Guatemala Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

It is strongly recommended that all foreign passengers to Guatemala hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that the period of stay for visa-exempt nationals is 90 days; however, 90-day extensions can be orgainsed through the Immigration Office. For nationals requiring a visa, the consulate issuing the visa will advise visitors about the amount of deposit to be paid at the port of entry in Guatemala, which will be refunded if the visitor leaves Guatemala within one year. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, for British passport holders endorsed British Citizen. British passport holders with other endorsements are required to hold a "visa Consultada".

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Healthcare

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Guatemala and travelers are advised to take the latest medical advice at least three weeks prior to departure. Malaria is prevalent in the low-lying areas outside Guatemala City and dengue fever is endemic. Visitors should be careful what they eat and stick to bottled water. Guatemalan hospitals are unlikely to give medical treatment unless the patient has medical insurance or can pay up front. Good travel insurance is therefore essential. State-funded hospitals are best avoided. Travelers should only use private clinics where possible. A yellow fever certificate is required from travelers entering the country from infected areas.

Safety

The rate of violent crime in Guatemala is exceptionally high. There has also been a relatively high rate of violent attacks on tourists, especially in remote places and in the capital, Guatemala City, especially after dark. Visitors need to be particularly vigilant in the central Zone 1 of Guatemala City where most of the cheap hotels and bus terminals are, and in all parts of the city at night. There has been an increase in crime targeting tourists arriving at Guatemala City airport and traveling to hotels in the business district of Zones 9 and 10; visitors should be extremely alert when leaving the airport. Pick-pocketing and petty theft are common in tourist areas and market places. An increase of armed robberies targeting tourists has also been reported in Antigua. Many robberies take place on the cheaper buses when traveling on the tourist routes from Guatemala City to Antigua, and from Antigua to Panajachel; keep all belongings close at hand. There has been an increase in reported incidents of attacks, including the rape of female passengers on buses during the day on main routes. Hold-ups by armed gangs occur frequently on city and long distance public buses; visitors are advised not to use them if possible. Armed robberies on minor roads around Lake Atitlan have taken place and visitors are advised to use the boat services between towns on the lakeshore. There have also been armed attacks on tourists at Tikal and on the approach road from Flores to Tikal. Guatemala's rainy season between April and November usually brings about heavy rain and flooding, mudslides and hurricanes. Fuego volcano is very active and climbing it is not advisable at present.