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Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
Country Summary: Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking and violence. Local law enforcement may not always respond well to serious crimes, leading to low arrest and conviction rates. While tourists are not usually targeted, they can still be victims of opportunistic crimes.
Guatemala has a program called the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) that helps protect tourists. ASISTUR works with tourist police (DISETUR) in popular areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Barrios, and Coban. They also have an emergency call center that speaks both Spanish and English. Tourist groups can request a security escort if they have safety concerns. You can call them anytime by dialing 1500 from a Guatemalan phone number or (502) 2290-2810, and you can also reach them on WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.
U.S. government employees and their families cannot travel to the San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, or Villa Nueva. They can travel to other parts of Guatemala and visit popular places like Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and the Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla. However, they should avoid driving outside Guatemala City at night because of poor lighting and safety risks. They may not use white car taxis or public transportation, like “chicken buses” due to the high chance of crime and injury.
Check the country information page for helpful information about traveling to Guatemala. This includes information on entry and exit rules, safety, local laws, health, and getting around. Also, visit the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City’s website for local resources, like legal help, medical services, driver’s licenses, and information on residence and work permits, as well as rules about bringing weapons into Guatemala.
If you decide to travel to Guatemala:
San Marcos Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel
U.S. government personnel and their families may not go to the San Marcos Department for personal travel, except for the city of San Marcos itself. There is a lot of drug trafficking in this area, and many parts are controlled by drug gangs. Some towns do not have enough police, and 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
U.S. government personnel and their families may not go to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango itself. There is a lot of drug trafficking in this area, and many parts are controlled by drug gangs. Some towns do not have enough police, and 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
U.S. government personnel and their families are not allowed to travel to or through Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to increased risk of crime and significant gang activity. Aside from Zone 18 and Villa Nueva, U.S. government personnel and their family members are permitted to travel throughout Guatemala City, even at night.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Your U.S. passport must be valid when you enter Guatemala.
You need one blank page for an entry and exit stamp.
You do not need a visa, but all travelers must fill out an electronic immigration and customs declaration form to enter and exit.
No vaccinations are required.
There are no restrictions on currency when entering. However, if you are bringing $10,000 or more, you must identify the source of the money and its purpose.
There are also no restrictions on currency when leaving. However, if you have $10,000 or more, you must identify the source of the money and its purpose.
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
Check the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Guatemala for information on U.S. – Guatemala relations.
To enter Guatemala, you need a U.S. passport that is valid when you arrive with at least one blank page for an entry and exit stamp. There is no required minimum validity period for a U.S. passport, and U.S. citizens do not need a visa.
There are no vaccinations required for entry. Review the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for general vaccination advice for travelers.
Guatemala has an electronic immigration form that you must fill out to enter and exit the country. Some airlines may ask for proof that you completed this form before you check-in. U.S. citizens are usually allowed to stay in Guatemala for 90 days, but this can possibly be extended if you ask. If you stay longer than you are allowed, you will have to pay a fine of 15 Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ) (about $2) for each day you exceed your stay. This fine must be paid to Guatemala’s immigration authority (Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM)) before you can leave the country.
If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Guatemala, go to the U.S. Embassy to get a new one as soon as possible. To leave Guatemala, you must show your new passport along with a police report about the loss or theft to Guatemala’s immigration authority (Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM)). You may also have to pay a fine of $100 for not having an entry stamp or proof of entry into the country. Fines and amounts can change.
Visit Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (in Spanish only) for information about Guatemalan embassies and consulates, and the latest visa requirements.
HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Guatemala.
Check our websites for more information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations.
In an emergency, U.S. Embassy personnel are not first responders. Guatemala has a tourism assistance program called ASISTUR to help and protect visitors in the country. ASISTUR provides extra security and tourist police (DISETUR) in popular tourist areas like Antigua and Lake Atitlán. ASISTUR’s emergency call center has Spanish and English speakers and is available 24/7. You can call 1500 from a Guatemalan phone or (502) 2290-2810 or send a WhatsApp message to +502-5188-1819. Here is a list of ASISTUR’s contacts by Department. Tourist groups can also ask for security escorts.
Crime: While tourists are not usually the targets of violent crime, they can still become victims of theft. Do not leave valuables in vehicles or unattended. Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, extortion, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and murder. Reports of sexual violence are also common, and support for victims is limited. Local police may not have the resources to handle serious crime effectively, leading to low arrest and conviction rates.
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may occur on politically significant holidays and during international events.
Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Guatemala. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
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:
Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. Enable multi-factor authentication if possible. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.
GPS navigation apps can be helpful. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. A GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety considerations.
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Report crimes to the local police through the tourist assistance program which is available 24/7. Call 1500 from a Guatemalan phone or (502) 2290-2810 or send a message on WhatsApp to +502-5188-1819. You can also contact the U.S. Embassy through our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Review our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage).
