How to Cross the Guatemala Mexico Border With Ease

When traveling through Central America, the Guatemala Mexico border is a standard route many backpackers take. Going the land border route is a little longer than flying, but it also introduces you to new places, cuisines, and once-in-a-lifetime sights. 

However, planning a border crossing can be nerve-inducing. Where do you need to cross? What do you need to take? Is it safe? If these questions revolve around your mind, we get it. That’s why we’ve put together a no-nonsense guide to crossing the border without fuss. 

Keep reading to get the latest tips and tricks for this border crossing. You’ll be an expert in minutes. 

Guatemala-Mexico Border Crossings—At a Glance

Traveling soon? Here’s a quick lowdown of the Guatemala to Mexico border crossing.

Leaving Guatemala

If you’re leaving Guatemala, you’ll need a valid passport and entry stamp. You don’t need to pay an exit fee but should check relevant customs information. For example, tourists can’t leave with Guatemalan fruit or vegetables.

Entering Mexico

The Mexican border guard requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your trip. You’ll need to collect your entry stamp and pay the $30 tourist tax on entry if you’re traveling over land. If you’re flying, it’s included in the ticket price. 

Leaving Mexico

When you exit Mexico, you’ll need to show your valid passport and entry stamp. Tourists in the country for more than seven days will need to pay a $31 exit fee if leaving by land. 

Entering Guatemala

To enter Guatemala, you need a passport with six months’ validity from the entry date. Tourists also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate and proof of onward travel (a return ticket or onward flight.) There are no entrance fees for Guatemala.  

Mexico Guatemala Border Points You Should Know

Did you know the Guatemala Mexico border is approximately 871 km (541 miles long)? 

This lengthy border has ten official crossing ports, but some are more tourist-friendly. Below we’ve identified the safest crossing points that most bus routes follow. 

Frontera Corozal

At the border’s center is Frontera Corozal, a crossing point popular with tourists taking public transportation or long-distance buses across the border.

The Frontera Corozal border is a land border, but to cross from one country to the next, you must take a bridge over the Usumacinta River. Here, the immigration offices are situated on either side of the river. So, don’t forget to visit both when crossing. 

Long-distance buses will stop on both sides and wait for passengers. Local buses won’t wait for you and don’t always stop at border control. You must ask the driver to stop and let you out at customs. Don’t forget your stamps!

There’s not much on the Guatemalan side, but on the Mexican side of the border, you’ll find a few restaurants, a hotel, shops, and more. 

You’ll also find cambios or currency exchanges if you need to change currency. These sellers are okay for a quick exchange, but they aren’t all official, so don’t change large amounts of cash until you can visit a large bank.

This is a quieter border crossing, and their daily limit is 120 people. In the quiet season, the town sees as few as 20 people crossing the border.

Opening Hours: Frontera Corozal immigration is open from 8 am to 4 pm.

Frontera La Mesilla

Frontera La Mesilla is another accessible tourist crossing spot closer to the Pacific coast. If you’re traveling from or to San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, this is likely the land border you’ll pass through. 

Unlike Frontera Corozal, Frontera La Mesilla is more urban and not based around a river. The Guatemalan side has more amenities, but you can find hotels, eateries, shops, and cash exchanges on both sides. 

Most tourists skip public transport for this border. The most common option is a long-distance bus from San Cristobal de las Casas to Lake Atitlan, Antigua, or Quetzaltenango. These are easier and safer for most tourists, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.

If you want to cross the La Mesilla border via public transport, we recommend taking a tuk-tuk across the 1 km no man’s land area. This costs approximately 10 Quetzales (USD 1.28). Once you’ve completed the immigration process, you can take buses to nearby towns and cities. 

Navigating local buses can be more time-consuming, as you’ll need multiple changes to reach large cities and deal with extra wait times. Long-distance tourist buses remove this stress.

Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. 8 am to 12 pm Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

Frontera El Carmen

The El Carmen crossing point is located on the southwestern side of the Guatemala-Mexico border. You’ll likely use this crossing point if you’re coming from Tapachula, Mexico or heading towards any of the Pacific coastal towns. 

Frontera El Carmen refers to the Guatemalan side. The Mexican side of this border is the town of Talisman. Both sides of the border have hotels, shops, and restaurants. You’ll also be able to catch public transportation if needed. 

An easy way to cross the land border here is via a tourist shuttle, as the shuttle will wait for you to complete the immigration process. No extra wait time for public transportation here.

Opening Hours: Immigration is open 24 hours, every day of the week. Talk about excellent availability. 

Pro Tip: Ciudad Hidalgo is another crossing point from the nearby Tapachula, but it’s often deemed a bit rough or confusing for tourists. We don’t recommend crossing here.

What Do You Need to Cross the Guatemala Mexico Border?

Want the essential details in minutes? Find the complete crossing details below.

Important Disclaimer: We strive to give you the latest border information, but sometimes there are last-minute changes. Always check your country’s entry requirements before crossing the border. You never know. There could be new information, and it’s best to be prepared.

Passport

Guatemala requires you to have a valid passport for at least six months, and Mexico only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your trip. Check your passport’s validity before you travel.

Visa

Guatemala gives UK, EU, and US citizens 90 days of stay on arrival without a pre-arranged visa. Mexico provides 180 days for US, EU, and UK citizens.

Always check the latest visa information before arriving. If your nationality isn’t listed above, explore Project Visa for accurate information.

Departure Tax

Mexico’s departure tax (also called a visitor’s permit fee) costs 575 pesos ($31). It must be paid when leaving the country by land. This is only charged when you’re in the country for over seven days.

Mexico’s fee is sometimes added to airline tickets or holiday packages. If prepaid, it’ll be listed under taxes and fees on your ticket. 

Guatemala has no official exit fee, but some travelers report being asked for 10 Guatemalan quetzals ($1.28) when leaving the country.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Guatemala requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for anyone over the age of one. 

Mexico doesn’t require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. 

Proof of Exit

A proof of exit stamp is needed when leaving both countries. This shows when you left the country and that you haven’t overstayed your limit. Ensure you receive this while crossing the border, or you could be fined. You’ll also need to show your entry stamp to border officials.

Proof of Onward Travel

Guatemala and Mexico require proof of onward travel, but travelers report not being asked for it often. We recommend having a photocopy or receipt for your onward travel while crossing the border, just in case. 

It’s better to be prepared than to receive a fine. And last-minute non-refundable flights can be expensive.

Proof of Economic Stability

Guatemala and Mexico don’t require proof of economic stability. However, traveling with a credit card or photocopied bank statement is advisable no matter where you are. 

Entry Fee

Guatemala has no entry fees.

Mexico has a tourism tax, which is included in your flight into the country. If you’re traveling by land, you’ll have to pay approximately $30 to enter the country. 

Travel with enough cash to cover this fee to avoid being in a bind. 

Cash

Carrying local currency is always recommended when traveling—especially if you’re crossing a land border, as there are fewer credit card vendors here. Remember, you may want to buy snacks, souvenirs, or bus tickets. Also, Mexico’s entrance and exit fees are sometimes only accepted in cash. Exit fees can be paid via USD or pesos. Don’t get caught short!

Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal and Mexico uses pesos. Have some spare change ready to exchange at the border or exchange cash before you travel. 

Pro Tip: Don’t change large amounts if you exchange money at the border. You get better deals at inner city banks. Just change enough to travel with.

ATMs can be found at gas stations while traveling, but there’s no guarantee you’ll find one (or one that works) on your travels. Always stop for cash withdrawals in big cities. This is an important rule of thumb when on the road. Bye-bye relying on a card.

