About Guatemala

Travel Advice

Nationwide elections will take place in Guatemala in 2023 with the first round taking place 25th June and a potential second round 20th August. There may be heightened tensions in the lead up to these, as well as in the immediate aftermath. We advise you to avoid all political demonstrations. Monitor local news channels and visit the Tribunal Supremo Electoral (the government entity in charge of the election process) for the latest information.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.

You should follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Monitor local media and consult your tour operator and PROATUR as travel routes are likely to face disruption. See Natural disasters

15,133 British nationals visited Guatemala in 2022. Most visits are trouble free.

Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. You should carry personal ID when travelling (certified copies are fine). See Crime

Avoid travelling on public buses (repainted US school buses). Private inter-city coach services are safer, but not immune from attack. See Local travel

The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. See Rainy season. You should plan any travel carefully. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Natural disasters.

Guatemala has active volcanoes, some prone to heightened activity. See Volcanoes and Local travel.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Guatemala, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

You can contact the emergency services by calling 120 (police) or 122/123 (ambulance and fire).

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Guatemala on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travelling abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You should contact local authorities for information on testing facilities (only available in Spanish).

International travel

You must keep to the social distancing rules and wear a mask at all times in all public spaces, including the airport.

Health protocols are in effect at ports of entry for the screening of arriving and departing passengers. Non-resident foreigners presenting symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival may be denied entry into Guatemala. Please see Entry requirements for more information.

You should stay informed before making any travel plans by confirming with your airlines and checking the Guatemalan Government website (in Spanish).

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Guatemala.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Guatemala

Restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus are in place. If you are in Guatemala you should:

• Observe social distancing of at least 1.5 metres. On 6 October 2022, the Government of Guatemala declared that the proper use of masks is mandatory in the following places (regardless of the colour of the health alert):

• it is still mandatory to wear masks in hospitals, medical clinics, vaccination centres, medical laboratories, nursing homes, prisons.
• it is highly recommended to wear a mask on public transportation.
• besides the places mentioned above, the use of masks is now optional.
• children under 2 years of age and those with a medical condition certified by a health professional are exempt from this requirement
• those under quarantine must also wear masks inside their homes.
• wash and sanitise your hands frequently.

The sale of alcoholic and fermented beverages are prohibited from 1am to 6am.

If you do not comply with these measures you could be fined or face criminal charges. Fines range from £700 to £15,000.

Every town has been assigned a colour from red to green, which corresponds to the number of positive COVID-19 cases reported. For information about the specific restrictions in your location, refer to the Guatemalan government’s website.

You should familiarise yourself with the threat level in your area and keep up to date with any changes.

Public transport is operating, however, there are a number of restrictions on capacity and access can still be very limited. If you wish to travel to or from the airport you should hire a private taxi or driver.

When travelling in the country, follow the advice of the local authorities (PROATUR) and monitor local media. See Local travel.

Accommodation

If you are trying to find a hotel in Guatemala, please call in advance to confirm that they are taking reservations and to be informed of any COVID-19 measures or requirements they may have.

Healthcare in Guatemala

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms you should seek medical advice and check the official page where all important information about COVID-19 as well as all advice from the Guatemalan authorities can be found. Please visit the Guatemalan Ministry of Health’s website for further information and advice.

British-issued prescriptions cannot be used locally. To find a pharmacy (“farmacia”) look for one of the big national chains such as Meykos, Cruz Verde or Carolina y H, among others; searching online should help you to identify the nearest one. For contact details of English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Guatemala.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

Guatemalan authorities request that people keep up to date with the latest information by visiting this official page where all important information about COVID-19 as well as all advice from the Guatemalan Ministry of Health can be found.

If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

Crime

Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Although the majority of serious crime involves local gangs, incidents are usually indiscriminate and can occur in tourist areas. Despite the high levels of crime, most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free.

Car-jacking and armed hold-ups are common on the main road ‘Carretera Salvador’ leading from Guatemala City to the border with El Salvador. The crossroads at Fraijanes, San Jose Pinula and Las Luces are also focal points for express kidnappings.

