guatemala city travel requirements

• KAYAK for Business NEW

Guatemala Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Guatemala

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Guatemala entry details and exceptions

Ready to travel, find flights to guatemala, find stays in guatemala, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to Guatemala from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala.

Can I travel to Guatemala if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions.

Can I travel to Guatemala without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Guatemala?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Guatemala.

Can I travel to Guatemala without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Guatemala?

Mask usage in Guatemala is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Guatemala?

Restaurants in Guatemala are open. Bars in Guatemala are .

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

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.)

⇧ Top

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 .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• Travel Guides

Guatemala Entry Requirements

United States citizens traveling to Guatemala will need a U.S. passport valid for at least six months past their intended length of stay. A ticket documenting onward or return travel is also needed. U.S. citizens can stay in Guatemala for up to 90 days without having a visa.

Citizens of other countries, including those in the European Union, Canada, Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Japan and Switzerland, need a passport valid for at least three months past their intended length of stay and proof of onward or return travel. Entry is limited to 30 days, but extensions can be arranged through the local immigration office.

In 2006, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua formed an agreement known as the CA-4 Border Control Agreement. The agreement allows citizens of these countries to travel freely across each other’s land borders without going through formalities at immigration checkpoints.

U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals who legally enter any of these countries can also travel within these four countries without needing additional visas or entry permits. The immigration officials in your original host country determine your length of stay, which is usually 90 days. If you want to stay for longer than 90 days in this four-country region then you must seek a one-time extension from local immigration authorities. Alternatively, you can travel to a country outside the CA-4 region and then reenter Guatemala.

Guatemalan law requires foreigners to carry their passport (or a copy) with them at all times. It’s a good idea to print off a few copies of your passport before traveling and then keep them in a waterproof bag while in Guatemala.

Foreign travelers to Guatemala can bring reasonable goods and belongings for personal use, including cameras, computers, sports gear, medicine, clothing, and jewelry, all of which are permitted duty-free. It’s rare for customs officials in Guatemala to check the luggage of arriving tourists.

No inoculations or shots are required to enter Guatemala.

The most seamless way to plan

Do I need a visa to travel to Guatemala?

Oct 8, 2023 • 4 min read

Many people can visit Guatemala without applying for a visa © Kate Ballis / Getty Images

Once mainly visited by volunteers, aid workers and backpackers on a budget, Guatemala has made it onto the radar of trendsetters and Hollywood stars.

With direct flights from multiple destinations in the United States and Europe, Guatemala is easy to reach, and citizens of many countries don’t need to pre-apply for a visa to enter the country.

This places Guatemala's volcanoes, jungles and Maya ruins within tantalizing reach. However, visa requirements can change, so it’s always advisable to check the latest guidance from Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Relations  before booking your trip.

It’s also wise to check the latest health requirements covering which vaccines you’ll need. If you’ve traveled from a country in South America or Africa, you may need a yellow fever vaccine, regardless of your nationality.

Which nationalities can visit Guatemala without a visa?

Citizens of 83 "Category A" countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico and most European countries, can enter Guatemala without having to apply for a visa. If you travel with a passport from one of these visa-free countries, you just need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months and has at least one blank page. You’ll also need proof of onward travel, such as a round-trip plane ticket.

Providing you meet these requirements for entry, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport on arrival that acts as a Guatemala visa. This stamp is valid for 90 days and allows you to travel to all the CA-4 countries during this period. This means you can spend about three months traveling around Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Who needs a visa to enter Guatemala? 

Which countries need a visa to Guatemala? Well, more than 100 nationalities do require visas, and these are divided into Category B and Category C countries . Whether you come from a Category B or a Category C country, you’ll need to pay the visa fee – for a 90-day single-entry visa, it’s US$25, while a 90-day multiple-entry visa costs US$50.

