Country Summary:Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Drug-related armed attacks occur in departments close to all borders. You dont have to present both. For examples, see our websites oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. Required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. Practise safe food and water precautions. We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now. Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Guatemala. Yellow feveris a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. The 90-day period begins at the first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. This is mandatory for all travelers aged 12 and over. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. Full travel advice: Health. Its up to each venue or business to decide how to enforce things, and masks and distancing are voluntary. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Guatemalan courts. Series of tremors sometimes lead to evacuations of surrounding areas. We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Travel Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, the maximum score observed is 95 (Peru). This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Victims who have resisted have been injured or killed. Contracts with promises of large commissions. Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 5% OFF your travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage and certificate, Is Guatemala Open for Tourists? See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Armed attacks have occurred in various places in Guatemala, including: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving from or through Mexico to Guatemala. Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs. 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; or, For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID19, please see the. See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. Due to heightened risk of crime, U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to go to Zone 18 in Guatemala City, Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango), and San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos). Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional. Eruptions may occur at any time. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Guatemala International Travel Information. You should carry an international driving permit. The content on this page is provided for information only. 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. Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning import or export of items such as antiquities and artefacts. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country. Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Guatemala. ), 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. Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Please visit the U.S. Embassys COVID-19 information page for more information on COVID-19 in Guatemala. Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (. Some areas have increased risk. In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis. But despite Guatemala still updating this system around every two weeks, its now essentially meaningless. Be vigilant of motorcyclists who weave unexpectedly across lanes of traffic and pedestrians who unexpectedly dart across roads due to the lack of defined crosswalks. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. 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 far as it stands right now, Guatemala is allowing arriving unvaccinated citizens/residents without a test to get tested at the airport or border. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated. Medical staff may speak little or no English. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica. SWISS wird ihren Fluggsten unter dem Namen SWISS Senses ab 2025 ein vllig neues, persnlicheres Reiseerlebnis bieten. Still, there are new restrictions as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated. 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. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Use of radio-dispatched taxis or Uber is far safer than hailing taxis on the street. Check with the Guatemalan Public Health Ministry to ensure the medication is legal in Guatemala. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information, U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19. Crime:Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens. Published 30.11.2021 1. Guatemala City, Guatemala Incidents of sexual assault have also occurred, including on buses. Further information may be found on the FAAs safety assessment page. Travel advice and advisories for Guatemala You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints. Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. Wichtiges Element des neuen Erlebnisses ist eine neue Kabinenausstattung fr die Langstreckenflotte, diese wird heute erstmals der ffentlichkeit prsentiert. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. Illegal drug traders may operate vessels in Guatemalan waters. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine. If you wish to conduct business or stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding 6 months, you require a visa. We do not pay medical bills. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. It seems strange to relax internal restrictions, but at the same time become the first country in Central America to demand vaccination for tourists. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Winter Nights You may need a tourist visa to visit Guatemala. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Visitors should not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and are advised to decline invitations from strangers to private parties or gatherings. There is general societal discrimination against LGBTI persons in relation to their access to education, health care, employment, and housing. U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy shouldvisit a health care professionalbefore travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Their emergency assistance call center staffed with Spanish and English speakers may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Guatemalan law doesnt criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to very high levels of violent crime: Violent crime, including homicides, is common in Guatemala. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. https://t.co/lgVJnpsK69, Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) December 24, 2021. Care and attention centers for the elderly. victims compensation programs in the United States. Review the. 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. 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 Covid Travel Restrictions in Central America | centralamerica.com There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called PROATUR) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guatemala. What gives? Do not travel if you have any Covid symptoms. Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the, The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or. You must request this extension and pay the required fee at the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration before your first 90-day limit expires. Dengue in the Americas August 15, 2022 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except urbanized areas. Typhoidis a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. Some areas have increased risk. San Marcos Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. To decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim: Tourist groups are advised to request security escorts. If you fail to present your entry stamp when departing Guatemala, you may be fined and experience delays. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. 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. It is against the law for drivers to operate cellular phones while driving. You must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya. 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. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Get the flu shot. For a list of doctors or medical providers in Guatemala City, please visit our website. Many cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, are at high altitude. Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel? 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. Guatemala Travel Advisory Travel Advisory October 4, 2022 Guatemala - Level 3: Reconsider Travel C Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Based on this approach, Guatemala scores 73.8 out of 100. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. While the Guatemalan Health Ministry puts out a (now deleted) post saying Guatemala was only allowing vaccinated travelers in, an announcement corroborated by the U.S. Embassy, the immigration department says something else. Flash floods and mudslides are common. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Do so before making commitments. PROVIAL, the government roadside assistance agency, patrols most of the major highways and provides updates on roads conditions. ), 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). Information about foreign domestic airlines. Restaurants in Guatemala are open with restrictions. By The New York Times. Earthquakes and tsunamiscan occur. U.S. citizens should take appropriate security measures when traveling to and from the airport such as only using vetted transportation services, not displaying valuables or other signs of wealth, refraining from using mobile devices in public, and not lingering outside the airport. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about, Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about. These two- or three-wheeled motorcycles with passenger cabins are unsafe. Demonstrationsoccur frequently. Vaccinations: Be up to date on allvaccinationsrecommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whether youre a business ownerRead More Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time. You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS in Guatemala is concentrated in urban areas. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings. 2. U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital city at night. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. 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. Central America stories, info, news, and opinion coming to you from local and expat writers in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 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. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, including taxi drivers. Travelers are allowed to enter Guatemala. Coronavirus - Guatemala travel advice - GOV.UK President Giammattei already went out of his way last month to cozy up to the United States over Taiwan, and any action which makes it harder for Honduran migrants to pass through Guatemala on the way north might be another way to get on Uncle Sams good side. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Border areas often see higher levels of criminal activity and violence. Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories), The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada), Ensure the tour guide has a name tag with the name of the tour company. In effect, the above is all that remains of the previous Guatemala Covid entry requirements in effect in some form or another since September 2020 when it reopened to travelers. It can also be sexually transmitted. Stay home if youre sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Travel in Guatemala Restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus are in place. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S. maritime advisories and alerts. There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The final dose must have been administered at least two weeks before arrival in Guatemala. prevention of international child abduction. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. Criminal taxi drivers often use this ploy. Most of the time, they are recycled school buses mechanically unreliable. Outside of that, its up to each municipality and venue to enforce rules, and many dont. Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our. International travel is slowly opening in most countries around the globe. They are often reckless. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. 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. Guatemala - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC Water Safety: Basic safety measures and precautions for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities may not be observed in Guatemala. We have obtained the information on this page from the Guatemalan authorities. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). It does not apply between Canada and Guatemala. According to LGBTI rights groups, gay and transgender individuals often experience police abuse. The Guatemalan border with Mexico, in particular the northwestern corner of Petn, is a high-risk area due to large scale drug and alien smuggling. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. Traffic Laws: Valid U.S. drivers licenses are accepted for the first 30 days of a visit, and international driving permits are accepted for extended stays. Guatemala Republic of Guatemala Travel Advisory October 4, 2022 Guatemala - Level 3: Reconsider Travel C Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Passport must be valid at the time of entry. Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Guatemala? Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. It can, however, change at any time. Travel | CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Incidents of armed robbery occur daily on public buses. It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Guatemala and neighboring countries also experience a high HIV prevalence amongst people with tuberculosis. . Again, its important to note that non-Guatemalan citizens/legal residents need to show BOTH proof of vaccination AND negative test. Secondary roads in those areas are poorly maintained and have experienced higher incidents of robbery, rape, and armed assault. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Not all risks are listed below. Ridesharing services drivers are sometimes targets of taxi drivers who oppose these services. They recommended everyone continues with biosecurity measures including hand hygiene and maintain physical distance. All drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury may be detained and held in protective custody pending investigation and/or payment of alleged damages. Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy. 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. If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. Guatemala travel restrictions To visit Guatemala by air or land, travelers age 12 and up must show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. On December 22, the Guatemalan Health Ministry first announced this was going to happen, effective immediately. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. As a result, some may ask you to sit in the front seat to hide the fact that they are providing a rideshare service. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. These restrictions were intended to limit the effect of impurities in the CNG, such as hydrogen sulfide, on the structural integrity of the steel used in the manufacture of the cylinders. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. From Mississippi, it was to Sao Paulo; from Alabama, it was Belize . Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate. Boaters in the Rio Dulce area of Izabal have been the victim of violent armed attacks. Visit theMinistry of Foreign Affairs website(Spanish only) orcontact the Guatemalan Embassyfor the most current visa information. Testing and vaccines are now a recommendation rather than a rule. You must have received your last dose at least 2. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk. is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Eruptions every 15 minutes: Hikers return to Guatemala's most active