Safety Tips

When crossing the border, it’s recommended to cross at specific tourist-friendly crossing points—like the three mentioned earlier in the article. These points are also where tourist buses and shuttles take from city to city. So, if you want a hassle-free journey, familiarize yourself with these names and check for buses and shuttles that pass through these spots.

It’s also a good idea to hide any valuables or flashy items. Theft is always possible when traveling. So, keep your essential documents hidden. No passports in pockets, please!

Covid-19 Restrictions

Guatemala and Mexico have no Covid-19-related entry restrictions. 

Map of the Border Between Guatemala and Mexico

Know before you go. See the Mexico-Guatemala border in more detail on the map above.

How to Cross the Guatemala-Mexico Border

Traveling across Mexico and Guatemala opens up a world of new adventures and possibilities. Don’t get lost on the way. Here are some of the top routes other travelers are taking right now. 

Guatemala City to Tapachula

If you want to hop from Guatemala’s capital city to Mexico, we recommend the Guatemala City to Tapachula route. 

This well-known journey takes you from central Guatemala to southern Mexico. Tapachula is situated just west of the border, and from here, you can catch buses to San Cristobal, Oaxaca, and various coastal towns. 

Favorite travel options for this border crossing journey include minivans and private transfers. These journeys can take anywhere from 6 to 11 hours and 45 minutes, depending on your provider, so research before picking an option. Turansa offers 6-hour minivan transfers that take you from one hotel to the next—no bus station drop-offs here. 

Alternatively, you can take long-distance buses and chicken buses across the border. But planning these takes significantly longer, especially since some local buses don’t run on strict schedules. 

Panajachel, Lake Atitlan to San Cristobal de las Casas

Lake Atitlan is a must-visit in Guatemala, and plenty of routes from this natural wonder take you across the border. 

Many travelers opt for the Panajechel, Lake Atitlan, to San Cristobal de las Casas journey, as this route takes you further into Mexico than the Tapachula routes. It’s ideal for travelers traveling further into the country than the Pacific Coast.

Routes from Panajechel to San Cristobal de las Cases take between 8 hours to 12 hours, depending on the transportation you select. Standard minivans are frequently used for this journey, and GuateGo is a trusty provider. Their minivan services cross the Frontera La Mesilla border. 

Antigua to San Cristobal de las Casas

Another possible border crossing route is from Antigua to San Cristobal de las Casas. 

Minivans are the most common form of transportation for this journey, but they take between 13.5 hours and 23 hours, depending on the route your provider takes. Magic Travel offers 13-hour transfers across the Frontera La Mesilla border. They also take you from hotel to hotel, so no need for public transportation to bus stations.

Note that this is a long journey, and many travelers opt to stop at cities on the way. Flying (or crossing the air border) is a faster option to get from one city to the next. 

Antigua to Tapachula

If you’re departing from Antigua but don’t want to travel for over ten hours to San Cristobal de las Casas, consider the Antigua to Tapachula route.

Travel options on this route include standard cars and minivans that take approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. These cars tend to cross the Aduana Tecun Uman I crossing on the southern side of the Guatemala Mexico border.

Authentic Guatemala provides standard minivan services on this route to help tourists cross the border with ease. Plus, they drop you to and from hotels, making the journey easier and quicker. 

Mexico to Guatemala—The Top Sights You Should See 

Spontaneity is key to an exhilarating trip. But we suggest knowing the lay of the land before you arrive. Here are some of the top places to visit in Guatemala and Mexico. 

Where to go in Guatemala

Antigua 

Antigua is the Guatemalan city every traveler needs to experience. With gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture and views of breathtaking volcanoes, this city is truly unique. 

While here, take a free walking tour or spend an afternoon in Antigua Central Park. If you love walking, schedule some time to explore the Hill of the Cross. 

Make the most of the vibrant local culinary scene by finding the city’s hottest restaurants. You won’t forget these authentic tastes anytime soon.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is another must-see stop on all Guatemala tours. 

