guatemala vaccines for travel

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Guatemala Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Guatemala. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

Dengue in the Americas February 28, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.)

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Guatemala.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Guatemala. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Guatemala.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Guatemala take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find country-specific information about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Guatemala.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Guatemala. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Guatemala, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available.

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Guatemala.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

Sand fly bite
An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Guatemala, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Guatemala. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Guatemala include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Guatemala. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Guatemala’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Guatemala. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Guatemala may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Guatemala, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Guatemala, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Guatemala .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Guatemala for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guatemala

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travelers throughout the world.

Guatemala boasts some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in Central America. With opportunities to explore ruins, volcanoes, and sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone!

Both Guatemala City and Antigua offer great base points for travel to the Lake Atitlan, a stunning volcanic crater-formed lake still surrounded by the volcanoes that formed it. Lake Atitlan is regarded as a beautiful and largely spiritual destination.

A must-see destination for all types of travelers is Fuentes Georgina, a hot-spring created by Guatemala’s volcanoes. All Guatemala’s regions come into one at this destination.

If Mayan culture fascinates you, you should visit the Peten Region. Bordering Belize, it is home to many Mayan ruins including Tikal, the largest Mayan archeological site.

Whichever adventure you seek, Guatemala is calling your name.

Do I Need Vaccines for Guatemala?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Guatemala. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guatemala: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

COVID-19 – Airborne & Direct Contact – Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination
Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
Typhoid – Food & Water – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

A vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for trips to most destinations, including Guatemala. Every visitor should have received at least the first vaccine prior to traveling.

Some more health risks include:

Zika – This virus can cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region. Mosquito repellents and netting are the best way to avoid the virus.
Malaria – While there is no malaria vaccine, antimalarial medication serves the same purpose. Speak with a travel health specialist to learn which type of antimalarial is right for you.
Dengue – Dengue is also transmitted by mosquitoes. Speak to your local travel medicine specialist about necessary precautions.
Travelers Diarrhea – This is common in Central America and it is suggested travelers bring the proper antibiotics and medications.

Medical care in Guatemala City is readily accessible. In rural areas it can be scarce. Check with your insurance company before travel to solidify overseas coverage.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guatemala?

If your stay is shorter than 90 days, a valid U.S. passport will get you to Guatemala. Be sure you do have a blank page in your passport for a valid entry stamp. Travel longer than 90 days requires a valid visa.

Sources: Embassy of Guatemala and U.S. State Department

Before leaving the U.S., check your Passport’s expiration date. Passports expiring within six months of your entry date can be subject to decline.

What Is the Climate Like in Guatemala?

Guatemala’s climate is diverse for a country bordering the ocean. This allows a unique experience for travelers if one chooses to seek out all three zones. Here are the three climate zones that you will find in Guatemala:

Cool Area – Areas of the country encompassed by mountains and at a high altitude. Expect temperatures to be between 64 and 70 degrees. This is where the hot-spring Fuentes Georginas is located, along with Quetzaltenango.
Temperate Area – Moderate elevation areas that include both Guatemala City and Antigua. Expect temperatures to be around 85 degrees and lower.
Tropical Area – Any part of Guatemala in contact with the ocean. Temperatures can reach 100 degrees with fluctuations as low as 70 degrees. Cities include Livingston and Monterrico.

Due to the dry season, December to May are the most popular times to visit Guatemala. Expect the weather to be consistent with the above numbers during the daytime.

How Safe Is Guatemala?

The United States Government labels Guatemala as an area of “critical” concern for violent crimes. Most crimes are sexual assault, theft, armed robbery, and carjacking. In Guatemala, U.S. citizens are known for having material goods worth high monetary value. There are areas of the country, especially in the larger cities, to avoid to decrease risks.

It is important to remain vigilant immediately upon arriving in Guatemala. Reports of robberies and carjacking while leaving the airport are common at all hours of the day. Additionally, diversions are common in pick-pocketing attempts. Be sure to keep your belongings close and leave important items in a safe space at your lodging.

Transportation wise, cars are the best option though public transportation is available. Seek out radio-dispatched taxis and avoid public buses, as the crime rate is high. With the highest rate of motor-vehicle accidents at night, try driving during light hours. Tourists groups can also seek security escorts.

Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs in Guatemala

Avoid an embarrassing stop, over 70% of travelers will have diarrhea., get protected with passport health’s travelers’ diarrhea kit .

These hot springs are popular with travelers seeking to relax or enjoy history. With views of the volcanoes and hot sulfur springs that created the pools themselves, it is a must see.

There are four separate pool areas, all differing in temperatures. Enjoy a tour of the entire Fuentes Georginas natural spa for a complete experience.

What Should I Take to Guatemala?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Guatemala:

Medication and First Aid – It is always better to be prepared. Bring along any recommended medications by your Passport Health Specialist as a well as an appropriate first-aid kit.
Clothing – Though Guatemala is generally a hotter climate, nights can get very cold. Bring lightweight clothing for active travel and heavier clothing for the night time. A sturdy pair of hiking boots or sneakers will be perfect for any walking and hiking. As pick-pocketing is a threat, less flashy clothing is ideal.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Guatemala is close to the equator which equates to a stronger sun. Look to invest in sunscreen as well as sun protective clothing. Bug spray is available for buy in Guatemala but it is best to invest before leaving.
Electronics – If you cannot replace it, do not bring it due to the crime rate. ATM scams are also prevalent in Guatemala. Avoid public ATM’s as well as using your credit card in unreliable places. Exchanging U.S. dollars to quetzales is the safest route.

U.S. Embassy in Guatemala

This is the only U.S. Embassy located in Guatemala. The U.S. State Department recommends signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This free program allows the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala to update you if any emergency or risks were to occur within the country.

U.S. Embassy Guatemala Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zona 10 Guatemala City, Guatemala Telephone: +(502) 2326-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2331-2354 Fax: +(502) 2331-3804 [email protected]

Be sure to visit the embassy’s website before departure to ensure you have the correct contact details.

If you have any questions about traveling to Guatemala or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.

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On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Guatemala? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guatemala? What Is the Climate Like in Guatemala? How Safe Is Guatemala? Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs in Guatemala What Should I Take to Guatemala? U.S. Embassy in Guatemala

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Mandatory Vaccination to Enter Guatemala Begins Tomorrow (January 10, 2022)

by James Dyde
January 9, 2022
Guatemala , Opinion , Travel

Vaccination to enter Guatemala is now mandatory for foreign (non-citizen/legal resident visitors from January 10, 2022. We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now.

Well it’s now official – From January 10, 2022, you’ll need to prove full vaccination status to enter Guatemala as a tourist. You could say it’s been official since before Christmas, but with all the chopping and changing of the dates , we waited until now to write about this.

On December 22, the Guatemalan Health Ministry first announced this was going to happen, effective immediately. They they removed this announcement from their website and social media. A true case of jumping the gun.

In the meantime, also on December 22, Guatemala’s Immigration Department updated its own entry info, without mentioning any of this. Then, adding to further confusion, the U.S. Embassy also updated its page to say travelers could only enter the country if vaccinated.

After that, press reports said Guatemala was delaying the change (to “analyze” the measures, apparently) , which was why the Health Department removed all its posts on the matter. The rule would start, but on January 3 instead.

Then they changed it again , to January 10. And here we are on January 9, looking like it’s official this time. Immigration, Health, and everyone else all appear to be on the same page at last .

While the Guatemalan Health Ministry puts out a (now deleted) post saying Guatemala was only allowing vaccinated travelers in, an announcement corroborated by the U.S. Embassy, the immigration department says something else. What gives? https://t.co/lgVJnpsK69 — Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) December 24, 2021

So here’s the deal for tomorrow and onwards:

Foreign travelers (meaning non-guatemalan citizens or legal residents, i.e, tourists) entering guatemala by air, sea, or land need to present both of the following:.

Proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 (two doses for all except for Johnson & Johnson, which requires one dose). The final dose must have been administered at least two weeks before arrival in Guatemala. This is mandatory for all travelers aged 12 and over. Travelers exempt from receiving the vaccine must show medical certification proving they’re exempt.
All travelers aged 10 and over must show proof of a negative Covid test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days of arrival in Guatemala.

Again, it’s important to note that non-Guatemalan citizens/legal residents need to show BOTH proof of vaccination AND negative test.

Guatemalan citizens, legal residents, and diplomats can present either (one) of:

Proof of full vaccination as outlined above (applicable to those aged 12 and over).
For those aged 10 and over, proof of a negative test taken within three days before arrival, as outlined above.

Again, if you have Guatemalan citizenship or legal residency, you can present evidence of either full vaccination or a negative test. You don’t have to present both .

This ruling gets underway tomorrow. Unvaccinated foreign travelers can expect to either not be allowed to board their plane into Guatemala, or to be turned away at the border.

As far as it stands right now, Guatemala is allowing arriving unvaccinated citizens/residents without a test to get tested at the airport or border. It’s unclear if this applies also to vaccinated tourists, or if immigration agents will turn them away.

#Información | Ante la posibilidad de que ingrese un grupo masivo de personas migrante a territorio guatemalteco, recordamos los requisitos sanitarios de ingreso al país. pic.twitter.com/ev811IFmg4 — Migración Guatemala (@MigracionGuate) January 7, 2022

One interesting factor in all this, is the why. Why do tourists now need a vaccination to enter Guatemala?

After all, Guatemala has seen a relaxing of in-country restrictions. It seems strange to relax internal restrictions, but at the same time become the first country in Central America to demand vaccination for tourists.

It’s true that cases are on the increase in Guatemala, as they are all over the world, due to the Omicron variant of Covid. But deaths are at an all time low, even with the lack of internal restrictions.

There’s a school of thought out there that much of this is, in some way, a form of appeasing the United States.

The idea is, that if Guatemala introduces this rule, it might stop the thousands of Hondurans who pass through the country on their migration caravans up to the U.S.-Mexico border.

On its own tweet about the matter (see above), the Department of Immigration said it was posting the new rules because of “ the possibility of a massive group of migrants entering Guatemalan territory “.

It seems odd that Guatemala would go against its own interests and add further restrictions to its tourism economy unless it was under some pressure to do so.

Especially if, as mentioned, it’s been relaxing restrictions, not adding to them.

As a friend in Guatemala City tells me, “ the government is desperately trying to deflect corruption charges. They have the Biden administration breathing down their neck, and there’s talk of sanctions coming in the new year. They’re faking concern over Omicron. ”

President Giammattei already went out of his way last month to cozy up to the United States over Taiwan , and any action which makes it harder for Honduran migrants to pass through Guatemala on the way north might be another way to get on Uncle Sam’s good side.

James Dyde is the editor of centralamerica.com. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica.

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Many Central America expats find this hard… Latin America is LOUD! Expat Jake Stamp takes a lighthearted look at the street noise in Antigua, Guatemala.

The Landscape of Cryptocurrencies and CBDCs in Central America

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Casco Viejo is Panama City, Panama’s most historic district. We take you on a quick tour of the lesser-known parts of this colonial jewel.

James Dyde is a British immigrant to Costa Rica and the editor of this website. He has lived in Central America since 2000 and retains a deep love for the region. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica.

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guatemala

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travellers throughout the world.

Guatemala boasts some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in Central America. With opportunities to explore ruins, volcanoes, and sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone!

A must-see destination for all types of travellers is Fuentes Georgina, a hot-spring created by Guatemala’s volcanoes. All Guatemala’s regions come into one at this destination.

If Mayan culture fascinates you, you should visit the Peten Region. Bordering Belize, it is home to many Mayan ruins including Tikal, the largest Mayan archeological site.

Whichever adventure you seek, Guatemala is calling your name.

Do I Need Vaccines for Guatemala?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Guatemala. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guatemala: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
Typhoid – Food & Water – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Some more health risks include:

Zika – This virus can cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region. Mosquito repellents and netting are the best way to avoid the virus.
Malaria – While there is no malaria vaccine, antimalarial medication serves the same purpose. Speak with a travel health specialist to learn which type of antimalarial is right for you.
Dengue – Dengue is also transmitted by mosquitoes. Speak to your local travel medicine specialist about necessary precautions.
Travellers Diarrhea – This is common in Central America and it is suggested travellers bring the proper antibiotics and medications.

Medical care in Guatemala City is readily accessible. In rural areas it can be scarce. Check with your insurance company before travel to solidify overseas coverage.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guatemala?

Canadian citizens using valid Canadian passports do not need a visa for all tourism stays under 90 days. Any business visits to Guatemala will require you to obtain a visa. This cannot be done, but can only be done in person at the Embassy of Guatemala in Ontario.

Sources: Embassy of Guatemala and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

What is the Climate Like in Guatemala?

Guatemala’s climate is diverse for a country bordering the ocean. This allows a unique experience for travellers if one chooses to seek out all three zones. Here are the three climate zones that you will find in Guatemala:

Cool Area – Areas of the country encompassed by mountains and at a high altitude. Expect temperatures to be between 18 and 21 degrees. This is where the hot-spring Fuentes Georginas is located, along with Quetzaltenango.
Temperate Area – Moderate elevation areas that include both Guatemala City and Antigua. Expect temperatures to be around 29 degrees and lower.
Tropical Area – Any part of Guatemala in contact with the ocean. Temperatures can reach 38 degrees with fluctuations as low as 21 degrees. Cities include Livingston and Monterrico.

Due to the dry season, December to May are the most popular times to visit Guatemala. Expect the weather to be consistent with the above numbers during the daytime.

How Safe is Guatemala?

The Canadian Government labels Guatemala as an area of “critical” concern for violent crimes. Most crimes are sexual assault, theft, armed robbery, and carjacking. In Guatemala, Canadians are known for having material goods worth high monetary value. There are areas of the country, especially in the larger cities, to avoid to decrease risks.

Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs in Guatemala

These hot springs are popular with travellers seeking to relax or enjoy history. With views of the volcanoes and hot sulfur springs that created the pools themselves, it is a must see.

There are four separate pool areas, all differing in temperatures. Enjoy a tour of the entire Fuentes Georginas natural spa for a complete experience.

What Should I Take To Guatemala?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Guatemala:

Medication and First Aid – It is always better to be prepared. Bring along any recommended medications by your Passport Health Specialist as a well as an appropriate first-aid kit.
Clothing – Though Guatemala is generally a hotter climate, nights can get very cold. Bring lightweight clothing for active travel and heavier clothing for the night time. A sturdy pair of hiking boots or sneakers will be perfect for any walking and hiking. As pick-pocketing is a threat, less flashy clothing is ideal.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Guatemala is close to the equator which equates to a stronger sun. Look to invest in sunscreen as well as sun protective clothing. Bug spray is available for buy in Guatemala but it is best to invest before leaving.
Electronics – If you cannot replace it, do not bring it due to the crime rate. ATM scams are also prevalent in Guatemala. Avoid public ATM’s as well as using your credit card in unreliable places. Exchanging U.S. dollars to quetzales is the safest route.

Canadian Embassy in Guatemala

The embassy of Canada to Guatemala is available for all emergency needs and questions regarding legalization of documents, passports, etc.

Embassy of Canada to Guatemala 13 Calle 8-44 Zona 10, Edificio Edyma Plaza Tel: (502) 2363-4348

If you have any questions about travelling to Guatemala or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.