Such attacks, including sexual assault, can take place anywhere and at any time of the day. Attacks usually involve firearms and motorcycle riders. There is a low arrest and conviction rate. Victims have been killed and injured resisting attack.

No parts of Guatemala City are free from crime, this includes Zone 10 (Zona Viva), which is popular with tourists and foreign residents. Take care in Zone 1 (the historical centre), where the cheaper hotels are located and several bus routes terminate.

For shorter trips within towns and cities the safest option is to take radio or hotel taxis. When arriving at the airport you can buy pre-paid taxi vouchers from the INGUAT Tourist Office in the arrivals terminal.

Take care around ATM machines, petrol station forecourts, the airport, bus stations and shopping centres. Check ATMs for evidence of tampering, but be aware that affected machines may not be easy to spot. It’s safer to change money in hotels, at banks or at foreign exchange offices. Don’t withdraw too much money at once, and avoid withdrawing money at night.

Avoid displaying valuable items like laptops, cameras and mobile phones. Don’t wear a lot of jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash. Use a hotel safe if possible.

Avoid travelling around on your own or at night, especially at border crossings or areas where there are few other people around. When travelling to remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour with a reputable company.

Be wary of bogus police officers. There have been reports of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by people dressed in police uniforms.

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists. The scams come in many forms, and can lead to great financial loss. Be cautious if you are asked to transfer funds to family or friends in Guatemala. Try and get in contact with your family member or friend to check that they have made this request.

Local travel

If you are travelling near the affected areas you should seek advice from your travel agent or PROATUR. Always cooperate with military and police officers; carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints; allow extra time to reach your destination; monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

You can get up-to-date security information through INGUAT, the Guatemalan tourist agency. INGUAT’s tourist assistance service, PROATUR, offers a service to accompany individual tourists or groups travelling in Guatemala. You can contact them on (502) 2290 2810; an English service is available. You may also dial 1500 in Guatemala.

There have been armed attacks on tourists travelling by road to/from major tourist sites like Antigua, Tikal, Petén and Lake Atitlan. Boat services between towns on the shore of Lake Atitlan may be a safer alternative.

PROATUR issues advice on which routes to take when travelling in and around Sololá, Panajachel and Lake Atitlan. Avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. Use the Pan American Highway to Sololá instead. You should also avoid the road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) if possible.

Reports of violence have been reported in the municipalities of Ixchiguan and Tajumulco of the department of San Marcos. Please seek advice from PROATUR if you plan to travel to these areas and whether it is safe to climb the Tajumulco volcano.

Be careful when accepting lifts.

Border areas

Pay particular attention to your security in the border areas with Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. There have been reports of disruptions and tensions at the Mexico-Guatemala border. For information on the current requirements if travelling to Mexico from Guatemala, contact the Mexican Embassy in Guatemala.

Take particular care in the Belize/Guatemala border area because of the ongoing dispute between the two countries. Only use the officially recognised border crossings.

Volcanoes

Before climbing volcanoes, you should visit the website of the Guatemalan Meteorological Office (INSIVUMEH) and the CONRED disaster agency for information on access, restrictions and recommendations. You should also check and follow the advice of local authorities beforehand. Some volcanoes are at high altitude with sub-zero temperatures at night. Six tourists died of exposure on Acatenango in January 2017. Warm clothing and waterproofs are essential. Local tour organisers tend to underestimate the risks. There is no mountain rescue service. Please also see Local travel.

Road travel

You can use your UK driving licence to drive in Guatemala for visits under 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended. Driving standards are variable. You should drive carefully and expect the unexpected. Adequate car insurance is essential. If you are involved in an accident, contact the National Police by calling 120 or the fire brigade by dialling 122 or 123 and wait for them to arrive.

PROVIAL, a roadside assistance force, patrols most of the major roads in the country. However, patrols are sporadic. PROVIAL can be contacted by calling 2419-2121.

It is generally safer to travel on main roads. There is a greater risk of attack on quieter routes. Travel in convoy if possible. In more isolated locations, roads are unpaved and you may need a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Motorcyclists throughout the country must wear an orange vest and helmet with the registration number. Those violating the law face a fine of Q1000 (around £100).