It’s actually a volcanic crater filled with water and situated amongst a lush highland landscape. Picture green hills, rocky outcrops, and Mayan culture—this is a tour you need your camera for.

While at Lake Atitlan, you’ll likely pass through Panajachel, a bustling town with rich culture and lots of amenities. Here you’ll find traditional textiles, regional delicacies, and Mayan heritage. We recommend spending a night or two here to enjoy the culture.

Guatemala City 

When in Guatemala, seeing Guatemala City is essential. 

Sitting at 1,500 m (4,900 ft), this city is known for its high altitude and proximity to volcanoes. But the gorgeous nature of the city isn’t the only reason you should visit, as Guatemala City is also packed with nightlife and delicious eats. 

Top-rated activities in Guatemala City include exploring the Parque Central, Palacio Nacional de la Culture, or La Aurora Zoo. The Museo Ixchel is a key museum that explores the history and culture surrounding the Mayan goddess of reproduction, women, the moon, and textiles. There’s something for everyone!

Flores

If you’re planning on a visit to northern Guatemala, Flores should be on your itinerary. This town is actually an island on Lake Peten Itza. It’s unlike any lake towns you’ve seen before. Also, it acts as a gateway to some nearby Mayan ruins, so it can get busy during the peak tourist season.

Flores has become increasingly popular in recent years, and today there are many exciting activities for visitors. Must-see attractions include the Tikal and Uaxactun Ruins, El Mirador del Rey Canek, Museo Santa Barbara, and the Ixpanpajul National Park. Ideal for anyone interested in culture or embracing the great outdoors.

Where To Go In Mexico

Puerto Vallarta

Mexico is known for world-class beaches and beautiful bays, so you should make the most of the epic coastline. Stop by Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, if you’re on a beach-bum mission. 

This Pacific Coastline gem is known for its relaxing beaches, water sports activities, and non-stop nightlife. You can also enjoy breathtaking hiking tours, biking activities, and fresh seafood—the grub here is always fresh. If you enjoy adrenaline-seeking day trips and sipping on cocktails, this is the place for you.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is the largest city in the southern state of Oaxaca and a place all travelers should experience at least once. 

However, this is a particularly mouthwatering stop for foodies. Oaxaca is known internationally for its unique culinary offerings, including the famous Oaxaca mole and tlayudas. You can hop from vendor to vendor, exploring a new spectrum of flavors.

Aside from mind-blowing food, this city has exciting experiences and historical sights. 

Activities in Oaxaca include weaving through the markets, snapping street art pictures, and seeing the museums. You can even enjoy hiking and swimming at the nearby Hierve el Agua rock formations. 

There’s something for everyone here.

Cabo San Lucas

Planning a trip to Baja California Sur? 

Don’t go without stopping at Cabo San Lucas, a destination with stunning shorelines and out-of-this-world desert landscapes. Often compared with Cancun, Cabo offers a similar luxury beach holiday vibe and party town elements, ideal if you want to kick back and relax in an area of outstanding beauty. 

When here, make the most of the great outdoors. From hiking Mt. Solmar to visiting the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, you won’t get tired of the show-stopping scenery. Cabo also offers whale watching, snorkeling, and beach clubs. 

Mexico City

Finally, your Mexico itinerary must include Mexico City. 

The country’s capital is a vibrant metropolis with historical sites, traditional culture, and endless activities. 

Mexico City’s activity list is endless. But there are some highlights all visitors should know. 

We recommend visiting Templo Mayor, the National Palace, Chapultepec Park, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Of course, you should also devour the local street food. From tamales to fresh tacos al pastor, street food is the heart of Mexico City.

The Guatemala-Mexico Border Wrap-Up

Planning a border crossing trip doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing affair. With the latest insider information and reliable routes, your next travels will be easy as pie. You’ll be taking in the sights and sounds in no time.

Want to continue your research? Bookaway has countless Mexico and Guatemala routes to complete your trip. Start searching now to ensure smooth journeys. 

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