Visa rules for Category B countries

If you come from a Category B country such as India, Moldova or Jamaica, you'll need a visa from a Guatemalan mission in your home country. Contact your nearest Guatemalan embassy to find out exactly what you need and make an appointment. Although you cannot apply for a Guatemalan visa online, you can download the visa application form and fill it in before visiting the embassy.

You'll also need to gather together the required supporting documentation. The embassy will tell you exactly what you need, but the required documents usually include passport photos, proof of a round-trip ticket, bookings for accommodation in Guatemala, bank statements to prove you have sufficient funds for your stay, and health insurance. You'll need to bring all these documents as well as your passport to your application appointment.

Visa rules for Category C countries

If you come from a Category C country such as China, you’ll need to go for an interview at the nearest Guatemalan embassy. The documentation you’ll need for your application is similar to what’s required for Category B countries, with the extra step of the interview – the Guatemalan embassy will be able to tell you exactly what to bring.

Can you extend a Guatemalan visa?

If you want to stay in Guatemala – or in any of the CA-4 countries – for longer than the 90 days your visa is valid, you can apply for an extension for a further 90 days. To do this, visit the offices of the Departamento de Extranjería on 6a Avenida in Zone 4 in Guatemala City . Office hours are from 7am to 3pm, but allow plenty of time because the lines can be long.

Download the application form online before you come. You'll also need to submit your passport with your last entrance stamp and provide either an onward travel ticket, an international credit card or evidence of a Guatemalan guarantor. In addition, you must provide proof that you've paid the US$15 extension fee, which is payable at a local bank (they'll give you a receipt when you make the payment).

In practice, it's easier to simply cross the border into a country that is not part of the CA-4 scheme (for example, Belize or Mexico ) for a few days and then re-enter Guatemala. However, this is only an option for visa-exempt travelers; if you were required to pre-apply for a visa, you'll need to extend your visa in Guatemala City.

Does Guatemala have a work visa?

If you want to work in Guatemala, you need a work visa, and your prospective employer needs to apply for this on your behalf through the Guatemalan Ministry of Labor. You’ll need to supply your employer with a recent passport photo, your valid passport, a copy of your passport, a criminal background check, and certification from your country of residence verifying that your passport is valid. The first step is finding an employer willing to offer you a job, who can then advise on the process.

This article was first published May 2022 and updated October 2023

Explore related stories

Feb 7, 2024 • 5 min read

FIFA recently announced where the upcoming games will take place – and it's never too early to start dreaming up travel plans.

Jan 30, 2024 • 9 min read

Jan 27, 2024 • 15 min read

Jan 11, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 10, 2024 • 9 min read

Jan 5, 2024 • 7 min read

Dec 28, 2023 • 5 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Dec 26, 2023 • 7 min read

Dec 15, 2023 • 7 min read

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Guatemala travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 15, 2024 13:01 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, guatemala - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country.

Regional advisories - Avoid non-essential travel

Within Guatemala City:

Municipalities:

• Amatitlán
• San José del Golfo
• San Raymundo
• Villa Nueva

Departments:

Back to top

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.

If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation, and the denial of 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)

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.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Student visa: required

You may request an extension of up to 90 days from the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration. If you wish to conduct business or stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding 6 months, you require a visa.

Guatemala Directorate General of Migration  – Government of Guatemala (in Spanish)

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.

Wildfires are currently affecting multiple areas of Guatemala, including:

• Antigua Guatemala

There are reports of heavy smoke i n southern Guatemala City.

If you are in Guatemala:

• stay away from the affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• always follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

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

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.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to: 

• within 5km of the Mexican border from the Pacific Coast up to and including the Gracias a Dios crossing
• to the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia in the department of Huehuetenango

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel to these areas .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Guatemala Travel Requirements: Tips for Planning a Guatemala Trip

Posted on Last updated: April 5, 2024

Are you planning your Guatemala travel itinerary? I didn’t know much about the Guatemala travel requirements before my first Guatemala trip. I’d read some travel Guatemala blogs from fellow travelers who had passed through—all seemed to say good things about their travel to Guatemala.

