Crossing the Belize-Guatemala Border: Shuttle vs Public Transport vs Ferry
Everything you need to know about crossing from Belize to Guatemala or vice versa: San Ignacio to Flores or Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios/Livingston and back.
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Whether you’ve been travelling Belize or travelling Guatemala, crossing the Belize-Guatemala border can be one of the more confusing parts of planning a Central American adventure. Shuttles, buses, and even ferries can leave travellers wondering: what’s the easiest, fastest, and safest way?
After extensive research and multiple water taxis in Belize, we crossed the border from San Ignacio to Flores, but not before seriously considering the Punta Gorda-Puerto Barrios/Livingston route, too. In this Belize-Guatemala border crossing guide, we break down every option, including from San Ignacio to Flores, Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios or Livingston, and the reverse route from Guatemala to Belize, covering shuttles, public transport, ferries, and insider tips to help you plan your trip confidently.
Belize-Guatemala border crossing at a glance
Can you cross the border between Belize and Guatemala?
Despite having a ~165-mile (266 km) long border, there are only two places you can cross safely and legally between Belize and Guatemala:
There are a variety of methods for crossing each border, and which one is right for you will depend on your travel style, budget, and how you’ve planned your Belize itinerary or Guatemala itinerary.
You can cross the border:
More from Belize & Guatemala
How to cross the border between Belize and Guatemala
Of course, you could fly between the two countries, which would be the fastest but most expensive option. But since you’re reading this article, we’re guessing you want information about crossing between Belize and Guatemala on the ground.
You’ve got two main options:
Melchor de Mencos – Benque Viejo del Carmen
The only land crossing between Belize and Guatemala is between Benque Viejo del Carmen (Belize) and Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). This crossing connects to the two main towns, Flores (Guatemala) and San Ignacio (Belize), which are used as tourist hubs and bases for crossing the border.
It’s a popular route for crossing between the two countries, especially for those backpacking through Central America or wishing to access the famous Mayan ruins in Belize or Guatemala (Tikal is an easy day trip from Flores).
Punta Gorda – Livingston
You can cross by boat between Livingston in Guatemala and Punta Gorda in Belize. Livingston has easy access to RĂo Dulce by boat, where you can connect to shuttles that visit other destinations in Guatemala, like Lake Atitlán, Antigua, and El ParedĂłn.
Punta Gorda – Puerto Barrios
Puerto Barrios also offers boat service to Belize, but the town is bigger, less tourist-visited, and a bit dodgier, so it’s easy to avoid it in favour of Livingston, which is a really cool GarĂfuna town.
We’ve broken down all the different ways to cross each border in the next section.
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Crossing the Belize-Guatemala border overland
Crossing the Belize-Guatemala border between Benque Viejo del Carmen and Melchor de Mencos is the most popular option, with loads of travellers using it every day.
This is a great option if you’re going to or from Belize’s islands – Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker – or inland Belize, like along the Hummingbird Highway. This border crossing is most convenient for reaching sites in northern and eastern Guatemala, like Semuc Champey (or vice versa), or for heading towards Guatemala City and the south.
On foot with public transport
Using a mix of public transport and walking across is the cheapest way to cross the border, at around $10-15 USD per person in total (in local currency). But if you don’t mind splurging an extra $10 USD per person, it’s a lot easier, quicker, and smoother to take a shuttle.
From San Ignacio to Flores
The whole journey from San Ignacio to Flores takes less than 4 hours and shouldn’t cost more than the equivalent of $15 USD per person in local currency, excluding the exit fee. The colectivo journey is somewhat cramped with lots of stops, but it’s worth it if you’re keen to save money.
From Flores to San Ignacio
The whole journey from Flores to San Ignacio takes less than 4 hours and shouldn’t cost more than the equivalent of $15 USD per person in local currency.
Instead of a taxi to San Ignacio on the Belizean side, you can take a taxi to Benque Viejo del Carmen, then get a bus to San Ignacio, but it’s not much cheaper and is more effort. If you choose this option, it’ll be $5 BZD ($2.50 USD) per person taxi to Benque Viejo del Carmen and then $2 BZD ($1 USD) for the bus, which will drop you off at the San Ignacio Bus Station.
