The Road Less Traveled: Navigating The Belize-Guatemala Border By Car

Is it safe to drive from Belize to Guatemala?

Crossing the border from Belize to Guatemala is considered safe, with many travellers making the journey without incident. However, it is important to take general safety precautions and be aware of potential scams and unofficial fees.

There is only one land border crossing between Belize and Guatemala, at Benque Viejo Del Carmen (Belize) and Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). This border crossing is well-trodden by tourists and connects popular destinations such as Tikal Ruins in Guatemala and the ATM Caves in Belize.

The process of crossing the border involves several steps, including exchanging currency, getting your passport stamped, and paying various fees. It is recommended to have small denominations of local currency, as there are usually money changers near the immigration offices. There may also be unofficial fees or scams, such as taxi drivers convincing travellers that the colectivo station is too far to walk. However, the colectivo station is only a few minutes' walk from the immigration office.

In terms of transportation, you can cross the border by shuttle, public transport, or rental car. If you choose to drive, be aware that the road from the border to Tikal is not paved all the way and there are not many signs. Additionally, vehicle insurance is not available in Guatemala, so it may be safer to leave your rental car on the Belize side of the border.

Overall, crossing the border from Belize to Guatemala is a straightforward process, and with the proper precautions, it can be a safe and enjoyable journey.

Border crossing process

There is only one land border crossing between Belize and Guatemala, at Benque Viejo Del Carmen (Belize) and Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). The crossing can be done by shuttle, public transport, or rental car.

By Shuttle or Public Transport

If you are crossing by shuttle or public transport, the process is relatively straightforward. First, take a taxi or shared taxi to the border. You will need to pay an exit fee of around $20 USD at the Belize immigration centre. You will also need to fill out a form and get your passport stamped.

Once you have crossed into Guatemala, you will need to get your passport stamped at the Guatemalan immigration building. There may be an "unofficial" entrance charge of around $2.60, but this is not always charged. From there, you can take a taxi or colectivo to your next destination.

By Rental Car

If you are crossing by rental car, the process is a little more complicated. Most rental car agencies in Belize do not allow you to take their vehicles into Guatemala, except for Crystal, which charges a $25 USD fee. You will need to get a "Tikal permit" from the rental company, as Guatemala does not recognise car insurance.

When you arrive at the border, park your car and go to the Belize immigration centre to pay the exit fee and get your passport stamped. Outside the building, you can exchange your money for Guatemalan quetzales.

After you have exited Belize, you will need to get your car fumigated. Drive through the fumigation area, then park your car and pay the fumigation fee at a small building nearby.

Next, walk across to the Guatemalan immigration building to get your passport stamped and receive a small piece of paper that you must keep to present when exiting the country. There may be another unofficial charge here.

After getting your entrance stamp, you will need to present your rental car paperwork and pay for a vehicle import permit. They will inspect your vehicle and check the VIN number.

Finally, you can drive across the "tourist" bridge into Guatemala. There may be military guards who ask for your permit and charge a fee to pass. To avoid this, you can turn right and then immediately left before the bridge and take a small dirt road that runs adjacent to the bridge.

Other Information

It is recommended that you exchange your money at the border, as it may be difficult to find money exchange shops in either country that will exchange the other's currency.

The border is open 24 hours a day from Belize to Guatemala, but only from 6 am to 10 pm from Guatemala to Belize. It is closed to vehicles from 6 pm.

The whole border crossing process usually takes around 45 minutes, but it can take longer if you arrive at the same time as a tour bus.

The roads in Belize are well-maintained, but the road from the border to Tikal in Guatemala is not paved all the way and can be difficult to navigate.

Driving conditions

Belize

Driving in Belize is relatively safe and recommended. Driving behaviours are not aggressive, and road signs are in English, making them easy to understand. Driving is done on the right-hand side of the road, and speed limits are posted in miles, with a general speed limit of 55 mph on highways and 25 mph in cities and villages. However, some roads in Belize are unpaved, and their conditions vary. While highways have been repaved in recent years, some city streets can be challenging to navigate due to their narrow and maze-like structure.

The major roads, such as the Northern Highway, the Hummingbird Highway, and the Western Highway, are generally in good condition. The Hummingbird Highway is particularly scenic, stretching through breathtaking natural landscapes. The Coastal Highway, on the other hand, is a gravel road that can be challenging due to dust in the dry season.

When driving in Belize, it is important to be cautious of pedestrians and wildlife crossing the roads. Driving at night is not recommended due to low visibility. Additionally, highways in Belize have a high concentration of speed bumps, so it is essential to drive slowly and cautiously.