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Passport health – travel vaccines for guatemala.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Guatemala? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guatemala? What is the Climate Like in Guatemala? How Safe is Guatemala? Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs in Guatemala What Should I Take To Guatemala? Canadian Embassy in Guatemala

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Guatemala travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: April 8, 2024 11:26 ET

Regional advisories - Avoid non-essential travel

Within Guatemala City:

Municipalities:

Amatitlán
San José del Golfo
San Raymundo
Villa Nueva

Departments:

National demonstrations

The Guatemalan Presidential transition took place on January 14, 2024. Demonstrations could occur throughout the country in the following weeks, particularly in Zone 1 of Guatemala City. Demonstrations could affect your ability to travel safely across Guatemala, including on major roads.

If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation or be denied future entry into Guatemala.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Useful links

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
protests and blockades listed by date – Government of Guatemala (in Spanish)
tourist assistance website – Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT)

Violent crime

Violent crime, including homicides, is common in Guatemala. Due to a lack of resources within the police force, arrest and detention rates are quite low. There have been incidents involving deceptive police officers who commit petty crimes, while other officers have reportedly been involved in sexual assault cases.

Most incidents are drug- and gang-related. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. Rifles and handguns are very common.

Criminals perceive foreigners as wealthy. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape.

Incidents of armed robbery occur daily on public buses. Buses are frequently targeted by gangs, who may hurl grenades or fire shots as a way of ensuring compliance with their demands or to settle accounts. Criminals have attacked drivers, fare collectors and passengers.

Due to very high levels of violent crime, you should avoid non-essential travel to certain:

zones in Guatemala City
municipalities in Guatemala and Escuintla departments
departments along the borders with El Salvador and Honduras
highways throughout the country

Crimes that occur in these areas include:

kidnappings
sexual assaults

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is prevalent in urban and tourist areas, especially in:

national parks
other crowded places

Crime tends to increase during the holiday seasons.

Schemes often involve some form of distraction. Criminals frequently operate in groups and, increasingly, on motorcycles. Typically, two men on a motorcycle accost a pedestrian or driver stuck in traffic and demand valuables.

Some criminals also pose as police officers. They may tell you they are drug enforcement officers and then take you to a side road where they steal everything from you. Victims who have resisted have been injured or killed.

If travelling to Guatemala:

don’t display signs of affluence, especially upon arrival at the airport, where travellers have been followed and robbed or carjacked en route to Guatemala City and Antigua
keep laptop computers, mobile phones and other personal electronic devices out of sight, and refrain from using them in public
ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and enough money for the day
if threatened by robbers, do not resist: hand over your valuables and cash immediately

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings have occurred. The kidnappers usually force their victims to withdraw funds from an ATM or to arrange for family or friends to pay the ransom. Criminal taxi drivers often use this ploy. They first pick up the victim and then stop to pick up associates.

Be cautious of strangers
Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
Avoid isolated areas and secondary roads
Avoid low-cost hotels with poor security
Avoid excessive alcohol and narcotic consumption, as it can make you a more vulnerable target for criminals

Border areas

Border areas often see higher levels of criminal activity and violence. Crime rates are high near all border crossings in Guatemala, but are worse near unofficial ones.

Drug-related armed attacks occur in departments close to all borders. The southwestern department of San Marcos at the Guatemala-Mexico border and the zone at the border with Belize are especially affected.

There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. Military and police forces conduct random vehicle searches along all borders. Wait times may be long.

Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk.

Travel only through official border crossings
Allow enough time for border formalities
Cross only during the daytime and allow enough time to reach your destination or a major city before dark

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

When using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Vigilante justice

Vigilante justice has increased in rural areas, resulting in lynchings of suspected child abductors, extortionists and other criminals.

Photography

Many people in Guatemala fear that children are being kidnapped for illegal adoption or sexual abuse. Photographing children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence, may result in exacerbating this fear. Violent incidents involving foreigners taking photos have occurred.

Avoid approaching or photographing children and women, especially in Indigenous communities.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Incidents of sexual assault have also occurred, including on buses. Some tourist service-providers build trusting relationships with female tourists and then sexually assault them.

Avoid travelling alone, with informal guides or with strangers, even if they appear friendly and helpful
Use only reputable tour guides or buses
Ensure the tour guide has a name tag with the name of the tour company

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

The spiking of drinks is a problem in tourist areas, especially in Antigua. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, including taxi drivers. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

Some volcanoes are at high altitude, with sub-zero temperatures at night. Warm and waterproof attire is essential. Local tour companies might underestimate the risk of hypothermia.

There is no mountain rescue service in Guatemala.

If you intend on hiking, including on volcanoes:

never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
ensure that you’re properly equipped
stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
obtain detailed information on hiking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common.

Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

Exercise caution when swimming
Don’t swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas
Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards.

If you participate in adventure activities, such as zip-lining, diving and whitewater rafting:

choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
make sure safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets, are available and in good condition
make sure your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose
avoid challenging rivers, such as the Cahabón, Los Esclavos, Nahualate and Naranjo rivers, if you don’t have previous rafting experience

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Road travel

Road conditions.

Road safety and road conditions can vary greatly throughout the country. While most roads in urban areas are in fair condition, travel on secondary streets and rural roads can be hazardous due to:

poor maintenance and lighting
poorly maintained vehicles
lack of road signs
pedestrians on the road
steep and winding mountain roads
mudslides and rock slides during the rainy season, which can also affect main highways in mountainous regions

Road safety

Local drivers generally don’t respect traffic laws. They are often reckless. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also common.

There is heavy traffic on:

the Pan-American Highway (CA-1)
the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean (CA-9)

Police presence is scarce on:

the isolated dirt roads near Lake Atitlan
the road from Godínez to Panajachel

Seek advice from a registered travel agency if you plan off-road travel in the remote highlands of Petén to ensure you’re prepared and properly equipped.

Roadblocks erected because of roadwork are common, particularly in the following northern and western departments:

Alta Verapaz
Huehuetenango
Petén
Quiché

These roadblocks may cause substantial delays.

Illegal roadblocks are also frequent. They can occur on the main roads leading to Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport.

Throughout Guatemala:

avoid travelling at night
drive with car windows closed and doors locked at all times
be prepared to change your travel plans in case of roadblocks
don’t go through roadblocks without stopping, even if they appear unattended

PROVIAL, the government roadside assistance agency, patrols most of the major highways and provides updates on roads conditions.

PROVIAL - Directorate General of Road Safety and Protection (in Spanish)

Public transportation

Local public buses, known as “chicken buses”, are not safe. Most of the time, they are recycled school buses mechanically unreliable. They are often overcrowded. Unlicensed drivers often drive at excessive speeds. They are frequently involved in major road accidents, and serious crimes occur on board.

Avoid using chicken buses.

Privately owned bus lines, including Transmetro and Transurbano in Guatemala City, are safer, but passengers have been subject to attacks at stations. If you travel by bus:

travel only during daylight hours
make sure the transportation provider is reputable and reliable before booking
confirm your drop-off location, because Guatemala City Council no longer allows some intercity buses to enter the city centre

Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs ( taxis amarillos ), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. They have been involved in cases of extortion, petty theft and other crimes.

Avoid boarding taxis at taxi stands or flagging taxis in the street
Avoid using white taxis
If using hotel taxis, request the service at the front desk and always look for the hotel logo on the car
When travelling by air, pre-arrange your pickup with your hotel prior to your arrival or use authorized airport taxis
Note the driver's name on the picture identification badges, as well as the licence number
Never share a taxi with strangers
Make sure the driver doesn’t pick up other passengers along the way to your destination
Negotiate the fare in advance
Have small bills available for payment

Ridesharing services

Several ridesharing services are also available but safety varies depending on the company.

Ridesharing services drivers are sometimes targets of taxi drivers who oppose these services. As a result, some may ask you to sit in the front seat to hide the fact that they are providing a rideshare service.

Use ridesharing services from a trusted app only
Confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car

Tuk-tuks / rickshaw taxis / moto taxis

These two- or three-wheeled motorcycles with passenger cabins are unsafe. While they operate with taxi licences, they are not regulated and are frequently involved in accidents.

