When traveling to Guatemala for temporary work related to your profession, if you bring in any technical equipment or tools, you must declare this equipment/these tools upon entry. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. You may need a tourist visa to visit Guatemala. Hiking in the area, while popular, is best undertaken with the assistance of a local guide to ensure safety, as criminals are known to target some routes. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Vaccinations: Be up to date on allvaccinationsrecommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you wish to conduct business or stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding 6 months, you require a visa. Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Is Guatemala City Safe? Read the entire Travel Advisory. The tourist centers of Antigua and Lake Atitln are both relaxed right now, with few to zero places demanding masks or social distancing. is an infectious viral disease. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the X gender identifier. Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs. Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate. Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel? Adequate health facilities are available in urbanized areas, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption: Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysBusiness visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysStudent visa: required. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. In the event of an injury, appropriate basic medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Guatemalan law doesnt criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. They do not typically enter into payment plan agreements, and they may decline to discharge you from the hospital if you owe money for treatment. Last week, Guatemalas Immigration Department posted on its social media that entry restrictions for Covid were still in place reminding everyone that if they wanted to enter the country, theyd need to adhere to existing testing or proof of vaccine requirements. For emergency services in Guatemala, dial 110. As governments across the world loosen coronavirus restrictions and shift their approach to accepting Covid-19 as a manageable . provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). For all travelers aged 12 and over: Evidence of receiving a complete two-dose COVID-19 vaccination course (or one dose for Johnson & Johnson), with the final dose being administered at least two weeks before beginning your trip to Guatemala; For all travelers aged 10 and over: Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test from a certified lab conducted no more than three (3) days prior to check in at the airport or arrival at the land border. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Again, if you have Guatemalan citizenship or legal residency, you can present evidence of either full vaccination or a negative test. See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Robberies of occupied vehicles are common in Guatemala City, often by two assailants on motorcycles who pull up alongside a car stopped at a traffic light. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. Guatemalas National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Guatemala. If youre traveling to Guatemala, we recommend keeping a mask handy in case restaurants demand it. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. Customs: Guatemalan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Guatemala of items such as antiquities and other cultural property. Series of tremors sometimes lead to evacuations of surrounding areas. PROVIAL - Directorate General of Road Safety and Protection (in Spanish). Hide Vaccines and Medicines PROVIAL can be contacted by calling +502-2422-7800. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas. The volcano is constantly active at a low level, with small gas and ash eruptions every 15 to 20 minutes. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. Air Travel. RESTRICTED ITEMS There is general societal discrimination against LGBTI persons in relation to their access to education, health care, employment, and housing. In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis. Rifles and handguns are very common. Consider staying in hotels or other lodging facilities that offer secure parking, doormen, and a dedicated and professional security staff. International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBI pages for information. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Many people in Guatemala fear that children are being kidnapped for illegal adoption or sexual abuse. For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low. However, outside urban areas, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Some areas have increased risk. Incidents of armed robbery occur daily on public buses. They are frequently involved in major road accidents, and serious crimes occur on board. ), A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador, Guatemala about-turned and abolished all this, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Belize to have zero Covid restrictions for travelers, only Honduras and Panama still have internal restrictions with any teeth. The spiking of drinks is a problem in tourist areas, especially in Antigua. Visit theMinistry of Foreign Affairs website(Spanish only) orcontact the Guatemalan Embassyfor the most current visa information. Passengers who are neither Guatemalan citizens nor Guatemalan residents will be required to present both of the following: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. Crime rates are high near all border crossings in Guatemala, but are worse near unofficial ones. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Guatemala International Travel Information. Do not hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City, instead use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the Guatemala City airport, or hotel taxis. Information about foreign domestic airlines. There are no restrictions, but if the passenger is carrying $10,000 or more, s/he will need to justify the income and the purpose, Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16 Effective March 11, 2022, the Government of Guatemala has modified the COVID-related entry requirements for travelers to Guatemala: Passengers who are Guatemalan citizens, foreigners, residents, accredited diplomats, or airline crew whose final destination is Guatemala must now present only one of the following: Dont photograph children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence. You could say its been official since before Christmas, but with all the chopping and changing of the dates, we waited until now to write about this. Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to very high levels of violent crime: Within Guatemala City: Zone 3 Zone 18 Zone 19 Zone 21 Municipalities: Amatitln Chinautla Escuintla San Jos del Golfo San Raymundo Villa Nueva Departments: Chiquimula Jutiapa Zacapa Highways: RN-7E CA-11 CA-12 CA-13 PET-13 Back to top Safety and security Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport. BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp. A Green Cab radio dispatch service operates in the suburbs near zone 15 and the Cayal entertainment and shopping destination. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy shouldvisit a health care professionalbefore travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Full travel advice: Health. INGUAT - The Guatemalan Tourist Institute. Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Guatemala - updated 11 January 2022 Travel to Guatemala. U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks. You may request an extension of up to 90 days from the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Violent incidents involving foreigners taking photos have occurred. Report crimes to the police through the tourist assistance program (PROATUR) at 1500 or +502-2290-2800 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +502-2326-4000. As a friend in Guatemala City tells me, the government is desperately trying to deflect corruption charges. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles. Hospitals, health centers, swab and vaccination posts, medical clinics, and laboratories. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Country Summary:Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. If you take prescription medications, youre responsible for determining their legality in Guatemala. Military and police forces conduct random vehicle searches along all borders. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. All drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury may be detained and held in protective custody pending investigation and/or payment of alleged damages. For more detailed information, please see the Guatemala Travel Advisory. Entry American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)is a risk in this country. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Children travelling with only one parent or with a third party must travel with a notarized letter of consent from the other parent, both parents or their guardian. Typically, two men on a motorcycle accost a pedestrian or driver stuck in traffic and demand valuables. In many areas, tap water is not potable. They are often overcrowded. Verify this information with theForeign Representatives in Canada. Are tours and excursions operating in Guatemala? Zika virus can causeserious birth defects. The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another countrys judicial affairs. For the time period of 2022-2050, . avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at, avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness, Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you, Always keep your medication in the original container, consult a lawyer in Canada and in Guatemala to explore all the legal options for the return of your child. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. We do not pay medical bills. Many hospitals in Guatemala require payment prior to treating patients, even if personal insurance will cover the treatment. All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to San Marcos Department for personal travel, except for the city of San Marcos. For a list of doctors or medical providers in Guatemala City, please visit our website. Since it is one of the countries that are open for tourism, Guatemala has put a few entry requirements in place for travelers. Nevertheless, the threat of a serious explosion is still real. Report any crime incidents promptly to the police. They first pick up the victim and then stop to pick up associates. Guatemala Covid Entry Requirements Eliminated for Travelers Entering the Country by CA Staff August 15, 2022 Guatemala, News, Travel All Guatemala Covid entry requirements are now eliminated, effective August 12, 2022. They recommended everyone continues with biosecurity measures including hand hygiene and maintain physical distance. Please visit the, If you are considering traveling to Guatemala to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our. They recommend mask use for anyone over the age of two. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). Seek advice from a registered travel agency if you plan off-road travel in the remote highlands of Petn to ensure youre prepared and properly equipped. Unlicensed drivers often drive at excessive speeds. Dengue in the Americas August 15, 2022 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. After all, Guatemala has seen a relaxing of in-country restrictions. They may tell you they are drug enforcement officers and then take you to a side road where they steal everything from you. Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities). Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. While they operate with taxi licences, they are not regulated and are frequently involved in accidents. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information, U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19. Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions, including potential COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements for countries you are transiting through. Immigration, Health, and everyone else all appear to be on the same page at last. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. SeeourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. From 10 January 2022, travelers entering Guatemala must show the following on arrival: Proof of a full course of COVID vaccination (two doses; or one for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine) or proof of a medical condition that prevents . We have obtained the information on this page from the Guatemalan authorities. Some areas have increased risk. Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. Bars in Guatemala are . Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Guatemala citizens cannot travel to 15 countries. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Guatemalas Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Guatemalas air carrier operations. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. When entering Guatemala by land or sea, you must obtain an entry stamp in your passport. Buses are frequently targeted by gangs, who may hurl grenades or fire shots as a way of ensuring compliance with their demands or to settle accounts. Taxi Seguro can be reached at +502-2312-4243. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. 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. Indigenous Areas: Be mindful of local traditional practices when visiting indigenous Maya communities as tensions can rise quickly and locals occasionally take the law into their own hands. Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Do not travel to: The Government of Guatemala announced new entry requirements that will be in effect as of January 10, 2022. Drug-related armed attacks occur in departments close to all borders. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Volcn de Fuego's last . In the past, Guatemalan citizens have been lynched for suspicion of child abduction. If a U.S. citizen exceeds the period of authorized stay, a fine of 15 Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ) per day is imposed, and this fine must be paid to be permitted to depart Guatemala. For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:Zika virus: Advice for travellers. Travelers exempt from receiving the vaccine must show medical certification proving theyre exempt. If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Guatemala, seek legal advice in Canada and in Guatemala.