However, everyone I spoke to was concerned and wondering, “Is Guatemala safe to travel to?” Truthfully, I didn’t know how safe Guatemala travel was, but I wanted to find out! To help you decide if you should plan a Guatemala trip, here are 11 things you should know about Guatemala travel requirements, the best time to travel to Guatemala, and more.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Guatemala Travel Itinerary: 11 Things to Know

1. is it safe to travel to guatemala as a solo female.

I lived in Guatemala for nine months, so trust me when I say I’ve felt more endangered in New York or London than there. There was one incident early in my trip when I got lost and attacked by two dogs, but that’s the only time I’ve had issues.

I have heard stories about muggings—sometimes bandits are on the roads. However, you get these issues everywhere! If you are worried to travel Guatemala alone, read my safety tips .

Also, check for a Guatemala travel advisory before booking your trip. Sometimes, they will issue alerts for natural disasters or national security concerns.

Confirm current Guatemala travel requirements with your local embassy before heading out on your Guatemala trip.

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.  Best Guatemala Tours :  Click here to check out the top Guatemala tours Best Guatemala Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Guatemala Best Guatemala Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Guatemala

2. They Love “Bombas” in Guatemala

That’s fireworks to most of us. I arrived in Guatemala during a religious festival, and they were going off all night. I thought it was some attack, as they don’t have the same screeching sound as ours in the UK . It wasn’t until a few days later that I found out the church had set them off! It’s pretty standard to hear them going off during the day and night.

3. Cafe and Tortillas Are Life

Guatemalans love coffee —if you travel to Guatemala, get ready to taste some of the best coffee of your life. I spoke to a Mayan family who told me they even give watered-down coffee to babies from six months old!

When I think of the noises of a place, the slapping sound of tortillas will forever remind me of Guatemala: that and the fireworks. One guarantee is you will be offered tortillas with every meal. I spent my first three weeks living with a Guatemalan family—as a vegetarian, my diet mainly consisted of carbs. After a week, I was so bloated that I had to limit my tortilla consumption seriously. They looked shocked and slightly offended when I declined the tortilla offer with my rice, potato, and veg .

4. Guatemala Is the Best Place in the World to Learn Spanish

If you want to learn Spanish , skip Spain and Colombia and head to Guatemala! There are so many reasons to study here, but the two main ones are: 

• It’s cheap .
• They speak slowly and have a neutral accent in Guatemala, making learning more straightforward.

If you visit Guatemala or any other Latin American country, prioritize at least a week of classes.

I have a whole post about learning Spanish in San Pedro if you want to know more. I also wrote about choosing where to study Spanish here .

5. Guatemalans Are Really Friendly

If you don’t enjoy saying “Buenos Dias” to everyone you pass on the street, skip Guatemala! Guatemalans are friendly and will greet you everywhere. This may take a little getting used to, especially if, like me, you travel to Guatemala from a big city like New York, where everyone ignores each other.

6. Salsa Is a Pretty Big Deal

No matter where your Guatemala travel itinerary takes you, a salsa class will be nearby. If you are in Antigua, there is a salsa school on every block! The best night for salsa dancing is Sunday, but you can get FREE introduction classes at most schools on Monday or Tuesday. Group classes are around 50Q, and private courses are around 100Q.

7. The Best Time to Travel to Guatemala is Spring or Winter

The spring and winter are the best time to travel to Guatemala for warm, mild weather. Guatemala’s wet season is during the summer, so avoid planning to travel to Guatemala unless you enjoy the rain.

8. Guatemala Is Like Four Countries in One

Read any guidebook—it will tell you the same thing about Guatemala travel! You have the coastline, the mountains, the jungle, and the cities. The weather also varies depending on where you are, so remember this when packing. Although it’s always warm here, if you are in Antigua or the Lake Atitlan areas, you will need a jumper and a coat for mornings and evenings when the temperature drops. If you plan on doing any volcano camping, bring your thermals—it gets cold at the summit!

