Cross-border route

Guatemala Belize

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Guatemala into Belize: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. An IDP is recommended in Belize and especially expected if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet, prepared in the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for Belize Belize requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromGuatemala

ToBelize

IDP in BelizeRecommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in BelizeBZD

Emergency number911

Top speed limit55 mph highways

Guatemala → Belize

Crossing the border

Guatemala and Belize share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Belize

Drive on the right.
Speed bumps in villages along the highways.
0.08% alcohol limit.
4x4 useful for jungle and unpaved roads.

Once you're driving in Belize

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Tourists may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to three months; most rental companies additionally ask for an IDP alongside the national licence, especially for non-English licences.

Tolls & road charges

Belize has no toll highways, but vehicles crossing into or out of the country (e.g. at the western/Guatemala or northern/Mexico borders) pay border and bridge fees rather than road tolls.

Parking in the cities

Parking in Belize City is informal street parking with no major meter system; use guarded lots where possible, keep valuables out of sight and avoid leaving cars unattended on unlit streets at night.

Fines & camera enforcement

Speed limits are about 55 mph on highways, 25 mph in towns and 15 mph residential, and seatbelts are mandatory; police enforce with fines, and rental firms recover any citations from the renter.

If you have an accident

Call police/emergency on 911, do not move the vehicles, photograph the scene and exchange details; a police report is needed for any rental insurance claim and you should also notify the rental company promptly.

Driving in the capital

Unusually for a Commonwealth country, Belize drives on the RIGHT like the US; on the George Price (Western) Highway out of Belize City you must pull onto the RIGHT shoulder and wait for traffic to clear before turning left, and watch for frequent speed bumps.

Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · centralamerica.com · belizehub.com · en.wikipedia.org

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Guatemala to Belize?

An IDP is strongly recommended for Belize and often requested if your national licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. Belize recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Guatemala and Belize?

No. Both Guatemala and Belize drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Belize?

In Belize, dial 911 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 55 mph highways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Belize?

Belize has no toll highways, but vehicles crossing into or out of the country (e.g. at the western/Guatemala or northern/Mexico borders) pay border and bridge fees rather than road tolls.

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.

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