Cross-border route
Mexico Guatemala
Mexico 
GuatemalaDriving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Mexico into Guatemala, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. An IDP is recommended in Guatemala and required if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet, in the 1949 Geneva format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The Ciudad Hidalgo–Tecún Umán crossing is the main route from Chiapas into Guatemala.
Last reviewed June 2026
Route at a glance
FromMexico
ToGuatemala
IDP in GuatemalaRecommended
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in GuatemalaGTQ
Mexico → Guatemala
Crossing the border
The Ciudad Hidalgo–Tecún Umán crossing is the main route from Chiapas into Guatemala.
Driving rules in Guatemala
- Drive on the right.
- Avoid night driving outside cities.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Topes (speed bumps) frequent in towns.
What to see when you arrive in Guatemala
- the colonial city of Antigua
- the Maya ruins of Tikal
- Lake Atitlán
- the market of Chichicastenango
- the volcanoes of the highlands
Common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Mexico to Guatemala?
An IDP is strongly recommended for Guatemala and required if your national licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. Guatemala recognises the 1949 Geneva format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between Mexico and Guatemala?
No. Both Mexico and Guatemala drive on the right.
03
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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