Avoid riding in tuk-tuks, rickshaw taxis or moto taxis.

Illegal drug traders may operate vessels in Guatemalan waters. Boaters in the Rio Dulce area of Izabal have been the victim of violent armed attacks.

Avoid boating at night
Enter Guatemala only through official ports of entry staffed by Guatemalan immigration officers
Use officially recognized docking and berthing facilities only

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Guatemalan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Entry stamp

When entering Guatemala by land or sea, you must obtain an entry stamp in your passport.

If you fail to present your entry stamp when departing Guatemala, you may be fined and experience delays.

If you enter Guatemala with a vehicle, you must comply with the deadline for leaving the country, which is indicated on the temporary importation form provided by Guatemalan customs at the port of entry. If you fail to leave Guatemala with your vehicle by the expiry date, you will be subject to a fine for the extra days.

Electronic declaration form

You must complete an electronic declaration form before arriving and leaving Guatemala. You will then receive a QR code. Keep your QR code in order to present it to authorities upon your arrival or departure.

Electronic declaration form - Government of Guatemala

Central America-4 Border Control Agreement

Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), Canadian tourists may travel freely within any of the following CA-4 countries:

El Salvador

You can travel between these countries for up to 90 days without having to undergo entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints.

You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints.

The 90-day period begins at the first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. You will be fined if you exceed the 90-day limit.

You may request an extension of up to 90 days once a year. You must request this extension and pay the required fee at the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration before your first 90-day limit expires. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension.

Guatemala Directorate General of Migration (in Spanish)

Children and travel

Children travelling with only one parent or with a third party must travel with a notarized letter of consent from the other parent, both parents or their guardian.

Immigration exit requirements – Government of Guatemala (in Spanish)
Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad
Travel with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.
Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin. • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area. • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited to private hospitals and clinics in urban areas. Quality of care varies greatly throughout public or rural facilities.

Public facilities are often understaffed and experience shortages of basic supplies and medication.

Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, though most private hospitals also accept credit cards.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medications

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Guatemala.

Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
Always keep your medication in the original container
Pack them in your carry-on luggage
Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Guatemala.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Guatemala, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Guatemala.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Guatemala by an abducting parent:

act as quickly as you can
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Guatemala to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
Travelling with children
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Guatemalan law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex.

However, outside urban areas, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Guatemala, seek legal advice in Canada and in Guatemala. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Dress and behaviour

Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

dress conservatively
behave discreetly
respect religious and social traditions

Imports and exports

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning import or export of items such as antiquities and artefacts.

It is illegal to photograph:

government buildings
military installations and establishments
the Presidential Palace

Don’t photograph children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence.

You can drive in Guatemala with your valid Canadian driver’s licence. You should carry an international driving permit.

If you are involved in a driving accident that results in injury or death, you may be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).

You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Guatemala. Some ATMs will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit PIN. Canadian debit cards with a five-digit PIN are not accepted.

U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks.

Forest fires occur between November and June. They can happen throughout the country, but the Petén area is usually the most affected.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
follow the advice of local emergency services personnel
monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
Large-scale emergencies abroad
Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services.

Flash floods and landslides are common. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged.

Weather bulletins - National Institute of Volcanology and Meteorology (in Spanish)

Seismic activity

Earthquakes and tsunamis.

Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

There are four active volcanoes in Guatemala.

Eruptions may occur at any time. Series of tremors sometimes lead to evacuations of surrounding areas. Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport.

In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption:

monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
CONRED – National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (in Spanish)
Earthquakes – What to Do?
Tsunami warning system - U.S. National Weather Service
Latest earthquakes - U.S. Geological Survey

Local services

Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. In case of emergency, dial:

police: 110 / 120
medical assistance: 122 / 123
firefighters: 122 / 123

Tourist assistance

Guatemalan authorities provide information and assistance to tourists via their ASISTUR and DISETUR programs. They may arrange security escorts for road travel or organized hiking activities.

INGUAT - The Guatemalan Tourist Institute

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Guatemala, in Guatemala City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to the threat of violent crime.

Guatemala (PDF 237.86 KB)

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 123 or go to the nearest hospital.

Call 110 or visit the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala.

Demonstrations are continuing in Guatemala. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Leave affected areas as soon as it's safe to. (see 'Civil unrest and political tension').
Violent crime, including murder, carjacking and kidnapping, is common. It increases at night. Take extra care after dark. Only use ATMs during daylight.
Border crossings have a high crime rate. Only cross during daylight hours. Allow enough time to reach a major city before dark.
Criminals target travellers at the airport and driving to hotels. Use only pre-paid or radio taxis. Don't flag taxis on the street or use taxi stands. Always keep vehicle windows and doors locked, even when moving.
Guatemala has 4 active volcanoes. Know where your nearest shelter is. Know how to protect yourself in the event of an eruption. If you climb a volcano, use experienced guides and follow local advice.

Full travel advice: Safety

Zika virus is widespread. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
Malaria occurs year-round. Consider taking anti-malarial medication if you're travelling to these areas. Other insect-borne diseases include dengue, Chagas disease, river blindness and leishmaniasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
HIV/AIDS is a significant risk. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate. They're limited elsewhere. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.

Full travel advice: Health

Check with local officials before taking photos. Photographing government buildings, military sites, the Presidential Palace and airports is illegal.
Ask permission before taking photos of women and children.
All male Guatemalan citizens aged between 18 and 50 must complete military service, including dual nationals. If you're a male dual citizen, contact the Embassy of Guatemala before you travel.
Same-sex relationships are mostly accepted in Guatemala City. In other parts of Guatemala, this may not be the case. Consider avoiding public displays of affection if you're outside the capital.

Full travel advice: Local laws

Demonstrations are having a significant impact on road transport networks and affecting travel throughout the country. Monitor the media for updates.

You'll need to purchase a tourist card at the airport. This permits you to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Guatemala for the latest details.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia has a consulate in Guatemala City. This consulate provides limited assistance to Australians in Guatemala.
You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City .
To stay up to date with local information, follow the embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime is common in Guatemala, particularly in tourist destinations. This includes:

Crime often involves guns. Violent crime increases at night.

Areas at risk for violent crime, assault and robbery include:

Guatemala City,
volcanoes and other tourist sites
borders with El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico
land border crossings, where travellers exchange large amounts of cash

Express kidnappings happen. These are where criminals force you to withdraw funds from ATMs. This can occur at petrol stations and shopping centres.

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. If criminals have guns or weapons, they may injure or kill you.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

always be aware of your surroundings
take extra care after dark
only use ATMs during daylight hours
only change money in hotels or banks
get updates on regional security conditions

Be careful when crossing land borders. Only cross the border during daylight hours. Allow enough time to arrive in a major town before dark.

Other crime

Criminals may target you when arriving at international airports or travelling to hotels in Guatemala City and Antigua.

Using an unofficial taxi increases your risk of robbery and assault. Safe options include:

buying prepaid taxi vouchers from the Tourist Office at the airport
using radio-dispatched taxis
using taxis from hotels

Don't flag taxis or use taxi stands.

You can use an escort from the state-run tourist service PROATUR to reduce your travel risk.

To protect yourself while travelling by road:

plan to arrive at La Aurora Airport (Guatemala City) during the day or early evening
be aware of your surroundings
travel in a group
choose a reputable tour company
never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers

To protect yourself if you're driving:

keep doors locked and windows up, even when driving
keep your valuables out of sight

Theft happens at budget hotels, particularly in Antigua.

Scams and fraud

Scammers target travellers. Scams can involve tourist vehicles.

To protect yourself from scams:

be wary of strangers offering a service you didn't ask for or making unusual requests
always be aware of your money and other possessions

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

The government may make state of emergency or state of prevention declarations without notice.

Expect an increased police presence in many areas during the state of emergency or state of prevention declarations.