Speed limits are strictly enforced and there are heavy penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These can include fines, confiscation of driving licences and imprisonment. It is against the law for drivers to operate mobile telephones whilst driving. For more information you can visit Departamento de Transito PNC and Transit Law (in Spanish).

Public buses and coach services

For security reasons you should avoid travel on public buses (repainted US school buses). There has been an increase in armed attacks by local gangs on bus drivers and conductors, often resulting in serious injury or death. Since July 2010 these attacks have included the use of explosives. There have been reports of violent muggings, including rape and assault against foreigners on these buses.

Private inter-city coach services are generally safer, but have been attacked during daylight hours on well-used, main roads.

Guatemala City Council no longer allows some inter-city buses to enter the city centre. Passengers are dropped at various points on the outskirts.

Political situation

Nationwide elections will take place in Guatemala in 2023 with the first round taking place 25th June and a potential second round on 20th August. There may be heightened tensions in the lead up to these, as well as in the immediate aftermath. Monitor local news channels and visit the Tribunal Supremo Electoral (the government entity in charge of the election process) for the latest information.

The months leading up to elections season are typically characterised by large rallies and other events associated with political campaigning. Such events could cause increased traffic and disrupt movements, complicating travel.

There is a risk of political demonstrations, and although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent. You should avoid all demonstrations. Guatemalan legislation prohibits political activities by foreigners. If you take part in protests you may be detained and/or asked to leave the country.

Incidents of political violence, strikes and large demonstrations can occur, often with little or no notice.

The use of roadblocks and blocking public facilities, including the international airport, can happen at any time.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Guatemala, attacks can’t be ruled out.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking and drug use. Guatemalan prisons are overcrowded, violent and unclean.

Don’t take photographs without permission, especially of children. This is particularly important in more remote areas such as Quiché, Petén, San Marcos and Chiquimula provinces. There have been attacks related to accusations and fears of child kidnapping for adoption or theft of vital organs. Foreigners have been caught up in the violence. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.

Homosexuality is not illegal, although there are currently no provisions in Guatemalan legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. There is no recognition of same-sex marriages in Guatemala. In Guatemala City, local people are largely tolerant of different lifestyles and small displays of affection between same-sex couples are accepted. Outside Guatemala City attitudes are more conservative and same-sex couples should avoid public displays of affection. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

In most parts of the country you can carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes. In San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá, local authorities may not accept a copy of your passport as identification, and may fine or detain you if you can’t produce your original passport or a certified copy when asked. You should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages before you travel.

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

The authorities in Guatemala set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Guatemala’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its embassy, high commission or consulate.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

You must keep to the social distancing rules. From 18 July 2022, the Government of Guatemala has declared that the use of masks throughout Guatemala is optional, except in hospitals, medical clinics, vaccination centres, medical laboratories, nursing homes, prisons, and on public transportation, where it remains mandatory to wear masks.

The Government of Guatemala announced that from 13 August 2022, to enter Guatemala:

• You do not need to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter Guatemala

Please contact the Embassy of Guatemala in London for information on other migration requirements and documentation that you may need prior to travelling.

Please make every effort to stay informed before making any travel plans. You can confirm with your airline and/or check the website of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration.

There are no quarantine requirements.

Local authorities have advised against travel if suffering from any respiratory disease or presenting COVID-19 symptoms.

Proof of vaccination status

You can use the UK COVID Pass to demonstrate your vaccination record.

You don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry into Guatemala.

Testing/screening on arrival

You should comply with any additional screening or testing measures put in place by the authorities.

Testing on departure

There is currently no testing upon departure in Guatemala. They will take your temperature upon arrival at the airport.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

British citizens do not need a visa to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days. For further information on entry requirements for tourists and for those planning to work in Guatemala, contact the Guatemalan Embassy in London.

If you wish to extend your visa, you must submit an application to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration in Guatemala City. You can find more information on the website of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (in Spanish).