9. You Can Hike Active Volcanos On Your Guatemala Trip

I wish I’d known you could hike volcanoes before coming here! Luckily, I brought my hiking boots but had no hiking gear besides those and my head torch. If you’re planning Guatemala travel, pack good, warm hiking clothes if this is something you want to do. A good tour operator like OX Expeditions will lend you warm clothes, a backpack, sleeping bags, and tents. The main volcanoes you can hike are Acatenango, Fuego, and Pacaya .

I advise being fully prepared for the temperature drop if you consider camping on one of the volcanoes. The weekend I arrived in Guatemala, six people died on the volcano from hyperthermia. Don’t take the risk— book through a professional company . It’s worth the extra money!

If you want to know more about my experience hiking and camping on volcanoes, read my post about Camping on Pacaya .

10. Guatemalan Culture is Strong

Walking around places like San Pedro , you can’t escape the strong sense of Mayan Culture. For many people in Guatemala, Spanish is their second language, if they speak it at all. The grandmother of my family in San Pedro spoke no Spanish.

Being in Antigua for the months leading up to Easter, there’s a parade every Sunday that gets more elaborate and grand each week. Guatemala often feels like a clash of cultures, especially in Antigua, where a Mayan family might be sitting outside Wendy’s, selling traditional backstrap weaved cloth while wearing full traditional clothes. It’s one of the things I love most about this country.

Quick Tip : View my full  Guatemala packing guide here  including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Guatemala Essentials shopping list  here .

11. Once You Travel to Guatemala, You Won’t Want to Leave

I can’t tell you how many people I have spoken to since arriving in Antigua who were passing through…5 years ago! Over 30% of the population in Antigua is immigrants—mostly travelers who liked it so much they never left. I only planned to spend 2-3 weeks here and moved for nine months! I only left because I got a job in Colombia. 

Looking for Accommodations in Antigua?

I recommend several places for a hostel, including  Selina and Yellow House Hostel . I recommend Hotel Mesón de María and Barbara’s Boutique Hostel for hotels. I’ve gathered all the best places to eat in Antigua if you need recommendations.

Guatemala Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Guatemala?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Guatemala which you can read  here  and you can also check out my packing list for Guatemala on Amazon  here .

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Guatemala?

I strongly recommend using  GottoGo . You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫  Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Guatemala?

I recommend either  Viator  or  GetYour Guide . They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using  Heymondo  for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out  SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance  here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay  offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise  Skyscanner  or  Expedia  are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read  here . I personally use  GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub  or  Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are  Booking.com ,  Hotels.com , and  Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅  Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list  here . I’m currently traveling with  this suitcase  and  this backpack. 

Is It Safe to Travel to Guatemala? Final Thoughts

Still wondering, “Is Guatemala safe to travel to?” Read my article Don’t Judge a Country by Its Statistics before you decide.

The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. They are a Guatemala-owned company that has painstakingly brought together all the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. You can book travel and Guatemalan tours with them here .

Lucy Dinsdale

Saturday 6th of October 2018

Hi Claire. I’ve been reading and using your blog whilst in Guatemala and have found it useful. Thank you. I do feel the need to comment on the use of Guatego as a transportation option. I used them to travel from Flores to Semuc Champey and thought they were pricey at $37(c. 285q) particularly when I saw prices in hostels starting at 80q. When I spoke to other people on the bus, I found that they had paid anything from 80q to 125q by booking through their hostel. I was pretty cross given that I had paid far far more than this. I will never use them again as clearly, I would get the same service, only for far less money by using a hostel booking service.

Claire Summers

Hi Lucy, wow! Really, I knew it would be more expensive to use them but I had no idea it would be that much more. That's a lot of money. Thank you for letting me know, really appreciate it. I think they are a great option to book from the airport as a transfer. But maybe not for other transport.

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

Entry requeriments

Entry requirements.

