Belize And Guatemala: Neighbors Or More?

Belize and Guatemala are neighbouring countries in Central America. The distance between the two countries is between 404 and 426 kilometres, and the border between them is about 165 miles long. The closest cities are Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. The two countries are so close that their communities overlap, with the village of Arenal straddling the border.

The Belize-Guatemala border is 266km long

Belize and Guatemala are neighbouring Central American countries. The Belize-Guatemala border is 266km (165mi) long and is defined in Article I of the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty of 1859. The border separates the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala and is described as an almost straight line close to the 89th meridian west.

The border crossing between the two countries is a popular route for tourists wishing to visit the Mayan ruins at Tikal in Guatemala and the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-longest barrier reef. Currently, there is only one land border crossing, in the northeast corner of Guatemala and the western border of Belize. The border towns are Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. The border crossing is simple and inexpensive, although there is a departure tax when leaving Belize. The process involves presenting a passport, exchanging currency, and answering questions from border officials.

The history of the Belize-Guatemala border is complex and marked by disputes. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Britain and Spain signed treaties regarding territories in the Americas, agreeing that what is now Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, although British settlers could use the land. After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala claimed it had inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory. Guatemala and Britain negotiated the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty in 1859, which recognised British sovereignty over the region and established the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. However, tensions flared up intermittently throughout the 20th century, with Guatemala periodically renewing its claims on the area. Belize gained independence in 1981, and while Guatemala recognised this in the early 1990s, it continued to dispute the borders.

In addition to political tensions, the Belize-Guatemala border also illustrates striking differences in land use practices. A 2016 study on deforestation found that forested land declined by 32% on the Guatemalan side of the border between 1991 and 2014, while in Belize, the forested area declined by only 11%. This difference is particularly noticeable in satellite images, with near-pristine forest in Belize contrasting with agricultural fields in Guatemala.

The countries' land border can be crossed in one place

Belize and Guatemala share a land border that is almost a straight line, approximately 165 miles long, separating the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala. The two countries are very close, and the border can be crossed in one place, in the northeast corner of Guatemala and the western border of Belize. The border towns are Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala.

The border crossing is simple and straightforward. The Guatemalan side is open from 6 am to 10 pm, while the Belizean side is open 24/7. There are no exit fees when leaving Guatemala, but there is a departure tax of BZN$40 (approximately US$20) when departing Belize.

Upon arrival at the Guatemalan border, travellers must get their passports stamped at the Migracion window and then proceed to the Aduana window to hand over the TIP and sticker. They then drive to the fumigation area, pay the required fee, and obtain a receipt. After fumigation, travellers park in front of the green building, which houses the migration and aduana offices for Belize. At the first window, travellers present their passports and provide information on their accommodation in Belize. They then proceed to the Aduana desk, where they show their license, passport, and vehicle registration. The TIP is stamped into the passport, and travellers make a payment for the import of the vehicle. After passing through the final check, travellers are free to leave the border.

The process for crossing from Belize to Guatemala is similar but slightly different. Travellers must first get to the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, either by taxi or shuttle. Before entering the immigration office, they can exchange their currency into Guatemalan quetzals. At the departure hall, travellers pay a departure fee of BZN$40 or US$20, encompassing various sub-fees. They then show their passports to the guard and receive an exit stamp. After walking across to the Guatemalan border control, travellers present their passports and fill out an immigration form.

The border crossing between Belize and Guatemala is a popular route for tourists visiting the Mayan ruins at Tikal in Guatemala or the world's second-longest barrier reef in Belize. The process is generally safe and straightforward, with short wait times and no daily limits on the number of visitors.

The flight time between Guatemala City and Belize City is 58 minutes

Belize and Guatemala are close neighbours in Central America. The Belize–Guatemala border is a straight line 266 km (165 mi) long, separating the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala. There is one main highway crossing at Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala.

The driving distance between Guatemala City and Belize City is 680km or 686km

Belize and Guatemala are neighbouring Central American countries. The Belize–Guatemala border is an almost straight line 165 miles (266 km) long, separating the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala. The two countries are so close that it is easy to cross the border by land, and many tourists choose to visit both countries to enjoy their natural beauty and historical sites.

The distance between the two capital cities, Guatemala City and Belize City, is 251 miles or 404 kilometres. The driving distance from Guatemala City to Belize City is 426 miles or 686 kilometres, and the travel time by car is approximately 9 hours and 33 minutes.

There is only one land border crossing between the two countries, in the northeast corner of Guatemala and the western border of Belize. The two border cities are Benque Viejo del Carmen on the Belize side and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala.

There are several ways to cross the border by land, and the process is relatively straightforward. It is important to have the correct documentation, such as a passport, and be aware of any entry or exit fees that may apply. The border can be crossed by taxi, shuttle, bus, or colectivo (shared minivan).

The bus journey from Guatemala City to Belize City takes 16 hours

Belize and Guatemala are close neighbours in Central America, with a border that is around 165 miles long. The two countries are separated by just this relatively short distance, and there is a lot of cross-border movement.

The bus is not the only option for travel between the two cities. The quickest way to travel is by plane, which takes around four hours, but this is a more expensive option. It is also possible to drive, which takes around ten hours, or to take a combination of bus and ferry, which takes 15 hours.

Frequently asked questions