Follow instructions issued by local authorities on any restrictions.
Carry your identification at all times.

Demonstrations and protests

Strikes, protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings can happen suddenly and turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of civil unrest:

avoid protests, demonstrations and public gatherings
monitor the media for reports of potential unrest, and avoid those areas
leave an affected area as soon as it's safe
follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Climate and natural disasters

Guatemala experiences natural disasters and severe weather , such as:

earthquakes
volcanic eruptions

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
monitor local media and other sources
keep in contact with your friends and family
get local advice before visiting natural disaster-affected areas

· Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Hurricanes and severe weather

The hurricane season is from June to November, although tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months.

The wet season is from May to November, when landslides, mudslides, and flooding may occur.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

you may get stuck in the area
your airline may delay or suspend your flight
available flights may fill quickly
adequate shelter may not be available

Severe weather may also affect:

access to ports
road travel
essential services, such as electricity and water

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
identify your local shelter
closely monitor alerts and advice from authorities

Monitor weather reports if you're travelling to Guatemala during hurricane season or after a natural disaster.

National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Earthquakes

Guatemala is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you visit.

Guatemala has 4 active volcanoes:

Volcan de Fuego
Santiaguito

Volcan de Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito volcanoes are very active. Levels of activity may increase at any time. La Aurora International Airport (Guatemala City) can be subject to closures at short notice due to volcanic ash affecting airport operations.

After a volcanic eruption, falling ash can spread over a wide area. Ash, dust and toxic fumes are a significant health risk. If you have a respiratory condition, take particular care.

To protect yourself if there's a volcanic eruption:

stay inside with the windows and doors shut
place damp towels under doors and windows if ash is falling
monitor advice and alerts from authorities

If you go outside, wear a disposable face mask, goggles and long clothing to avoid contact with ash.

To reduce your risks if you climb a volcano:

only climb with a group
use experienced guides and a reputable tour company

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

General health advice
Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Medications containing pseudoephedrine are banned in Guatemala.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Guatemala. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is, including its generic name
your required dosage
that it's for personal use
Embassy of Guatemala in Canberra

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Zika virus is widespread in Guatemala.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that you:

discuss travel plans with your doctor
consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

Malaria is a year-round risk in rural areas below 1500m elevation.

Other insect-borne diseases occur in Guatemala. These include:

Chagas disease
river blindness
leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash, bleeding nose or gums, or severe headache.

Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in Guatemala.

Take steps to protect yourself if you're at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate. Outside the capital, facilities are limited.

Expect to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Respect local laws and regulations at all times. Follow directions from local authorities.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences in local jails.

Carrying or using drugs

Guatemala has the death penalty for aggravated murder and political crimes.

Photographing government buildings, military sites and areas like the Presidential Palace and airports is illegal. Check with local authorities before taking photos.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Guatemalan males, including dual nationals, must complete compulsory military service.

If you're a male dual citizen aged between 18 and 50 years, contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Canberra before you travel.

Dual nationals

Local customs

Get permission before photographing anyone, especially women and children.

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships are mostly accepted in Guatemala City. In other parts of Guatemala, this may not be the case.

Advice for LGBTI travellers

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Guatemala is a member country of the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4), along with:

El Salvador

With a CA-4 tourist visa, you can travel freely by land between member countries within the 90-day period.

Your tourist card is dated from the first entry into any member country.

You can apply to extend the CA-4 visa before it expires at the local immigration office.

If you're not a tourist or you plan to stay longer, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Canberra for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

To enter the country, you'll need:

a valid passport
a return or onward ticket
evidence you have enough money for your visit

You'll need to pay an airport and security tax in cash on departure at the airport.

You'll also need to pay an exit tax if your ticket price doesn't include it.

Follow the entry requirements set out by Guatemalan authorities (in Spanish).

Other formalities

Travel via the united states .

If you're travelling through the US , ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you're transiting through Hawaii.

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling via Canada , ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements.

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile , ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Guatemala. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever .

· Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 151KB)

Travel with Children

A child travelling to Guatemala without both parents must have notarised written consent from both parents. A child travelling with at least 1 parent won't need this letter.

These documents must be in Spanish and approved by the Guatemalan mission closest to the child's home.

Embassy of Guatemala
Advice for people travelling with children

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Guatemala Quetzal (GTQ).

You can't import or export the Quetzal. You can only exchange US dollars in Guatemala.

ATMs aren't always reliable. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work.

Using ATMs on the street puts you at high risk of robbery or express kidnapping.

Local travel

B order crossings.

Strict security controls are in place at Guatemalan borders due to high levels of drug-related criminal activity.

Military personnel are stationed along the border between Guatemala and Mexico. They may want to check your documents.

Only use recognised border crossings, particularly between Guatemala and Belize. There is an ongoing border dispute between the two countries.

The Mexican government has recently increased security at border crossings into Mexico in response to a large number of migrants seeking to travel to the US. Take extra care when using these border crossings and follow the direction of authorities.

Driving permit

To drive in Guatemala, you need both:

an International Driving Permit (IDP)
an Australian driver's licence

You must get the IDP before arriving in Guatemala.

Road travel

Demonstrations are having a significant impact on road transport networks and affecting road travel throughout the country. Monitor the media for updates. (see 'Civil unrest and political tension').

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Guatemala than in Australia.

Driving in Guatemala can be dangerous. Hazards include:

aggressive local drivers
poorly maintained vehicles
roads in poor condition
drivers ignoring traffic laws

In rural areas, extra road travel risks include:

poor lighting and street signs
people and animals on roads

Mudslides and road collapses caused by heavy rains are common. Roads may be closed at short notice.

Inter-city travel after dark anywhere in Guatemala is dangerous. Violent carjackings occur, particularly on poorly maintained roads and main highways.

Dangerous roads include:

the Pan-American Highway (CA-1)
the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-2)
the Atlantic Highway (CA-9)

Criminals have violently attacked motorists between El Salvador and Guatemala, particularly on the Guatemalan side of the border.

Armed gangs often build roadblocks in:

the northern and western Departments of San Marcos
Huehuetenango
Alta Verapaz

Other dangerous areas for road travel include:

the route between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan)
the isolated dirt roads near Lake Atitlan
the Godinez bypass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel

An alternative route to the Godinez bypass is the main Pan-American highway to Solola.

Criminals sometimes pose as police officers.

It's illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Authorities may arrest or detain you.

If you plan to drive in Guatemala:

check your travel insurance cover
learn local traffic laws and practices
don't travel alone, at night or through dangerous areas
keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
don't drink or use drugs

Before you drive:

get local advice on road conditions, including security risks
know your travel options in advance
be prepared for a change in plans if any security issues come up
Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Your policy may not cover you for accidents that occur while using these vehicles.

Always wear a helmet.

Travelling by taxi can be dangerous.

Book airport taxis and regular taxis through a reputable taxi company. These are safer than taxis flagged from the street or at taxi stands.

If you use a taxi:

arrange transport through your hotel or a radio dispatcher to avoid unlicensed operators
buy vouchers from the airport Tourist Office for airport taxis
book in advance if travelling at night

Public transport

Public buses and chicken buses (converted school buses) are often unsafe. Armed robberies are common.

Bus travel can be dangerous. Gangs have targeted, robbed and sexually assaulted passengers on:

inter-city buses
luxury coaches

Gangs have also detonated bombs targeting buses. In 2016, gangs killed 5 people in a bomb blast on an inter-city bus in San Jose Pinula, near Guatemala City.

Dangerous areas for bus attacks include:

border crossings
tourist areas like Panajachel and Antigua
the roads from the El Salvador border to Cuilapa
from the Belize border to El Cruce

If you need to use public transport:

avoid travelling on public buses or chicken buses (converted school buses)
only travel on tour buses and inter-city buses with good security arrangements
do not stow your bag in the overhead bin or under your seat
check security arrangements before you book

If you plan to travel by bus from Guatemala to southern Mexico, see our travel advice for Mexico .

Boat travel

Criminals may attack you on motorised or sailing boats in Rio Dulce and Livingston.

Check there are good security measures in place before booking any boat travel .

Strong currents and tides on Guatemala's Pacific coast are dangerous for swimmers.

You often won't find beach patrols, lifeguards or warning and advisory signs.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Guatemala's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

PROATUR, the tourist assistance unit, provides 24-hour help:

email [email protected]

Emergency telephone operators may not speak English.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Guatemala City, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Guatemala. The Consulate can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian embassy. The Consulate can’t issue Australian passports. You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City.

Australian Consulate - Guatemala

Avenida 5 16-62, Zona 10

Edificio Platina, office 102

Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala

Phone: (+502) 4210 9805

E-mail: [email protected]

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55 Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec 11580 CDMX Mexico

Phone: (+52 55) 1101 2200 Email: [email protected] Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australian Embassy Mexico

X (Twitter): AusEmbMex

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia

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Guatemala Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 17, 2023, guatemala - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to crime .
Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to crime .
Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City due to crime .

Country Summary: Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate. Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program ( PROATUR ) provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. PROATUR also provide additional security in locations frequented by tourists. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas for personal travel but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including tourist destinations such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Guatemala.

If you decide to travel to Guatemala:

When traveling to Lake Atitlán, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services. Hiking in the area, while popular, is best undertaken with the assistance of a local guide to ensure safety, as criminals are known to target some routes.
When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. We recommend traveling to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only.
Visitors are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean, since currents and undertows are strong, and beaches lack adequate lifeguards or emergency response.
Visitors should not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and are advised to decline invitations from strangers to private parties or gatherings.
Consider staying in hotels or other lodging facilities that offer secure parking, doormen, and a dedicated and professional security staff.
Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute ( INGUAT ).
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving at night.
Do take radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, and/or Uber.
Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. U.S. government personnel and their family members are prohibited from using these forms of transportation.
Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Do not use public ATMs.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts while in Guatemala and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Guatemala.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

San Marcos Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to San Marcos Department for personal travel, except for the city of San Marcos. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Huehuetenango Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Zone 18 and Villa Nueva within the Guatemala Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel and family members are free to travel within Guatemala City except for zone 18 and the municipality of Villa Nueva. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. U.S. citizens should take appropriate security measures when traveling to and from the airport such as only using vetted transportation services, not displaying valuables or other signs of wealth, refraining from using mobile devices in public, and not lingering outside the airport. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail white-car taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, or Uber.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad
Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Guatemala set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Guatemalan Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Guatemala.

Travel in Guatemala

You may be asked to wear a mask in:

medical settings (hospitals, clinics, vaccination centres and laboratories)
nursing homes

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Guatemala and at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Guatemala for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you overstay the 90 days, you’ll have to pay a fine before leaving the country. You can pay this fine at the main Institute of Migration (in Spanish) office in Guatemala City. You can also pay fines at the airport or land borders, but administrative processes can cause serious delays.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

If you do not get your passport stamped when you arrive, you will get a fine and be delayed on your departure. If you notice your passport has not been stamped, return to the immigration desk, or go to the Institute of Migration (in Spanish) offices in Guatemala City as soon as possible.

Applying for or extending a visa

To stay longer than 90 days (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Guatemalan government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Guatemalan Embassy in the UK .

If you want to extend your visa or permit to stay, you must apply to the Institute of Migration (in Spanish).

Immigration declaration form

Before you enter or exit Guatemala, you must complete the online immigration declaration form . Print the confirmation email you receive and carry it with you. Alternatively take a screenshot of the email QR code. If you need more information, contact your travel agent or the Institute of Migration (in Spanish).

Travelling with children

To enter or exit Guatemala, children aged 17 and under travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian must have a notarised letter in Spanish from the parents or guardians not travelling with them. Contact the Guatemalan Embassy , or if you’re in Guatemala the nearest Institute of Migration (in Spanish), for information about what documents you need. Single parents will need additional documents.

Travelling to El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua

Under the Central America Border Control Agreement (also known as CA-4), you can travel between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua for up to 90 days without a visa. The 90-day period starts when you enter any of these countries and does not restart when you cross borders. You can extend your stay by up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days expires. If you overstay, you may get a fine.

You’ll have to go through immigration checks at borders. If you’re expelled from one of these countries, you’re also excluded from the other 3.

If you’re planning to travel to Nicaragua, check entry requirements with your travel company, the Nicaraguan immigration authorities or the nearest Nicaraguan Embassy. See travel advice for Nicaragua .

Airport tax

You must pay airport departure tax of 30 US dollars (or the same amount in Guatemalan quetzal). This is normally included in the price of your ticket.

Illegal entry fees at land borders

Guatemalan customs or immigration officials sometimes ask travellers crossing land borders to pay an ‘entry fee’. This is illegal. If you are asked to pay a fee, ask for an official receipt, and you may find the officials drop the request.

When crossing into Guatemala by the land border at El Carmen, be wary of people offering to help process your entry into the country. They may be trying to overcharge you for unnecessary services.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Guatemala guide .

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Guatemala. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Guatemala

It is often not possible to exchange British pounds in Guatemala. It is much easier to exchange US dollars.

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Vaccines for Travelers

Vaccines protect travelers from serious diseases. Depending on where you travel, you may come into contact with diseases that are rare in the United States, like yellow fever. Some vaccines may also be required for you to travel to certain places.

Getting vaccinated will help keep you safe and healthy while you’re traveling. It will also help make sure that you don’t bring any serious diseases home to your family, friends, and community.

On this page, you'll find answers to common questions about vaccines for travelers.

Which vaccines do I need before traveling?

The vaccines you need to get before traveling will depend on few things, including:

Where you plan to travel . Some countries require proof of vaccination for certain diseases, like yellow fever or polio. And traveling in developing countries and rural areas may bring you into contact with more diseases, which means you might need more vaccines before you visit.
Your health . If you’re pregnant or have an ongoing illness or weakened immune system, you may need additional vaccines.
The vaccinations you’ve already had . It’s important to be up to date on your routine vaccinations. While diseases like measles are rare in the United States, they are more common in other countries. Learn more about routine vaccines for specific age groups .

How far in advance should I get vaccinated before traveling?

It’s important to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. This will give the vaccines time to start working, so you’re protected while you’re traveling. It will also usually make sure there’s enough time for you to get vaccines that require more than 1 dose.

Where can I go to get travel vaccines?

Start by finding a:

Travel clinic
Health department
Yellow fever vaccination clinic

Learn more about where you can get vaccines .

What resources can I use to prepare for my trip?

Here are some resources that may come in handy as you’re planning your trip:

Visit CDC’s travel website to find out which vaccines you may need based on where you plan to travel, what you’ll be doing, and any health conditions you have.
Download CDC's TravWell app to get recommended vaccines, a checklist to help prepare for travel, and a personalized packing list. You can also use it to store travel documents and keep a record of your medicines and vaccinations.
Read the current travel notices to learn about any new disease outbreaks in or vaccine recommendations for the areas where you plan to travel.
Visit the State Department’s website to learn about vaccinations, insurance, and medical emergencies while traveling.

Traveling with a child? Make sure they get the measles vaccine.

Measles is still common in some countries. Getting your child vaccinated will protect them from getting measles — and from bringing it back to the United States where it can spread to others. Learn more about the measles vaccine.

Find out which vaccines you need

CDC’s Adult Vaccine Quiz helps you create a list of vaccines you may need based on your age, health conditions, and more.

Take the quiz now !

Get Immunized

Getting immunized is easy. Vaccines and preventive antibodies are available at the doctor’s office or pharmacies — and are usually covered by insurance.

Find out how to get protected .

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Guest Essay

I’m a Doctor. Dengue Fever Took Even Me by Surprise on Vacation.