• El Salvador

Local flights Guatemala

• Show up 2 hours before your flight departure.
• Present a valid identification document (ID).
• Mandatory use of face mask.
• Hand washing and use of hand sanitizer is recommended.
• You can bring your own hand sanitizer, keeping the measurements and sizes allowed in luggage (100 ml in hand luggage).
• TAG Airlines, as part of the biosafety protocols, requests the change of your face mask at the time of boarding.

Entering Guatemala

• Present valid passport.

COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with complete scheme or COVID-19 Test PCR or Antigens (with no more than 72 hours before check-in).

Entering Honduras

• Minors without vaccination must present COVID-19 test (antigens or PCR).

Entering en El Salvador

• Show up 3 hours before your flight departure.
• Present valid passport / identification document (CA-4) valid and in good condition.
• Use of a mandatory mask.
• Hand washing and use of antibacterial gel.
• You can bring your own alcohol gel, keeping the measurements and sizes allowed in luggage (100ml in hand luggage).
• TAG Airlines as part of the biosafety protocol requests a mask change at the time of boarding.

Entering Belize

• Have your reservation confirmed at one of the   Gold Standard hotels .
• TAG Airlines, as part of the biosafety protocols, requests the change of your face mask at the time of boarding
• All foreign tourists entering Belize must purchase  Travel Insurance before or upon arrival in Belize.

Entering Mexico

• Present an American or Mexican visa.
• Mandatory use of mask.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

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.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Passport must be valid at the time of entry.

One page per stamp.

A visa is not required.

There are no restrictions, but if the passenger is carrying $10,000 or more, s/he will need to justify the income and the purpose

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Guatemala City

Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16 Guatemala City, Guatemala Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

To enter Guatemala, you will need a U.S. passport that is valid at the time of entry. There is no minimum validity period for a U.S. passport. U.S. citizens do not need a visa and are admitted to Guatemala for 90 days. Some airlines require that passengers complete the  electronic Guatemalan immigration form  prior to check-in Although you may select to fill out the form in English, in drop down menus, United States is listed as “Estados Unidos.”

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are in Guatemala, please obtain a new passport at the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. In order to be permitted to depart Guatemala, you will present the new passport together with a police or Ministerio Publico report regarding the loss/theft to the Guatemalan Immigration Agency ( Dirección de Migración ).

Visit the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs website  (Spanish only) or  contact the Guatemalan Embassy  for the most current visa information. If a U.S. citizen exceeds the period of authorized stay, a fine of 15 Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ) per day is imposed, and this fine must be paid to be permitted to depart Guatemala.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guatemala.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called  PROATUR ) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. Their emergency assistance call center – staffed with Spanish and English speakers – may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2810. You may also contact PROATUR by WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.

Crime:  Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens.

Travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies upon leaving the airport.  Victims have been violently assaulted when they resisted an attack or refused to give up money or valuables. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers are prevalent in major cities and tourist sites, especially the central market and other parts of Zone 1 in Guatemala City. In a common scenario, an accomplice distracts the victim while an assailant slashes a bag or backpack or simply steals it.

Reports of sexual assault remain high. Support for victims of sexual assault is lacking.

The Guatemalan border with Mexico, in particular the northwestern corner of Petén, is a high-risk area due to large scale drug and alien smuggling.  There have been instances of narco-related homicides in this area, especially along CA-13. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. Travelers should remain in groups, stay on principal trails leading to the Central Plaza and the Temple IV complex, and avoid remote areas of the park.

Due to heightened risk of crime, U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to go to Zone 18 in Guatemala City, Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango), and San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos).  For more detailed information, please see the  Guatemala Travel Advisory .

To decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Report any crime incidents promptly to the police.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport in case you lose your passport.
• Do not use public ATMs.  Only use ATMs inside secure bank lobbies or hotels. Scams involving attempts to acquire a victim’s ATM card and personal identification number (PIN) are common. U.S. citizens have been victims of credit card scams where the card is copied and used improperly.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches. Refrain from using a cell phone on the street. A common crime against foreign citizens in Guatemala is robbery of cell phones.
• Do not use local public buses . U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to use any local buses. Avoid low-priced public inter-city buses (often recognizable as recycled and repainted U.S. school buses). Travelers also have been attacked on first-class buses on highway CA-2 near the border areas with both Mexico and El Salvador, on highways CA-1 and CA-9 near the border with El Salvador, and in the highlands between Quetzaltenango and Sololá.  Public buses are subject to frequent attacks by armed robbers, and often are poorly maintained and dangerously driven.
• Do not hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City, instead use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the Guatemala City airport, or hotel taxis. Uber is also considered safe to use in Guatemala City and Antigua.

Tourist groups are advised to request security escorts.  Security escorts for tourist groups are available from INGUAT and may be requested by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

• Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the  National Tourist Assistance Program , and should provide the itinerary, names of travelers, and model and color of the vehicle in which they will be traveling.
• The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or  e-mail , and should arrive at INGUAT at least three business days in advance of the proposed travel.
• INGUAT may not be able to accommodate all requests.
• Visit  INGUAT’s web site .

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.  

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Guatemala. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:  

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime:   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the police through the tourist assistance program ( PROATUR ) at 1500 or +502-2290-2800 and contact the U.S. Embassy at+502-2354-0000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The U.S. Embassy can:

• help you find appropriate medical care.
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• help you find accommodations and arrange flights home.
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate basic medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders may encounter obstacles to accessing areas outside of major cities, and/or be unable to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Water Safety:  Basic safety measures and precautions for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities may not be observed in Guatemala.

• Beware of strong currents, riptides, and undertows along Guatemala's Pacific coast beaches, as well as at Lake Atitlan.  Lifeguards are rarely present.
• Signs that warn of treacherous surf are rare and confined mostly to private beaches owned by hotels.

Potential for Natural Disasters:

• There are  four active volcanoes  in Guatemala: Fuego, Pacaya, Tacaná, and Santiaguito. Volcanic activity has forced evacuations of nearby villages. U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to visit the Agua volcano due to the high incidence of robberies on the volcano.
• Be aware of the possibility of  earthquakes  at any time and make contingency plans.  Consult Guatemala’s National Seismic Institute ( INSIVUMEH ) for updates on earthquakes and seismic activity.
• Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November.
• Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads.
• Consult Guatemala’s  National Disaster Reduction Coordination Office   (CONRED)  for updates on natural disasters or tropical storms and hurricanes.

Indigenous Areas:   Be mindful of local traditional practices when visiting indigenous Maya communities as tensions can rise quickly and locals occasionally take the law into their own hands.

• Particularly in small villages, residents are often wary and suspicious of outsiders.
• Avoid activities that might unintentionally violate a cultural or religious belief.
• In the past, Guatemalan citizens have been lynched for suspicion of child abduction. Maintain distance from local children and refrain from actions that could fuel such suspicions.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. 

Furthermore, some violations of law that occur in Guatemala are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our websites on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:   If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws.  You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States.  See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:   There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Guatemala.  While there is no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships or marriages, private same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults is legal.

• Antidiscrimination laws exist, but do not include specific protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• There is general societal discrimination against LGBTI persons in relation to their access to education, health care, employment, and housing.
• According to LGBTI rights groups, gay and transgender individuals often experience police abuse.  LGBTI rights groups allege that police officers regularly engage in extortion by waiting outside clubs and bars frequented by LGBTI persons to demand protection money or payment to avoid jail.
• A lack of trust in the judicial system and a fear of further harassment or social recrimination discourages victims from filing complaints.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Guatemala prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, , intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, information, and general infrastructure, and common in lodging and communication. There is a significant difference between Guatemala City and the rest of the country. 

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .  

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Customs:   Guatemalan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Guatemala of items such as antiquities and other cultural property.

