the trip. You can reserve your car and indicate your intention to cross into Guatemala in advance on their website.

Local Companies in San Ignacio

In addition to Crystal Auto Rental, there are a couple of local car rental companies in San Ignacio, Belize, that also allow their vehicles to be taken into Guatemala. However, it's important to note that these companies do not provide insurance coverage while the vehicle is in Guatemala.

America Car Rental

If you're planning a road trip that begins and ends in Mexico, America Car Rental is an option to consider. They have offices across Mexico, including in Cancún, and allow their vehicles to be taken into Guatemala and Belize. America Car Rental provides an affidavit for "importing" the car into Guatemala for an additional fee of $180 USD. It's important to note that they do not provide insurance coverage for Guatemala and Belize, so you will need to arrange your own insurance for those countries.

Alamo, Budget, and Hertz

Major international rental car companies such as Alamo, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Belize and can be used for rentals within the country. However, they do not allow their vehicles to be taken across the border into Guatemala.

Cost and permits

The only rental car agency in Belize that allows you to take their vehicles across the Guatemala border is Crystal. There is a $25 USD fee for crossing the Guatemala border. The fee covers the additional time required by the car rental company because they have to fill out more paperwork that you will surrender at the border. You can reserve your car and pay online and indicate in advance that you will take the car into Guatemala. They call it a “Tikal permit”.

The vehicle import permit costs approximately $22 US dollars or 165 Guatemalan quetzales. Readers who have made the Belize-Guatemala border crossing in recent years have said you now have to pay for your vehicle permit at Banrural Bank, about 3/4 of a mile away from the border crossing.

Guatemala does not require or recognise car insurance. In the event you are in a car accident in Guatemala, you would be responsible for the full cost of repairs.

In Belize, you will have to pay an exit fee of approximately $40 Belize dollars or $20 USD per person.

After you've gotten your exit stamps and paid the fees on the Belize side, your next stop is fumigation of the car. You'll drive your car through what looks like a giant car wash where they will spray insecticide on it. Park your car, and go to the window to pay the fumigation fee. This is easy to miss, but don't! The charge is minimal, about $2.50 USD.

There is an “unofficial” entrance charge of 20 quetzales (roughly $2.60) to cross the Belize/Guatemala border, but some travellers have reported not having to pay this.

You will also need to pay for car insurance in Belize. Getting it is very straightforward. After you cross the border and enter Belize, you will see different insurance company offices offering insurance to incoming travellers. The staff at the border were very helpful and explained where to go and what to expect.

Other Costs to Consider

• Money changers: Outside the Belize immigration building, you will find money changers who can exchange your currency from either Belize dollars or US dollars to Guatemalan quetzales. You must pay in quetzales, so it is a good idea to change money at the border.
• Shuttle bus: If you don't want to deal with the hassle of a vehicle permit, you can book a shuttle bus from Belize City to Tikal or the town of Flores. One shuttle will drop you off at the border, which you will then walk across, go through the immigration process, then catch another shuttle on the Guatemalan side.

Safety and police

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Belize, attacks cannot be ruled out. Political demonstrations take place in Belize City and Belmopan, but most are peaceful. However, Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and tourists are vulnerable to theft. It is advised to use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, keep valuables out of sight, and be aware that wearing expensive jewellery could attract attention.

The Belize Police Department has a website that provides information on its activities and statistics. It also offers cyber security advice, such as increasing your knowledge on how to stay safe on the internet and being vigilant about fraudulent practices.

Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America, and incidents are usually indiscriminate and can take place in tourist areas. Armed attacks on tourists travelling by road to and from major tourist sites have occurred. Carjacking and armed robbery are common on the main road leading from Guatemala City to the border with El Salvador. Violent attacks, including sexual assault, can take place anywhere and at any time of the day. They usually involve firearms and motorbike riders. Criminal kidnappings, or express kidnappings, are also common in Guatemala.

The National Civil Police are responsible for law enforcement in Guatemala. However, there have been reports of criminals posing as police officers and committing theft, extortion, and sexual assault against visitors.

Border Safety

The Belize Guatemala border crossing is a lengthy process that starts before you reach the border. It is important to choose the right rental car agency, as most rental car agencies in Belize do not allow you to take their vehicles across the Guatemala border. The exception is Crystal, which charges a $25 USD fee for the additional paperwork.

When crossing the border, you will need to pay various fees, including an exit fee from Belize and a vehicle import permit from Guatemala. There is also a fumigation fee for your car, and you may be charged an "unofficial" entrance fee. Military guards at the border may also ask for a fee to pass.

Safety in Guatemala

In Guatemala, it is generally safer to travel on main roads, as there is a greater risk of attack by gangs on quieter routes. It is recommended to travel in convoy if possible. Take care around ATMs, petrol station forecourts, the airport, bus stations, and shopping centres.

Guatemala has a high threat of terrorist attacks, and although there is no recent history of terrorism, attacks cannot be ruled out. Following nationwide elections in 2023, there were a number of protests and roadblocks across the country, and the situation has the potential to deteriorate without warning. It is advised to avoid all protests and roadblocks and check with local authorities and media outlets for the latest information.

Border crossings with a rental car

If you are planning to cross the border from Belize to Guatemala by rental car, it is important to note that most rental car agencies in Belize do not allow their vehicles to be taken across the border. The exception to this rule is Crystal, which charges a $25 fee for the additional paperwork that is required.

When driving a rental car from Belize to Guatemala, the first stop is the Belize immigration centre, where you will be asked a few questions, and your passports will be reviewed. Here, you will pay an exit fee of approximately $40 Belize dollars or $20 USD per person. You will then need to get your passport stamped at a small window in the back of the building.

Outside the building, you will find money changers who can exchange your currency from either Belize dollars or US dollars to Guatemalan quetzales. It is a good idea to change money at the border, as US dollars and Belize currency cannot be used in Guatemala.

After getting your exit stamps and paying the fees on the Belize side, your next stop is fumigation of the car. You will need to drive your car through what looks like a giant car wash where they will spray insecticide on it. Park your car and go to the window of a small building next to the drive-through stall to pay the fumigation fee of about $2.50 USD.

After you've paid the fumigation fee to drive a car across the Belize-Guatemala land border, leave your car parked and walk across to the immigration building. It is a large, open-air pavilion across the makeshift street from the small fumigation building. Here, you will get your Guatemala entrance stamps. You will be given a small piece of paper that you must keep and present when exiting the country.

After getting your entrance stamp, you will need to present your rental car paperwork. Officials will check the paperwork and passports, inspect the vehicle, and check that the VIN number matches. You will then need to pay for a vehicle import permit, which costs approximately $22 USD or 165 quetzales.

Congratulations! You have now completed the immigration process at the Belize-Guatemala border crossing and can officially enter Guatemala in your rental car! The whole process takes approximately 45 minutes.

Frequently asked questions