Guatemala

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Guatemala has a dedicated tourist assistance program called ASISTUR to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. ASISTUR provides additional security and tourist police (DISETUR) in locations frequented by tourists, such as Antigua and Lake Atitlán. ASISTUR’s emergency call center – staffed with Spanish and English speakers – can be contacted 24/7 by dialing 1500 from a Guatemalan phone number or (502) 2290-2810.  You can also contact ASISTUR by WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 110 for police.
• Dial 122 or 123 for ambulance.
• Dial 1572 for toll-free domestic violence hotline. 

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Tourists are not usually the targets of violent crime. They are targeted for petty crime and theft.

• Do not leave valuables in vehicles or unattended.
• Armed robbery is common, especially after dark in urban areas. Thieves target electronics such as smart phones, headphones, and smart watches.
• Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, extortion, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and murder.
• Reports of sexual violence are also common. Support for victims is limited.
• Local police may not have the resources to handle serious crime effectively. This leads to low arrest and conviction rates.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Internet romance and financial scams occur in Guatemala. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers
• Bank overpayments

If using dating apps or websites in Guatemala: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 1500 from a Guatemalan phone or 502- 2290-2810 or send a WhatsApp message to +502-5188-1819.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Guatemala, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 

• If you are charged with a crime, you might be subject to a travel ban. This means you won’t be able to leave Guatemala until your case is finished. This could take several months or longer.

Detention conditions

Detention facilities are overcrowded and poorly maintained, lacking necessary staff and resources.

• Staff may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.
• Detainees in Guatemala often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications without assistance from friends and family.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• 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 or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

In Guatemala, there are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation.

• Anti-discrimination laws exist, but they do not protect people based on sexual orientation.
• Gay and lesbian travelers often face social discrimination and sometimes experience abuse from the police.
• Human rights groups report that police officers sometimes wait outside gay and lesbian clubs and bars and 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 information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Guatemala prohibits discrimination against people with physical, intellectual, sensory, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation and general infrastructure.
• Accessibility is common in lodging and information. Guatemala City is more accessible than the rest of the country.
• Social acceptance of people with disability is not as common as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guatemala Traveler Information provides destination-specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 110 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available in urbanized areas.

• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Ambulance services are not widely available in rural areas.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Guatemala. If you require medical attention, you will have to cover expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• 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.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever: You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are 1 year old or older and:

• You are coming from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever virus transmission, or
• You have a layover of 12 hours of more in a country with a yellow fever risk, or
• You traveled through a country with yellow fever risk.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Guatemala City and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission, even if insurance may cover it later.  They generally do not offer payment plans and may refuse to discharge you until you have paid in full.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery in Guatemala.  

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, 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 CDC’s 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 or cosmetic surgery facilities, 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.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Pseudoephedrine products, cannabis, and medications containing CBD are prohibited.
• Check with the Guatemalan Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance to ensure the medication is legal in Guatemala.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals 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.
• People staffing pharmacies in Guatemala may have limited training. Do not assume they are able to provide adequate advice on appropriate medications.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Guatemala. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) 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 information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Guatemala with no clear legal protections for foreign or same sex intended parents.
• Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Guatemala courts.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

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 CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution is a 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 changes with the seasons. It is typically worse in the dry season. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
  • Infants, children, and teens
  • People over 65 years of age
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
  • People with heart disease or diabetes
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Guatemala.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

There are many hazards on the roads.

• Drivers often ignore traffic laws and speed limits, rarely use turn signals, and pass on dangerous stretches of highway.
• Secondary and rural roads often have little to no light.
• U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel outside the capital city at night because of poor lighting and bad road conditions.
• Be careful of motorcyclists who weave between traffic lanes.
• There are few crosswalks and pedestrians might suddenly cross the road.
• A roadside assistance group called PROVIAL patrols most major highways. You can reach them by dialing 502-2422-7800. You can also call the police for help at 110 or 120, or the fire department at 122 or 123, but patrols may not be common.

Traffic laws   

Valid U.S. driver’s licenses are accepted for the first 30 days of a visit. You will need an international driving permit for longer stays.

• It is illegal to use a phone while driving.
• If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be arrested and could go to jail.
• If you are in a car accident that causes no injury, you can be held by police until an investigation is completed or damages are paid, even if the accident was not your fault.
• If you are charged with a crime, you will be banned from leaving Guatemala until the case is resolved.

Taxis and ride-shares

U.S. government employees are not allowed to use white taxis.

In Guatemala City, taxi and ride-share services are available. Some options include:

• Taxi Seguro
• Taxis Amarillo Express (yellow taxis)
• Uber

Public and commercial transportation

• Guatemala City runs green public buses.
• The most common way to travel between cities is by brightly painted buses, known as “chicken buses.” These buses are cheap but can be dangerous due to crime and accidents. U.S. government employees cannot use these buses.
• Visit the website of Guatemala’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

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 and passengers planning travel to Guatemala should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Hurricanes and tropical storms

• Guatemala is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during hurricane season from June to November. These storms can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides.

Heavy rainfall and floods

• Heavy rainfall season in Guatemala lasts from May to October. Intense rainfall, especially in the mountains, can cause flash floods and river flooding.

Earthquakes

• Guatemala is in a seismically active region.  Earthquakes can occur at any time of year.

Volcanoes

Guatemala has several active volcanoes, including Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito.  Volcanic eruptions can occur at any time with little warning and may result in ashfall, lava flows, and evacuations. 

• Some travel agents and guides offer tours and hikes on active volcanoes that are off-limits by the Government of Guatemala (e.g., Volcan de Fuego, Santiaguito). Check the INGUAT website for details and do not conduct activities in restricted areas.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates