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Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Guatemala Intercountry Adoption Information

Guatemala

Guatemala
Republic of Guatemala
Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full Travel Advisory.

There was no change to the advisory level. The “terrorism” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

  • San Marcos Department due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.
  • Huehuetenango Department due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.
  • Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.

Advisory summary

Some areas of Guatemala have higher levels of gang-related violence. Crimes include robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking, assaults, and murders. Local law enforcement often struggles to address serious crimes. This leads to low arrest and conviction rates.

Tourists can become victims of opportunistic crimes such as scams and extortion.

There is risk of terrorist attacks and other terrorist activities from cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations in San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and the city of Villa Nueva. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

Tourist Assistance Program

Guatemala offers the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) to protect tourists.

  • ASISTUR partners with tourist police (DISETUR) in popular areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Barrios, and Coban.
  • Dial 1500 or +502-2290-2810 anytime from a Guatemalan phone number. You can also message them on WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819. Their emergency call center operates in Spanish and English.
  • You can request a security escort if your group feels unsafe.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees and their families are not permitted to travel to the San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and Villa Nueva due to safety risks.
  • U. S. government employees can travel to other parts of Guatemala and visit popular destinations like Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and the Pacific coast areas in Santa Rosa and Escuintla. However, U.S. government employees should avoid driving outside Guatemala City at night. This is due to poor lighting and safety risks.
  • Outside of Zone 18 and Villa Nueva, U.S. government employees and their families can travel throughout Guatemala City, including at night.
  • U.S. government employees may not use white taxis or public transportation, like “chicken buses.” This is due to the high chance of crime and injury.
  • Visit the U.S. embassy in Guatemala City’s website. You will find local resources, like legal help and medical services. You will also find information on residence and work permits, and driver’s licenses. It also covers rules about bringing weapons into Guatemala.

Risks in specific areas

San Marcos Department - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do Not Travel to San Marcos Department due to risk of crime and terrorism.

U.S. government employees and their families cannot go to the San Marcos Department for personal travel.

  • Do not travel to San Marcos Department for any reason.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.
  • Some towns do not have enough police. Local officers may not have the resources to handle serious crimes.  
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Huehuetenango Department - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do Not Travel to Huehuetenango Department due to risk of crime and terrorism.

U.S. government employees and their families cannot go to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel.

  • Do not travel to Huehuetenango Department for any reason.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.
  • Some towns do not have enough police. Local officers may not have the resources to handle serious crimes.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva - 

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do Not Travel to Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to risk of crime and terrorism.

U.S. government employees and their families are not allowed to travel to or through Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva. This is due to the risk of violence from terrorist groups, gangs, and criminal organizations.

  • Do not travel to Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva for any reason.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Guatemala:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
  • Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Never leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Decline invitations from strangers to private parties.
  • Consider staying in hotels that have secure parking, doormen, and professional security staff.
  • Use trusted taxi services like Taxis Amarillo Express, Taxi Seguro, or Uber. Only use INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, or vetted private drivers. Avoid public transport and white taxis, as well as “chicken buses.”
  • Do not hike trails or volcanoes without a qualified local guide. Robberies can happen and getting help can be difficult.
  • Avoid using public ATMs. Do not show signs of wealth like expensive watches or jewelry. Try not to use your phone in public.
  • Drivers and motorcycles often do not stop for crosswalks, streetlights, or stop signs. Make sure vehicles come to a complete stop before crossing.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Guatemala.
  • Review the Traveler’s Checklist and make a plan for emergencies.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Guatemala.
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
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National Interest Exceptions for Adoption Visas

Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State paused visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of 75 countries. President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans.  The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge. 

As noted in our Adoption Notice on National Interest Exceptions for Adoption Visas, in countries where the issuance of immigrant visas is currently limited, children being adopted by Americans can qualify for an exception under the National Interest Exception. 

These American families should continue the normal adoption process. They should submit visa applications and attend consular interviews. They do not need to take other additional steps to be considered for a case-by-case exception under the National Interest Exception.

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
Yes
Are Intercountry Adoptions between this country and the United States possible?
Intercountry adoptions are not currently possible between Guatemala and the United States.
ALL / ALL /

Hague Convention Information

Intercountry adoptions are not currently possible between Guatemala and the United States. 

In December 2007, Guatemala passed adoption legislation that incorporated the Hague Adoption Convention into Guatemala’s adoption system, created the Guatemalan National Adoption Council (CNA), and established a transition period for cases initiated prior to its enactment.  The CNA subsequently suspended new intercountry adoption applications, and as of January 2025, intercountry adoptions between the United States and Guatemala have not resumed.

As a result, the Department of State is unable to issue Hague Adoption Certificates or Hague Custody Declarations for new intercountry adoptions from Guatemala and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may not approve a Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, for a child from Guatemala.  The Department continues its efforts to work with the Government of Guatemala to support Guatemala’s establishment of a Convention compliant process to allow for the resumption of intercountry adoptions.           

Guatemala is a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Convention).  Intercountry adoption processing in Convention countries must be done in accordance with the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); the IAA’s implementing regulations and U.S. adoption-related immigration policies; as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Guatemala.

U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Guatemala who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should contact Guatemala’s Central Authority.  See contact information below.

Caution:  Although U.S. citizens generally must follow the Hague Convention process to adopt a child from a Hague Convention country, the Family-Based Petition Process (Form I-130) may be an option for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for their adopted child.  However, U.S. citizens may file a Form I-130 for a child from a Hague Convention country only if they can establish the Convention does not apply to the adoption.  There are significant differences between the Hague and the Family-Based Petition Process.  For more information about specific Form I-130 requirements for adopted children, see the USCIS website and the USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 5. 

Prospective adoptive parents who are stationed overseas on U.S. military orders, posted overseas on U.S. government orders, or are private citizens living abroad are cautioned that the Convention may apply to an adoption completed in the United States, in the host country, and/or involving a child from a third country.  We also strongly encourage such prospective adoptive parents to consult with the Central Authority of the country where they are physically residing, and/or where the child is residing, to determine whether the Convention applies to a proposed adoption. 

Please visit the Department of State’s country page for more information on traveling to Guatemala and U.S. Embassy in Guatemala’s website for information on consular services.

Please see our section on Adoptions from the United States for more information on the process for adopting a child from the United States.  We urge prospective adoptive parents residing abroad who are considering adoption of a child from the United States to consult with the Guatemala’s Central Authority, Consejo Nacional de Adopciones (CNA) (National Council on Adoption), for its determination as to whether it considers your adoption to be subject to the Convention.

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Guatemala, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.

Contact Information

Guatemala’s Adoption Authority

Consejo Nacional de Adopciones (CNA) (National Council on Adoption)
Address:7a. Avenida 6068, zona 9.
Tel:  011-502-2415-1600
Fax:  011-502-2415-1601
Email: cna@cna.gob.gt
Internet: cna.gob.gt  

U.S. Embassy in Guatemala 
Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16
Tel: 011-502-2354-0000
Email: adoptguatemala@state.gov
Internet: gt.usembassy.gov

Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State 
2201 C Street, NW 
SA-17
Washington, DC 20520
Tel:  1-888-407-4747
Email:  adoption@state.gov     
Internet:  adoption.state.gov

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or a Form I-800 petition or related supplement:
USCIS 
Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax: 1- 913-214-5808
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov

For other USCIS-related questions:
USCIS Contact Center 
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet:  uscis.gov

More Information

FAQ: U.S. Withdrawal of Interest in Participating in Guatemala's Pilot Adoption Program

Last Updated: March 10, 2025

Adoption Notices

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Guatemala City
Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Telephone
+(502) 2354-0000
Emergency
+(502) 2354-0000
Fax
null
Email
AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov
Website
https://gt.usembassy.gov/

Guatemala Map

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Adoption Statistics

Adoptions from Guatemala to U.S. by Year:
SEE ALL STATISTICS
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