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.
If you are charged with a crime, you might be put on a travel ban, which means you would not be able to leave Guatemala until your case is finished. This could take several months or even longer.
Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, review our website 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. Review our webpage for further information.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers: Review the following webpages for details:
International Volunteers:
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons based on real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Guatemala. Anti-discrimination laws exist, but they do not specifically protect people based on sexual orientation. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons often face social discrimination and sometimes experience abuse from the police. Human rights groups report that police officers sometimes wait outside clubs and bars catering to lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons to demand money to avoid jail. Many victims do not report these incidents because they do not trust the judicial system and fear more harassment.
Review our LGB 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, sensory, 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 and general infrastructure, and common in lodging and communication/information. Guatemala City is more accessible than the rest of the country.
Review our Travelers with Disabilities page.
Students: Review our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. students.
Women Travelers: Review our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Guatemala City offers a full range of medical care, but options are limited outside the city. Public hospitals in Guatemala often have serious shortages of even basic medicines and equipment. Many private doctors in Guatemala have U.S. training and certifications. The U.S. Embassy lists medical resources on its website but may not recommend specific providers.
Hospitals and doctors in Guatemala usually require payment before treating patients, even if insurance might cover it later. They generally do not offer payment plans and may refuse to discharge you until you have paid in full.
For emergency services in Guatemala, dial 110. “Urgent care” centers are available in larger cities.
Ambulance services are widely available in urbanized areas, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulance services are not widely available in rural areas.
Review our Health Abroad page for more information.
The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates 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. Review our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Guatemalan Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance 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.
Yellow fever is not currently a risk in Guatemala, but the Guatemalan government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for ages 1 and over if they are (1) coming from countries where there is risk of yellow fever virus transmission, or (2) have a layover of 12 hours or more in a country with yellow fever risk, or (3) travel through a country with yellow fever risk.
Further health information:
Air Quality:
*Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Guatemala. Consider the impact that seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically worse in the dry season. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
Health facilities in general
Adequate health facilities are available in Guatemala City and other major cities, but health care in rural areas may not be the same as you would typically find in the United States.
Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies.
Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is usually available.
Private hospitals usually require advance payment before admitting a patient.
Medical staff may speak little or no English.
Generally, in public hospitals, only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards.
Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in large cities.
Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery
U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.
Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare in another country, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Tourism website for information on Medical Tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Guatemala.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Guatemala.
Although Guatemala has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Guatemala, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.
Pharmaceuticals
Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, which can be bought without a prescription or with a prescription in the United States, are usually easy to buy with few controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
Persons staffing pharmacies in Guatemala may have limited training and should not be assumed to be able to provide adequate counsel on appropriate medications.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration for more information.
Non-Traditional Medicine
U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while receiving medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Guatemala. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy
If you are considering traveling to Guatemala to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.
Although surrogacy agencies/clinics claim surrogacy is legal in Guatemala, there is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Guatemala. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Guatemala courts.
Water Quality
In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. You should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
Altitude
Many cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.
Adventure Travel
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adventure Travel website for more information about Adventure Travel.
Road Conditions and Safety: There are many hazards on the roads. Secondary and rural roads often have little to no light. U.S. Embassy employees are not allowed to travel outside the capital city at night. Be careful of motorcyclists who weave between lanes of traffic and pedestrians who might suddenly cross the road because there are few crosswalks.
A roadside assistance group called PROVIAL patrols most major highways. You can reach them by calling (502) 2422-7800. Travelers can also call the police for help at 110 or 120, or the fire department at 122 or 123; but patrols may be infrequent.
Traffic Laws: Valid U.S. driver’s licenses are accepted for the first 30 days of a visit, and international driving permits are needed for longer stays. Many traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored, turn signals are rarely used, and passing on dangerous stretches of highway happens frequently. It is illegal to use a phone while driving.
If someone is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs they will be arrested and could go to jail. Drivers involved in accidents causing injury, no matter who is at fault, can be held until an investigation or payment of damages is completed. If you are charged with a crime, you might be banned from leaving Guatemala until the case is resolved.
Public Transportation: In Guatemala City, there are green public buses run by the city. The most common way to travel between cities is by brightly painted buses, known as “chicken buses.” These buses are cheap by can be dangerous due to crime and accidents. U.S. Embassy employees cannot use these buses.
In Guatemala City, you can find reliable taxi and ride-share services, such as:
U.S. Embassy employees are not allowed to use white taxis and cannot travel outside of Guatemala City after dark because of poor lighting and increased accident risk.
Review our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Guatemala’s national tourist office (INGUAT) and national authority responsible for road safety (PROVIAL).
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Guatemala’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.
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 warning website.
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.”
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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.
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