If you overstay your visa then you should expect to pay a fine before leaving the country. This fine can only be paid at the main Migration office in Guatemala City. While fines can be paid at the airport or land borders, it is strongly recommended that payment be made at the Migration office, as the administrative process at the airport could cause serious delays.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Guatemala.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Central America Border Control Agreement

Guatemala is part of the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists can travel within any of the CA-4 countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) for a period of up to 90 days which starts at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. They will be subject to immigration checks at the border (which does not interrupt or restart the 90 day count). Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90-day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires. If you are expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.

If you are planning on travelling to Nicaragua, before you travel please check information on entry requirements with your travel company, the Nicaraguan Immigration authorities, or your nearest Nicaraguan Embassy. Please also check our travel advice for Nicaragua.

Departure tax

There is a US$30 (or Quetzal equivalent) airport departure tax, which is normally included in the price of the ticket.

When crossing into Guatemala by land border, there have been numerous reports of customs/immigration officials charging an “entry fee”. This is illegal. By asking for an official receipt for your money you may find that the “fee” is dropped.

When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped by a migration official. If you enter Guatemala without obtaining the relevant stamp, you are likely to receive a fine and may experience delays when leaving the country.

When crossing into Guatemala by the land border at El Carmen, be wary of people offering to help process your entry into the country.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

UK health authorities have classified Guatemala as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Hospitals in Guatemala are reluctant to give medical treatment unless they are satisfied that you have medical insurance. It is therefore essential that you carry evidence of your insurance cover at all times. Make sure you get confirmation from the hospital administration that your insurance coverage is accepted. In some hospitals the administration may ask you to pay upfront and you may have to claim on your insurance later. State-funded hospitals are often under-staffed, under-funded, ill-equipped, and can be unhygienic. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

Water is generally unsafe to drink unless filtered, but bottled water is cheap and widely available.

Cases of Chikungunya virus and Dengue Fever have been confirmed in Guatemala.

Dengue fever epidemics occur every four to five years in Guatemala due to its tropical and subtropical climates.

For information please visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

The water in Lake Atitlan is not safe for drinking, or for swimming in certain areas. Check with local authorities before swimming in the lake, and seek medical advice if you fall ill during or immediately after a trip there.

In the 2013 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 53,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guatemala were living with HIV; the prevalence was estimated at around 0.7% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. Exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 122 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Rainy season

The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Heavy rains cause frequent flooding, landslides and collapsed roads and bridges throughout the country. Monitor local media and consult your tour operator and PROATUR as travel routes are likely to face disruption. You should plan any travel carefully. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders. For more general information see our Tropical Cyclones page.

Recent heavy rainfall across the country has led to landslides, flash flooding and damage to the infrastructure. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

Volcanoes

The possibility of eruptions always exists.

Take care if you are near any active volcano. Monitor local media and seek advice from your tour operator in case of possible travel disruption. For further information visit the website of the Guatemalan disaster agency CONRED (in Spanish).

Further information can be found in the ‘volcanoes’ section of the Safety and Security page. Please also see Local travel.

Earthquakes

Guatemala is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes.

Make sure you know what action to take if an earthquake strikes. Follow the advice of the local authorities.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency and the CONRED disaster agency have advice about what to do before, and after an earthquake or tsunami.

Debit cards are sometimes rejected by ATMs. Credit cards are more reliable. It is safer to change money in hotels, at banks or at foreign exchange offices. Credit and debit cards have been cloned after being used in ATMs. Check ATMs for evidence of tampering, although affected machines may not be easy to spot.

If credit cards are lost or stolen there may be difficulties obtaining a replacement as the UK Royal Mail is refusing to accept deliveries to Guatemala. You should use international courier companies to ensure delivery. Check with courier companies about any restrictions and their policy.

You will generally find it is not possible to exchange pounds sterling in Guatemala. US dollars can be much more easily exchanged.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you are concerned about whether or not it is safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you have identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it is safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place have become unacceptably high, we will highlight this on the travel advice page for that country or territory and we will advise against all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you have booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or cannot offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider. If you are not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We no longer ask people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you are looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you cannot find the page you are looking for, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

If you are a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.