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Benque Viejo – Melchor de Mencos

The Belize–Tikal crossing, 15 minutes from San Ignacio.

All border crossings · Belize ⇄ Guatemala · Road · checked 2026-09

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The two posts

Hours: About 06:00–20:00 (check)

Entering Belize

Benque Viejo del Carmen · Cayo District

Visa on arrival
No
E-visa accepted here
No

Visa-free for many passports. Belize charges an exit fee when you leave by land. (check)

Entering Guatemala

Melchor de Mencos · Petén

Visa on arrival
No
E-visa accepted here
No

Visa-free for many passports (CA-4 rules). (check)

Visa answers are for most Western passports and change often. Check yours on entry check and the official e-visa site; for e-visas, the post must be on the country's list of accepted ports.

Getting across

  • Taxi from San Ignacio to the post (about 20 min), walk across, colectivo or shuttle to Flores (about 2 h) or Tikal.
  • Tourist shuttles Belize City/San Ignacio → Flores handle the stops for you.

Scams and traps

  • Unofficial 'entry fees' on the Guatemalan side: ask for a receipt.
  • Money changers with poor quetzal rates.

Tips

  • Keep Belize dollars for the exit fee, or US dollars (check the amount).

Nearest places

Everything marked check, and every hour and fee, needs confirming before you travel: posts close for holidays, disputes and roadworks with little notice. Written from Voykit's own notes; checked 2026-09.