U.S. citizens do not need a visa and are admitted to Guatemala for 90 days. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Is it safe to travel to Guatemala during the COVID-19 pandemic? Effective August 13, 2022, travelers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results to enter Guatemala. 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. For a list of doctors or medical providers in Guatemala City, please visit our website. Flash floods and mudslides are common. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies upon leaving the airport. Criminals have attacked drivers, fare collectors and passengers. If you fail to present your entry stamp when departing Guatemala, you may be fined and experience delays. Good health care is limited to private hospitals and clinics in urban areas. Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning import or export of items such as antiquities and artefacts. Then they changed it again, to January 10. Furthermore, some violations of law that occur in Guatemala are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Only limited exceptions apply. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. Its up to each venue or business to decide how to enforce things, and masks and distancing are voluntary. New article about Northern Lights photography in M, Guatemala has reopened borders to tourists from these countries, Guatemala travel ban is in place for these countries, Check where to get a quick PCR test for travel near you. Again, its important to note that non-Guatemalan citizens/legal residents need to show BOTH proof of vaccination AND negative test. Read the entire Travel Advisory. They they removed this announcement from their website and social media. They recommended everyone continues with biosecurity measures including hand hygiene and maintain physical distance. US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Guatemala, Entry Requirements for Guatemala in Spanish, Map of Different Regions Alert Levels in Spanish, Regulations for Different Levels of Alert in Spanish. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean, since currents and undertows are strong, and beaches lack adequate lifeguards or emergency response. ), 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. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysBusiness visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysStudent visa: required. Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport. The southwestern department of San Marcos at the Guatemala-Mexico border and the zone at the border with Belize are especially affected. For those aged 10 and over, proof of a negative test taken within three days before arrival, as outlined above. In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis. Quebec overtook British Columbia as the second most common initial settlement location among this group, landing 68,685 immigrants in 2022, representing about 15.7% of all new immigrants. If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Guatemala, seek legal advice in Canada and in Guatemala. help you find accommodations and arrange flights home. Vaccination to enter Guatemala is now mandatory for foreign (non-citizen/legal resident visitors from January 10, 2022. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abduction,andcustoms regulationson our websites. Illegal roadblocks are also frequent. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also common. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. Maintain distance from local children and refrain from actions that could fuel such suspicions. If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, information, and general infrastructure, and common in lodging and communication. COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers, Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada). Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. Do not travel to: Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickenss, and take precautions before you travel. If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this country for the duration of your pregnancy. If youre traveling to Guatemala, we recommend keeping a mask handy in case restaurants demand it. International Travel Restrictions Guatemala's land, air, and sea ports of entry remain open to most passenger traffic. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November. They can happen throughout the country, but the Petn area is usually the most affected. Stay on main roads when traveling to and from Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. International Travel Restrictions All arriving passengers aged 10 or older must fulfill one of the following requirements to enter Guatemala: Present proof of having received at least two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, or a single dose in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, over 14 days prior to travel. As a result, some may ask you to sit in the front seat to hide the fact that they are providing a rideshare service. Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Guatemala City, Guatemala When traveling to Lake Atitln, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services. On its own tweet about the matter (see above), the Department of Immigration said it was posting the new rules because of the possibility of a massive group of migrants entering Guatemalan territory. Road Conditions and Safety: Road hazards are common. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving at night. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. The tourist centers of Antigua and Lake Atitln are both relaxed right now, with few to zero places demanding masks or social distancing. Top countries include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and Antigua and Barbuda. Last update: 01/22/2022. Due to very high levels of violent crime, you should avoid non-essential travel to certain: Crimes that occur in these areas include: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is prevalent in urban and tourist areas, especially in: Crime tends to increase during the holiday seasons. Visit theMinistry of Foreign Affairs website(Spanish only) orcontact the Guatemalan Embassyfor the most current visa information. for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape. While the Government of Canada issues passports with an X gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. If youre staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the regions evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning. Lifeguards are rarely present. 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. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. Faith-Based Travelers:See the following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Guatemala. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. After that, press reports said Guatemala was delaying the change (to analyze the measures, apparently), which was why the Health Department removed all its posts on the matter. contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Zika virus can causeserious birth defects. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (, San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to, Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to, Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City due to. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. Contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Washington, D.C. ion. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. PROVIAL can be contacted by calling +502-2422-7800. When entering Guatemala by land or sea, you must obtain an entry stamp in your passport. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. prevention of international child abduction. 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. In the meantime, also on December 22, Guatemalas Immigration Department updated its own entry info, without mentioning any of this. Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except urbanized areas. If you wish to conduct business or stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding 6 months, you require a visa. You should carry an international driving permit. The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. Boaters in the Rio Dulce area of Izabal have been the victim of violent armed attacks. There have been incidents involving deceptive police officers who commit petty crimes, while other officers have reportedly been involved in sexual assault cases. You must have received your last dose at least 2. 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. Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know. Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. Guatemala Travel Restrictions 49.92% of citizens have been vaccinated Traveling from United States Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status Fully vaccinated Outgoing to Guatemala Return to the United States Traveling from the United States to Guatemala Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala. Unvaccinated foreign travelers can expect to either not be allowed to board their plane into Guatemala, or to be turned away at the border. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information, U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19, For all travelers aged 12 and over: Evidence of receiving a complete twodose 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; and. Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Guatemala - updated 11 January 2022 Travel to Guatemala. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Hide Vaccines and Medicines They are often overcrowded. San Marcos Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. There are now no more vaccine requirements or negative test proofs needed to enter Guatemala, only recommendations. Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking. Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game. For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low. Drug-related armed attacks occur in departments close to all borders. Tags: Guatemala Travel Restrictions. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Guatemala. You dont have to present both. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the X gender identifier. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. Water Safety: Basic safety measures and precautions for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities may not be observed in Guatemala. Theyre faking concern over Omicron.. Road safety and road conditions can vary greatly throughout the country. Series of tremors sometimes lead to evacuations of surrounding areas. Nevertheless, the threat of a serious explosion is still real. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Their emergency assistance call center staffed with Spanish and English speakers may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. The overall score for Guatemala is lower than the regional average observed across Latin America and the Caribbean (80.9). Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. 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. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. They first pick up the victim and then stop to pick up associates. There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Based on this approach, Guatemala scores 73.8 out of 100. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation or denied future entry into Guatemala. Huehuetenango Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. Many hospitals in Guatemala require payment prior to treating patients, even if personal insurance will cover the treatment. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. #Informacin | Ante la posibilidad de que ingrese un grupo masivo de personas migrante a territorio guatemalteco, recordamos los requisitos sanitarios de ingreso al pas. Proof of full vaccination as outlined above (applicable to those aged 12 and over). Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Your safety and security could be at risk. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. They may tell you they are drug enforcement officers and then take you to a side road where they steal everything from you. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Hospitals, health centers, swab and vaccination posts, medical clinics, and laboratories. If your passport is lost or stolen while you are in Guatemala, please obtain a new passport at the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. As far as it stands right now, Guatemala is allowing arriving unvaccinated citizens/residents without a test to get tested at the airport or border. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated. Whether youre a business ownerRead More Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? Uber is also considered safe to use in Guatemala City and Antigua. is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccinations: Be up to date on allvaccinationsrecommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vigilante justice has increased in rural areas, resulting in lynchings of suspected child abductors, extortionists and other criminals. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due tocrime. What gives? For the time period of 2022-2050, . Roadblocks erected because of roadwork are common, particularly in the following northern and western departments: These roadblocks may cause substantial delays. 2. We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. As Costa Rica ends its State of Emergency this week, we update our guide to the remaining Covid measures around Central America. Some areas have increased risk. Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the, The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page, Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates, Emergency Information for American Citizens, Health Alert Updated COVID-19-Related Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala. January 10, 2022 Location: Guatemala, countrywide The Government of Guatemala announced new entry requirements that will be in effect as of January 10, 2022. Health Alert New Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala on or after January 10, 2022. Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada* It is important to note thatcountry entry requirementsmay not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. Report any crime incidents promptly to the police. Refrain from using a cell phone on the street. ), A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador, with all the chopping and changing of the dates, press reports said Guatemala was delaying the change (to analyze the measures, apparently). Ensure your travel insurance covers this. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another countrys judicial affairs. In order to be permitted to depart Guatemala, you will present the new passport together with a police or Ministerio Publico report regarding the loss/theft to the Guatemalan Immigration Agency (Direccin de Migracin). There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. Typically, two men on a motorcycle accost a pedestrian or driver stuck in traffic and demand valuables. 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. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. Beginning January 5, at 12:01AM ET, there are new requirements for air passengers 2 years of age and older traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, and those traveling from Seoul, Toronto, and Vancouver who have been in China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the past 10 days. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. PROVIAL, a roadside assistance force, patrols most of the major highways in the country. These two- or three-wheeled motorcycles with passenger cabins are unsafe. We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now. Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel? Be sure that yourroutine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination. While they operate with taxi licences, they are not regulated and are frequently involved in accidents. However, authorities have banned the entry of travelers who have been to South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, or Zimbabwe in the 14 days prior to travel in Guatemala. Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.