What happens at the Belize/Guatemala border

Everything you need to know about the Belize/Guatemala border

After a month in Mexico and two weeks on the beautiful island of Caye Caulker, we took a mini bus from the Belize City bus station to Flores, Guatemala and here’s what happened, step by step, at the border.

The Belize/Guatemala Border Step By Step

1) After being used to the luxury ADO buses in Mexico, we were a little surprised when a mini bus shuttle came for us outside the bus station in Belize City. With no headrests and minimum suspension, we didn’t anticipate the lack of sleep ahead on our sixteen hour journey.

2) Around four hours in, we hit the Belize/Guatemala border. We were bombarded with guys trying to buy our left over Belizean currency as soon as the minibus door opened. We then proceeded to the Customs Office, guided by a kid who was looking for tips.

3) Belize have a legitimate charge to exit the country, unlike the Mexican border tax scam we talk about in our Mexico/Belize border tips. The Belize exit tax was $19USD per person. It’s a good sign the charge is legitimate when there are official posters all around the customs office and when you have the option to pay by card and you get a receipt. If any of these are not present at any border, ask questions to the border staff. When traveling through Central America, staff often try to intimidate and scam people who are trying to cross a border so always research ahead and look for official notices.

4) Pay your $19USD at the desk and you’ll then proceed to another desk where you will be asked the usual border questions, “Where are you staying in Guatemala?”, “How long are you in the country for?”, “Are you going to Honduras/Nicaragua?”, “What hostel are you staying at?”. Be prepared with answers and you will receive an entrance stamp which usually permits a 90 day stay in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador.

5) Always confirm your exit date and time allowed in each of the listed countries. My stamp was not very clear and I clarified that it was indeed 90 days.

You are now free to enjoy Guatemala. Check out our tips for the Mexico/Belize border if you are traveling through Central America.

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