Guatemala

Driving in Guatemala requires full attention and defensive driving techniques as traffic rules are not strictly followed. For example, drivers rarely use turn signals and often stick their hand out the window to indicate an unspecified action. Speed limits, lane markings, and stop signs are frequently ignored, and passing on winding mountain roads or overtaking slow-moving vehicles can be hazardous. Roads may also have unmarked hazards, such as landslides and temporary repairs. Driving outside urban areas at night is not advisable due to a lack of illumination.

The Inter-American Highway (CA-1) and the road from Guatemala City to the Caribbean coast (CA-9) are particularly dangerous due to heavy traffic, including large trucks and trailers. While there is no roadside assistance club, a roadside assistance force (PROVIAL) patrols most major highways and can be contacted for help. It is also important to note that drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury may be detained by the police until a judge determines responsibility.

When driving in Guatemala, it is essential to follow the local traffic rules and regulations, including using turn signals, obeying speed limits, and being cautious of pedestrians and other drivers.

Safety

Guatemala does not have a reputation for being a safe country. However, it is important to remember that crime rates vary significantly across the country. The eastern region of Guatemala, which borders Belize, is a rural and sparsely populated area. This means that it probably has a lower crime rate than some of the bigger cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, where safety can be more of an issue.

One traveller who drove from Belize to Guatemala with their family, including a young child, reported that they "never felt anything other than completely safe and welcomed in Guatemala". They did not encounter any issues with border agents or military personnel, who were "nice enough" despite carrying machine guns.

The roads on the Guatemalan side of the border are not paved all the way to the border, and there are not many signs. However, one traveller described the roads as "good" and "graded".

It is possible to cross the border by public transport. One traveller reported that they found this "super easy" and "quick", and that they had "no problems" during their journey.

In Belize, crime rates are higher in certain areas, such as Belize City, but tourists are rarely the victims of violent crime. One traveller commented that they felt "completely safe" in Belize, both during the day and in the evening.

• Be cautious of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
• Do not flash large amounts of cash or expensive items.
• Be aware of scams, such as taxi drivers convincing travellers that the colectivo station is too far to walk.
• Check your government's travel advice for the latest information on safety in Guatemala and Belize.

Travel requirements

• A valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity and at least two blank pages.
• Check the entry requirements for your specific nationality on your government website.
• Check the latest health requirements, such as COVID-19 rules, on your country's embassy page.
• Pre-booked accommodation details in Belize, as border officials may ask for this information.

When crossing the border, you should also be prepared to:

• Pay the Belize departure tax of BZD$40 (approximately USD$20).
• Exchange your currency into Guatemalan quetzals, as they are not accepted in Belize.
• Fill out an immigration form with your personal information and travel plans.
• Show your passport and receive entry and exit stamps.
• Answer questions about your stay in Belize, such as the duration of your visit and your itinerary.

Onward travel

Once you've crossed the border from Belize into Guatemala, there are several transport options available to continue your journey.

If you're travelling by car, you can drive across the border and onwards into Guatemala. The roads are reportedly well-maintained, and the border agents and other officials you'll encounter are said to be friendly. However, it's worth noting that Guatemala does not require or recognise car insurance, so you would be liable for the full cost of any repairs if you were in an accident.

If you're not driving, there are a few other options for getting from the border to your next destination. One popular choice is to take a shuttle, which you can book through a travel agent. Shuttles run twice a day, normally at 9 am and 12 pm, and cost around $30 USD. You can also take a taxi or a colectivo (shared minivan) to bring you onwards to San Ignacio and other points in Belize. Colectivos are very affordable, costing around $5 USD, and run frequently.

If you're travelling from Belize to Guatemala, the process is similar. After crossing the border on foot, you can take a taxi or a colectivo to the nearby town of Melchor de Mencos, where you can catch another colectivo to Flores. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle directly from San Ignacio to Flores, which costs around $27 USD.

It's worth noting that there have been reports of scams and unscrupulous taxi drivers at the border, so it's important to be vigilant and polite but firm if anyone tries to take advantage of you. In particular, there have been reports of taxi drivers convincing travellers that the colectivo station is too far to walk, which is untrue. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the border, so you can safely ignore these drivers and walk there yourself.

In terms of what you need to bring, both Belize and Guatemala require visitors to have a valid passport, and it's recommended that you have proof of onward travel and a reservation for your first night, as you may be asked about these at the border. There are no entry fees for either country, but there is a departure tax of $20 USD when leaving Belize. It's also a good idea to have small denominations of the local currency, as you'll need to pay some fees in Belizean dollars or Guatemalan quetzals, and there are usually money changers near the border who can help with this.

Overall, the Guatemala-Belize border crossing is relatively straightforward and safe, and with a little preparation, you can be on your way to exploring the incredible natural and cultural wonders that both countries have to offer.

Frequently asked questions