Registered taxis in Belize have a green licence plate, and they should all quote the same price, because the taxis at the border are part of an association. They’re more like a colectivo than a traditional taxi, so you pay per person and may pick up other passengers on the way.
By shuttle
Using an organised shuttle to and from San Ignacio or transportation to and from Flores is the smoothest and most stress-free way to cross the border.
The journey each way is very similar, except some shuttles from Flores have an earlier start, as they run routes through to other destinations in Belize and all the way to Mexico. Most shuttles leave Flores around 6:00 AM, so be sure to arrive around 30 minutes before departure. Shuttles from San Ignacio leave throughout the day.
Shared shuttles across the border cost around $15-25 USD per person, depending on the operator and your departure point. Private transfers can be arranged, costing around $150 USD.
We’d heard stories of early starts, cramped vans with no A/C, and chaos at the border, but our experience was nothing like that. We went with Belize Caving Expeditions, and the process was super smooth. We met at their office in downtown San Ignacio (which had A/C, WiFi, and toilets), but they can arrange a transfer to pick you up if you’re not within walking distance.
With a rental car
The process with a car is more complicated than crossing on foot, but you can just ask staff where to go next at each step of the process, and we’ve found they’re usually happy enough to help point you in the right direction.
From Belize to Guatemala
Driving into Guatemala is a pretty convoluted process. When you arrive at the border by car, park up and follow the ordinary foot passenger instructions to start: get your Belize exit fee and exit stamp.
If you’re crossing from Belize into Guatemala, you’ll next go through a mandatory fumigation process – be sure to close all your windows! You pay a fumigation fee of 18Q or equivalent in USD (~$2.50 USD) at the walk-up window in the small building on the other side, where you’ll receive a quarantine treatment certificate (constancia de tratamiento cuarentenario).
Then, get your passport stamped in the immigration building. Next, get a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle. Hand over your:
Be sure to have two copies of your paperwork (the car rental company should provide two), as border control will keep one copy.
You still need to pay for your TIP (165Q ($~22 USD)). You can do this at the photocopy stand across the street from the immigration building for an extra 40Q (~$5 USD). This saves you from needing to go to the Banrural bank to make the payment. Show your payment receipt to border control, and you’ll be given your TIP with a blue sticker, which must immediately be placed on your windshield.
After a vehicle inspection at the customs checkpoint, you can enter Guatemala! You’ll be able to cross the tourist bridge (a toll fee of 20-50Q ($2.50-$5 USD) applies), and you’re on your way.
From Guatemala to Belize
Driving from Guatemala to Belize is much simpler if you’ve rented a car in Guatemala that can cross the border. Leave Guatemala, receiving your exit stamp.
Your car gets disinfected ($20 BZD / 10 USD payable at the small stall). Then, you go through customs to enter Belize, complete the immigration form, and receive your entry stamp.
If you don’t have insurance for your car in Belize, which you’ll need, you can buy it from Insurance Corporation of Belize just over the border.
If you’re planning on returning to Guatemala, you can simply pause your TIP, rather than cancelling and repurchasing it.
Travel insurance can save you $$$ if things go wrong
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! From lost luggage to emergency medical care abroad, travel insurance gives you peace of mind so you can solely focus on the adventure. It might not be exciting, but you’ll be very glad you have it if something goes wrong. A few of our favourite companies are:
Find out more: 6 Best Travel Insurance Companies for Every Kind of Trip
What to expect crossing the border on foot
When you arrive at the border, whether by public transportation or shuttle, you’ll need to cross on foot. You also need to carry your own luggage through the border crossing, so don’t overpack.
Depending on the day and season you’re travelling, there may be a queue. It moves pretty quickly, but it can be larger if you arrive at the same time as other groups.
If you’re leaving Belize, the first thing you’ll do is pay your exit fee of $40 BZD / $20 USD. Part of this is a conservation fee that goes back to funding Belize’s protected areas, environmental initiatives, and sustainable tourism projects.
Whichever way you’re going, the next thing you’ll do is get your exit stamp. Now, you’re in No Man’s Land!
There’s a walkway between the two immigration buildings, where you’ll now queue to enter your second country.
In Belize, you’ll be asked for your immigration form, and you may be asked to hold onto a ‘Departure Records’ slip of paper until you leave. In Guatemala, they probably won’t even ask you to do one. You might be asked a few questions about your travel plans – or not, depending on the agent you get.
Then, you’ll get your entry stamp and, hey presto, you’ve crossed the border! The whole crossing only took us 30 minutes.
If you’re travelling with a company, a representative will be waiting with your name on a list and will put you and your luggage on a shuttle. If you’re on your own, you can simply go on your way and find public transportation.
Crossing the Belize-Guatemala border by boat
By boat, you can cross between the two countries by boat from one location in Belize – Punta Gorda – and two locations in Guatemala – Livingston (with access to RĂo Dulce) and Puerto Barrios.
This is a great option if you’re going to or from Southern Belize – Placencia, Hopkins, or Dangriga (with its connection to Tobacco Caye). This border crossing is most convenient for connecting to Guatemala’s Caribbean coast (RĂo Dulce and Livingston), too.
The Livingston to Punta Gorda Ferry is best for access to RĂo Dulce and other tourist sites in Guatemala, while Puerto Barrios is better connected for crossing between Guatemala and Honduras.
You can get a transfer from RĂo Dulce to Livingston as part of some water taxi services, if you want to do the whole journey in one go. Boats then cross the Muelle Municipal de Madera border.
| Route | Company | Departure | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Gorda → Puerto Barrios | Requena’s Charter Service | 9:30 AM | Daily |
| Punta Gorda → Livingston/RĂo Dulce | Belize Transfers | 14:30 AM | Monday-Friday |
| Punta Gorda → Livingston/RĂo Dulce | Belize Transfers | 11:00 AM | Tuesday & Friday |
| Puerto Barrios → Punta Gorda | Requena’s Charter Service | 2:00 PM | Daily |
| Puerto Barrios → Punta Gorda | RĂo Dulce Travel | 10:30 AM | Monday-Friday |
| Livingston → Punta Gorda | RĂo Dulce Travel | 11:00 AM | Monday-Friday |
| Livingston → Punta Gorda | Belize Transfers | 11:00 AM | Monday-Friday |
| Livingston → Punta Gorda | Belize Transfers | 7:30 AM | Tuesday & Friday |
| RĂo Dulce → Punta Gorda | Belize Transfers | 9:30 AM | Monday-Friday |
Rio Dulce Travel
RĂo Dulce Travel run a service from Puerto Barrios and Livingston to Punta Gorda. They also serve the Belize cayes, which is handy if you want a direct transfer. But, they only seem to run from Guatemala to Belize, and not the other way around. Contact them for a direct quote.
The boat departs Livingston at 11:00 AM from the Municipal Boat Dock. The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on weather conditions, and can be bumpy.
Requena’s
Requena’s Charter Service and Water Taxi runs the route from Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios (and back again). They offer a daily boat service between Punta Gorda (Belize) and Puerto Barrios (Guatemala).
The journey takes around 1 hour, depending on weather conditions, and can be bumpy. The boat is a small panga, seating around 35 people, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
The journey costs about $50 USD, plus the $40 BZD / $20 USD exit fee when leaving Belize. You may also be asked to pay an unofficial exit fee of $10 USD when leaving Guatemala. They may back off if you ask for a receipt, but if they’re insistent, it’s best to just pay it rather than cause trouble.
Belize Transfers
Belize Transfers (previously Rio Tropicales) also run several transfer routes between Guatemala and Belize from Monday to Friday, from Livingston to Punta Gorda at 11:00 AM, with a connection from Rio Dulce at 9:30 AM for an additional fee. There’s also an early 7:30 AM boat on Tuesdays and Fridays. They cost around 500Q ($65 USD) per person.
Belize-Guatemala entry and exit requirements
There are some general restrictions to expect when entering and exiting Belize and Guatemala, including on importing vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat, seeds, certain medications, and more than $10,000 USD in cash. You may be required to register your drone, too, especially when entering Guatemala.
For a smooth border crossing, it’s best to ensure :
Requirements for leaving Belize
As well as the general requirements we listed above, you need to pay an exit fee in Belize of $40 BZD or $20 USD.
Requirements for entering Belize
As well as the general requirements we listed above, to enter Belize, you might be asked for:
It’s best to check the full list of requirements before travelling, as well as advice from your home country.
You’ll need to fill in a simple immigration form to enter Belize. It’ll ask for general information, including your:
Some shuttle companies may hand the form out before you depart; otherwise, you’ll need to fill it in at the border.
Requirements for leaving Guatemala
There is no exit fee to leave Guatemala, but being asked for one is a scam some people have experienced. We have never been asked to pay an unofficial fee ourselves, but it’s important to be aware. If you are asked to pay a fee, ask for an official receipt, and you may find the officials drop the request.
Be sure not to overstay the 90 days of visa-free travel in CA-4 countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua), otherwise you may face fines or restrictions on departure.
Requirements for entering Guatemala
As well as the general requirements we listed above, you need to complete an electronic Immigration form before entering Guatemala. However, there’s a huge flaw in it, and we were honestly shocked that we couldn’t find out more about it online, because not being able to complete immigration requirements can be really stressful.
When filling in the form, it only has options for entering by air or sea. If you’re crossing overland between Melchor de Mencos and Benque Viejo del Carmen, you cannot fill it in. Instead, you may be asked to complete it in person at the border, but you likely won’t even need to do it – we weren’t even asked for it, so we entered without doing it.
It’s best to check the full list of requirements before travelling, as well as advice from your home country.
Belize-Guatemala Border Hours
The border is open every day between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Tips for crossing the border between Belize and Guatemala
To help you have a smooth border crossing experience, we’ve listed these top tips:
Belize-Guatemala Border FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions, answered, to help you plan your trip.
Is there a ferry from Guatemala to Belize?
In southern Belize, boats run from Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios and Livingston in Guatemala (and back again). These are small passenger water taxis that take about 1.5-2 hours. The main land crossing is at Benque Viejo del Carmen ↔ Melchor de Mencos.
Can you take a rental car from Belize to Guatemala?
Most Belize rental agencies do not allow vehicles to be taken across the border into Guatemala. A few agencies in Belize City or San Ignacio may arrange cross-border permits, but it’s rare and comes with extra fees and insurance requirements. Travellers typically use shuttles or buses and then switch vehicles on the Guatemala side.
How much does it cost to cross the border from Guatemala to Belize?
If entering Belize, you usually don’t pay on entry (unless extending your stay later). You will, however, pay the Belize exit fee when leaving the country. Transportation costs about $15-25 USD per person, with private transfers costing around $150 USD.
How much is the exit fee from Belize to Guatemala and Guatemala to Belize?
There are no entry fees for either country. There’s a $40 BZD or $20 USD exit fee when leaving Belize, and nothing for leaving Guatemala.
Why is the border between Belize and Guatemala dotted?
On many maps, the border is shown as a dotted line because Guatemala historically claimed Belizean territory. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently reviewing the case to settle the territorial dispute definitively.
Does Guatemala still claim Belize?
Guatemala formally recognised Belize’s independence in 1991, but still maintains a territorial claim over parts of Belize. Both countries agreed to take the dispute to the ICJ, where a ruling is pending.
Do Belize and Guatemala get along?
Relations between Belize and Guatemala are generally peaceful but cautious. Border incidents occasionally occur, but both governments cooperate through the Organisation of American States (OAS) to maintain calm. You shouldn’t be affected during your border crossing.
Can you drive from Belize to Tikal?
From San Ignacio, Belize, it’s about 2.5-3.5 hours to Tikal National Park in Guatemala, depending on border wait times. Most travellers use shuttles, but private vehicles are allowed. Rental cars are the tricky part, as many agencies in Belize won’t permit cross-border travel, so people usually join a Tikal tour.
Read next:
Our Ultimate Guatemala Travel Guide
Our Ultimate Belize Travel Guide
1 to 4 Week Belize Itinerary: Ruins, Reefs, Rainforests, & Road Trips
3 Week Guatemala Itinerary with 2 + 4 Week Adaptations
28 Bucket List Things to Do in Belize
20 Unique Things to Do in Guatemala
15 Best Places in Belize: Where to Stay
20 Top Places to Visit in Guatemala + Where Not to Go
Best Time to Visit Belize for Weather, Wildlife, and Water Activities
Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Land of the Eternal Spring
A Complete Travel Guide to San Ignacio, Belize
21 Incredible Things to Do in San Ignacio, Belize
A Complete Travel Guide to Flores, Guatemala
20 Fantastic Things to do in Flores, Guatemala