When traveling to Guatemala for temporary work related to your profession, if you bring in any technical equipment or tools, you must declare this equipment/these tools upon entry.  The equipment/tools must be of a personal, not commercial, quantity.  You must take the equipment/tools with you when you depart.  If, upon entry, you intend to leave any equipment/tools in Guatemala, you are required to report that to customs authorities and pay import taxes.

Contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Washington, D.C . ion. (phone: 202-745-4953) or one of Guatemala’s consulates in the United States for specific information.

The full range of medical care is available in Guatemala City, but medical care outside of the city is limited. Guatemala’s public hospitals frequently experience serious shortages of even the most basic medicines and equipment. Care in private hospitals is generally adequate for most common illnesses and injuries, and many of the medical specialists working in them are U.S.-trained and -certified. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of  medical providers and hospitals  on our website. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Many hospitals in Guatemala require payment prior to treating patients, even if personal insurance will cover the treatment. They do not typically enter into payment plan agreements, and they may decline to discharge you from the hospital if you owe money for treatment.

For emergency services in Guatemala, dial 110.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except urbanized areas.

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Guatemalan Public Health Ministry  to ensure the medication is legal in Guatemala.

Vaccinations:   Be up to date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Road hazards are common.  Secondary and rural roads have little to no illumination.  U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital city at night.  Be vigilant of motorcyclists who weave unexpectedly across lanes of traffic and pedestrians who unexpectedly dart across roads due to the lack of defined crosswalks.

Robberies of occupied vehicles are common in Guatemala City, often by two assailants on motorcycles who pull up alongside a car stopped at a traffic light.  There have also been numerous reports of violent criminal activity along Guatemala’s main highways, including the Carretera a El Salvador (Inter-American Highway CA-2).

Armed attacks have occurred in various places in Guatemala, including:

• On roads between Guatemala City and the Petén region;

Between Tikal and the Belize border; and

• On tThe Inter-American Highway (CA-1) and the road from Guatemala City to the Caribbean coast (CA-9), due to heavy traffic, including large trucks and trailers.

U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving from or through Mexico to Guatemala.

Stay on main roads when traveling to and from Antigua and Lake Atitlan.  Secondary roads in those areas are poorly maintained and have experienced higher incidents of robbery, rape, and armed assault.

PROVIAL, a roadside assistance force, patrols most of the major highways in the country.  PROVIAL can be contacted by calling +502-2422-7800.  Travelers may also call the police for roadside assistance by dialing 110 or 120, or the fire department by dialing 122 or 123; however, patrols are sporadic.

Traffic Laws:   Valid U.S. driver’s licenses are accepted for the first 30 days of a visit, and international driving permits are accepted for extended stays.  Laws and speed limits are often ignored, turn signals are rarely used, and passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common.

It is against the law for drivers to operate cellular phones while driving.

People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time.

All drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury may be detained and held in protective custody pending investigation and/or payment of alleged damages.

Public Transportation:   The most common form of public transportation is the system of brightly-painted recycled school buses.  Criminal activity and frequent fatal accidents, however, make these low-priced local and inter-city buses particularly dangerous.  U.S. Embassy employees are not permitted to use these public buses.

Use of radio-dispatched taxis or Uber is far safer than hailing taxis on the street.  In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation:

• Taxi Seguro can be reached at +502-2312-4243.
• Taxi Amarillo Express (yellow taxis) is a radio-dispatch taxi service reached by dialing 1766.
• A Green Cab radio dispatch service operates in the suburbs near zone 15 and the Cayalá entertainment and shopping destination.
• To use Uber, download their app or go to https://www.uber.com .

U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis.  The Guatemalan Tourist Assistance Program, PROATUR , may be able to provide additional information and can be reached by dialing 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.  Visit the website of Guatemala’s  national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them via  e-mail .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Guatemala’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Guatemala’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• 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 .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guatemala . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, guatemala map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

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

Guatemala (PDF 237.86 KB)

Americas (PDF 3.25 MB)

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

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  for alerts.

·         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

Travelling to Guatemala?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked