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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Guatemala International Parental Child Abduction Information

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Guatemala International Parental Child Abduction 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.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Guatemala City
Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Emergency after-hours telephone: 2354 0000 (From inside Guatemala)
+502 2354 0000 or 1-301-985-8164 (From outside Guatemala)
Contact: U.S. Citizens Services Navigator

Guatemala and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since January 1, 2008.

For information concerning travel to Guatemala, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Guatemala.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here. 

 


The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention.  In this capacity, the Departmen's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Guatemala.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.

Contact information:

U.S. Department of State 
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's Issues
CA/OCS/CI 
SA-17, 9th Floor 
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Fax: 202-485-6221
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website 

The Guatemalan Central Authority for the Hague Abduction Convention is the Procuraduría General de la Nación, (PGN).  The PGN’s role is to perform the duties given to central authorities under the Hague Abduction Convention, including processing Hague Abduction Convention applications for return of and access to children.  They can be reached at:

Procuraduría General de la Nación
15th Avenue 9-69, Zone 13
Guatemala City, Guatemala 010013
Licda. Sara Payes
Tel. 22148787 ext. 2011
Email: procurador@pgn.gob.gt
Website:

To initiate a Hague case for the return of, or access to, a child in Guatemala, the left-behind parent must complete a Hague application and submit it to the PGN.  The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application to the PGN, and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes. 

There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the United States or Guatemalan central authorities.  After the case is filed and accepted with the PGN, the PGN assigns an attorney to represent the Hague Convention application during the Hague judicial process in Guatemala, at no cost.  It is important to note that the attorney does not represent either parent's interests; rather, the attorney represents the Hague Convention application.  Additional costs may include airplane tickets for court appearances and for the return of the child, if so ordered.

A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in, Guatemala.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Guatemala.  Once the case has been filed with the Court at the request of the left-behind parent visitation rights will be re-established.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

Retaining a private attorney is not required in order to file Hague Convention applications with courts in Guatemala. The PGN assigns an attorney to represent the Hague Abduction Convention application. While not required, a parent may choose to hire a private attorney to represent his/her interests in the case. If a parent retains a private attorney, the attorney should contact the PGN as soon as possible after the filing of the Hague Abduction Convention application.

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City maintains a list of attorneys on its website. 

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

Guatemalan law requires that a mediation meeting take place in every civil and family dispute, including Hague Abduction Convention cases, prior to a court’s hearing of the case. During this meeting, the judge informs the interested parties of the benefits of mediation. If the parties decline to pursue mediation, the case proceeds to litigation.

If the parties are interested in mediation, they must secure a private mediator as neither the court nor the GCA provides mediation services.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: June 26, 2018

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/

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