A black-and-white illustration of an Aedes aegypti mosquito.

By Deborah Heaney

Dr. Heaney is a physician in Ann Arbor, Mich.

I hate mosquitoes so much that I take my own bug repellent to parties. But in early March, on a trip with my partner to the idyllic island of Curaçao off Venezuela, I was caught off guard by insect bites after our bed-and-breakfast hosts said that mosquitoes didn’t usually appear until late summer.

Near the end of the vacation, my legs began to ache. After I couldn’t keep up with my partner on a snorkeling adventure, he pulled me from the water. My ribs felt broken, as if I’d been smashed against large boulders in the sea. Later that day came intense fever, alternating with shaking chills.

Back in Michigan — weak, nauseated and dehydrated from explosive diarrhea — I ended up in the emergency department. Tests showed worrisome white blood cell levels and abnormal liver numbers. The physician assistant who saw me was perplexed; she gave me IV fluids and medication for nausea and sent me home.

A few days later I developed itching so severe that I couldn’t sleep. A bright red rash spread over both thighs and up my lower back. My brain was foggy, and my balance was so impaired that I would have failed a sobriety test. My primary care doctor had no answers. But as my head began to clear, it occurred to me to request a dengue fever test.

Two days later, the test was positive.

Despite my training in medicine, I was blindsided. Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, is surging through Latin America and the Caribbean, including in Puerto Rico, where a public health emergency was declared last week. This year is likely to be the worst on record, in part because of El Niño-driven temperature spikes and extreme weather linked to climate change. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns grow more erratic, the problem will get only worse.

But neither the traveling public nor our frontline health workers are prepared. Without urgent reforms to how we educate travelers, doctors, nurses and others — as well as reforms to public health surveillance and early warning systems — we will be doomed to miss textbook cases like mine. That means those infected with dengue will miss out on timely treatment, possibly even spreading the virus to areas where it was never found before.

The dengue virus, which is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, infects up to 400 million people every year in nearly every region of the world, but it is most prevalent in Latin America, South and Southeast Asia and East Africa. Most cases are asymptomatic or, like mine, are considered mild, although the aptly nicknamed breakbone fever often doesn’t feel that way. Some 5 percent of cases progress to a severe, life-threatening disease including hemorrhagic fever.

One malicious feature of dengue is that when someone is infected a second time with a different type of the virus, the risk of severe illness is higher. A vaccine exists, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it only for children ages 9 to 16 who had dengue before and live in places where the virus is common. That’s because, paradoxically, if you’ve never had dengue, the vaccine puts you at greater risk of severe illness your first time.

Dengue outbreaks, which, in the Americas, tend to occur every three to five years , now appear to be expanding their geographic reach as temperatures climb . The Aedes aegypti mosquito has typically had difficulty surviving and reproducing during the winter in temperate climates. But in parts of Brazil, which is experiencing a dengue emergency , the thermometer no longer dips as low in the winter as it once did, allowing the bugs to reproduce year-round. Overall, Latin America and the Caribbean have had three times the number of cases this year as reported for the same period in 2023, which was a record year. Higher temperatures are also helping the virus develop faster inside the mosquito, leading to a higher viral load and a higher probability of transmission. And mosquitoes are benefiting from standing water from rains and floods that are growing more extreme in a warming world.

As the virus spreads globally, travelers are bringing infections back to the continental United States. Based on 2024 numbers to date, this year should show a clear increase of cases here at home compared with 2023, given that the typical dengue season hasn’t even started yet. There could also be local outbreaks in places like Florida, Texas and California, which experienced small ones in the past. As Dr. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, the chief of the C.D.C.’s dengue branch, told me by email, “Increased travel to places with dengue risk could lead to more local transmission, but the risk of widespread transmission in the continental United States is low.”

But since testing is done only on a small fraction of cases, many are going uncounted. I was the one who requested that I be tested. Had I not been given a diagnosis, I would not be aware of my increased risk of severe illness if I am reinfected. Getting a diagnosis is crucial to inform those infected in areas where the Aedes mosquito lives so that the virus doesn’t spread further.

The growing risk means travelers to regions with dengue must be savvier: They can check local news and U.S. State Department advisories, bring an effective insect repellent and protective clothing and book lodging with air-conditioning or screens on the windows and doors. Though Aedes aegypti mosquitoes now live year-round in many locations and are pushing northward into new regions , thanks to climate change and other factors, there are still seasons when the risk is greater, and travelers might consider avoiding trips during those periods. Travel insurance with medical coverage may also be a useful precaution.

For medical professionals, this should be a warning. We need to start thinking about dengue as a possible diagnosis, not just a piece of textbook trivia. We should ask about recent travel when treating patients presenting with symptoms, especially symptoms not easily explained by other diagnoses.

Medical schools are gradually integrating climate change effects into curriculums . This is essential, since malaria, Lyme, West Nile and other insect-borne diseases are on the rise, as are other conditions like heat illness, asthma and allergies that are worsened by climate change. This work must accelerate, and training must include those of us who are already practicing. State medical boards should consider mandating continuing education on tropical emerging illnesses, as they do on many other pertinent topics.

After receiving my positive test result, I called the emergency department to leave a message for my previous provider about my diagnosis, assuming she had never before seen dengue. If we continue on this trajectory, I’m certain this won’t be her last case.

Deborah Heaney is a preventive, occupational and environmental health physician practicing in Ann Arbor, Mich. She also holds a master’s degree in public health.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

An earlier version of this article included an incorrect reference to the mosquitoes that spread dengue. They are members of the Aedes genus, not species.

How we handle corrections

Gobierno de Guatemala denuncia a exministra de salud por supuestas irregularidades en la compra de vacunas Sputnik

Por Merlin Delcid

(CNN Español) -- El gobierno de Guatemala anunció que interpuso una denuncia penal contra Amelia Flores, exministra de Salud durante la presidencia de Alejandro Giammattei, por los presuntos delitos de abuso de autoridad, incumplimiento de deberes y malversación de fondos.

La acusación fue presentada este jueves ante los tribunales por el procurador general, Julio Saavedra, y el ministro de Salud, Óscar Cordón, por supuestas irregularidades en la compra de vacunas Sputnik, de fabricación rusa, durante la pandemia de covid-19.

Director de Migración de Guatemala presentó su renuncia

Flores aún no se ha pronunciado ante la denuncia presentada. CNN hace esfuerzos por contactarla para tener sus comentarios. En mayo de 2021, la exfuncionaria dijo, según reportes de prensa, que las investigaciones eran necesarias para la credibilidad de la población, luego de que el Ministerio Público abriera una investigación de oficio.

Con un cartel a su espalda que dice “Grandes casos de corrupción - Denuncia penal por contratos de vacunas Sputnik”, el presidente de Guatemala Bernardo Arévalo afirmó que “Los corruptos vieron la oportunidad de beneficiarse a costa de la salud de la población, de vidas humanas”.

Según el gobierno, el contrato firmado para la adquisición de las vacunas es perjudicial para Guatemala, no cumplía con requerimientos legales ya que según la ley debió realizarse de forma directa con el productor de las vacunas y no a través de un tercero.

El presidente Arévalo pide retirarle la inmunidad a la fiscal general de Guatemala, Consuelo Porras

En abril de 2021, el entonces presidente de Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei, anunció la compra de 16 millones de dosis para vacunar a 8 millones de guatemaltecos, a cambio de pagar unos US$ 80 millones. Según la denuncia, el contrato incluía el pago de unos US$ 796.000 a Human Vaccine LLC en concepto de regalías, que habrían sido pagados de manera anticipada. La empresa, una filial del Fondo Ruso de Inversión Dirtecta, que actuó como intermediaria, no se ha pronununciado tras esta denuncia.

Expresidente no está en la acusación

El gobierno explicó que Giammattei no está incluido en la denuncia porque el contrato fue firmado por la exministra de salud. Sin embargo, considera que el Ministerio Público debe establecer si hay otras personas que estuvieron involucradas en la contratación y que deban responder penalmente.

El ministro de Salud dijo que han solicitado, a través del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, información a Estados Unidos ya que la Oficina de Control de Activos Extranjeros del Departamento del Tesoro sancionó en diciembre de 2023 a Luis Miguel Martínez Morales, un cercano colaborador de Giammattei, por supuestamente exigir cuantiosos pagos irregulares para facilitar la compra de vacunas Sputnik.

Tras la sanción, Martínez Morales, exjefe del Centro de Gobierno durante el periodo de Giammattei, dijo que no lo intimidarían. “Primero Guatemala, segundo Guatemala y tercero Guatemala. No me intimidaran, con la frente en alto aunque los enemigos del país quieran que solo se persiga a los corruptos que ellos deseen”, escribió Martínez en un mensaje en su cuenta de Instagram.

Cuentas pendientes

Las autoridades explicaron que el Ministerio Público abrió de oficio en mayo de 2021 una investigación para determinar si las autoridades cometieron alguna irregularidad en la firma del contrato para la compra de las vacunas.

La empresa solo entregó la mitad de las vacunas señaladas en el contrato, según señaló en su momento el gobierno de Giammattei y reiteraron este jueves las autoridades. Las actuales autoridades señalan que el acuerdo estableció que en caso de alguna diferencia contractual el gobierno de Guatemala solo podía interponer una demanda por un máximo de US$ 100.000.

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IMAGES

Migrants find safe space for vaccinations at Guatemalan Mayan Center
Guatemala receives its first vaccines from the COVAX Facility
Giammattei: 3,3 millones de vacunas en camino para Guatemala
مجموعة الأدوات الخاصة باعتماد لقاحات كوفيد-
¿Dónde están las vacunas contra el covid-19 en Guatemala?
Honduras, Guatemala expect first shipments of COVAX vaccines this week

COMMENTS

Guatemala
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given. ... If your travel plans in Guatemala include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. ...
Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guatemala
A vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for trips to most destinations, including Guatemala. Every visitor should have received at least the first vaccine prior to traveling. Some more health risks include: Zika - This virus can cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region.
Health Alert
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions, including potential COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements for countries you are transiting through. Visit the U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Guatemala. Assistance:
Guatemala International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guatemala
Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guatemala. Guatemala boasts some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in Central America. With opportunities to explore ruins, volcanoes, and sandy seasides, there's something for everyone! Both Guatemala City and Antigua offer great base points for travel to the Lake Atitlan, a stunning volcanic crater ...
Vaccination to Enter Guatemala Mandatory
Guatemala, Opinion, Travel. Vaccination to enter Guatemala is now mandatory for foreign (non-citizen/legal resident visitors from January 10, 2022. We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now. Well it's now official - From January 10, 2022, you'll need to prove full vaccination status to enter ...
Health
Vaccinations and health risks. At least 8 weeks before your trip check: the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro's Guatelmala guide. where to get vaccines and ...
Which Vaccines Do I Need for Guatemala?
The CDC and WHO recommend these vaccines for a trip to Guatemala: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever, malaria and other routine vaccinations. Immunizations are the most reliable way to avoid getting sick or catching a virus while abroad. Want more information about each vaccine?
Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guatemala
Advice. Travellers'. Diarrhea Kits. Available. Guatemala boasts some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in Central America. With opportunities to explore ruins, volcanoes, and sandy beaches, there's something for everyone! Both Guatemala City and Antigua offer great base points for travel to the Lake Atitlan, a stunning volcanic ...
Travel advice and advisories for Guatemala
Demonstrations could affect your ability to travel safely across Guatemala, including on major roads. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation or be denied future entry into Guatemala. ... Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for ...
Health Alert
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions, including potential COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements for countries you are transiting through. Visit the U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Guatemala. Assistance:
Guatemala Travel Advice & Safety
Allow enough time to reach a major city before dark. Criminals target travellers at the airport and driving to hotels. Use only pre-paid or radio taxis. Don't flag taxis on the street or use taxi stands. Always keep vehicle windows and doors locked, even when moving. Guatemala has 4 active volcanoes.
Guatemala Travel Advisory
Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to crime. Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to crime. Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City due to crime. Country Summary: Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking ...
Entry requirements
Travel in Guatemala You may be asked to wear a mask in: medical settings (hospitals, clinics, vaccination centres and laboratories) nursing homes; prisons Passport validity requirements.
Vaccines for Travelers
Vaccines for Travelers. Vaccines protect travelers from serious diseases. Depending on where you travel, you may come into contact with diseases that are rare in the United States, like yellow fever. Some vaccines may also be required for you to travel to certain places. Getting vaccinated will help keep you safe and healthy while you're ...
Restrictions in Entry and Quarantine Requirement for Travelers from
Health Alert: Embassy of the United States of America, Guatemala City, Guatemala. Location: Guatemala Subject: Restrictions in Entry and Quarantine Requirement for Travelers from Certain Countries, Updated COVID-19 Testing Validity Event: The Guatemalan government has announced that, as of December 23, all arriving passengers who have visited the United Kingdom or South Africa within the past ...
Pet Travel
Take a Pet From the United States to Another Country (Export) Traveling with a pet in a foreign country can be complex and time-consuming. You need to meet the destination country's specific entry requirements for pets. These may include vaccinations, tests, treatments, and a health certificate (also called an international health certificate ...
I'm a Doctor. Dengue Fever Took Even Me by Surprise on Vacation
A vaccine exists, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it only for children ages 9 to 16 who had dengue before and live in places where the virus is common. That's ...
Health Alert
Location: Guatemala, countrywide Event: All passengers arriving in Guatemala by air, land, and sea are required to obtain both of the following: For all travelers regardless of age: Evidence that you have received a complete COVID-19 vaccination course, with the final dose being administered at least two weeks before beginning your trip to Guatemala; and
Pet Travel
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel. Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you: Don't see your pet listed below. Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal. Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
Gobierno de Guatemala denuncia a exministra de salud por supuestas
El gobierno de Guatemala anunció que interpuso una denuncia penal contra Amelia Flores, exministra de Salud durante la presidencia de Alejandro Giammattei, por los presuntos delitos de abuso de ...
Health Alert
Health Alert - Updated Requirements for Air Travel to the United States. Updated: June 10, 2022. Location: Guatemala, countrywide Event: Effective June 12, 2022, at 12:01 a.m., a negative COVID-19 test will no longer be required for any travelers to the United States. Vaccine requirements for non-U.S. citizen, nonimmigrant travelers remain in effect.

Guatemala Traveler View

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Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

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Hepatitis B

Yellow Fever

Avoid contaminated water

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

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What can I do to prevent bug bites?

What type of insect repellent should I use?

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

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Know how to get medical care while traveling

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Before you leave

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Healthy Travel Packing List

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guatemala

Do I Need Vaccines for Guatemala?

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guatemala?

What Is the Climate Like in Guatemala?

How Safe Is Guatemala?

Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs in Guatemala

What Should I Take to Guatemala?

U.S. Embassy in Guatemala

Customer Reviews

Mandatory Vaccination to Enter Guatemala Begins Tomorrow (January 10, 2022)

So here’s the deal for tomorrow and onwards:

Guatemalan citizens, legal residents, and diplomats can present either (one) of:

One interesting factor in all this, is the why. Why do tourists now need a vaccination to enter Guatemala?

It seems odd that Guatemala would go against its own interests and add further restrictions to its tourism economy unless it was under some pressure to do so.

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Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guatemala?

What is the Climate Like in Guatemala?

How Safe is Guatemala?

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What Should I Take To Guatemala?

Canadian Embassy in Guatemala

Customer Reviews

Language selection

Guatemala travel advice

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Regional advisories - Avoid non-essential travel

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