Guatemala Travel Guide

We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Guatemala.

Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office

Crime

Most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free, but travellers should be aware that Guatemala has one of Latin America’s highest rates of violent crime, mostly involving local gangs. All areas of Guatemala City are at risk from crime, including popular tourist areas such as the historical centre (zone 1) or Zona Viva (zone 10). Do not carry, wear or display cash or valuables and, if possible, leave valuables in a hotel safe. Take particular care around ATMs, petrol stations, and at the airport, bus stations and shopping malls.

Take radio or hotel taxis, even for short trips. You can buy pre-paid taxi vouchers from the tourist office at the airport arrivals terminal.

Only change money in hotels, banks or foreign exchange offices whenever possible. Don’t withdraw too much money at once and avoid money exchange or withdrawals at night.

Avoid lone travel, particularly at night, and take special care at border crossings or in isolated or remote areas. Car-jackings and armed robberies have been reported on the ‘Carretera Salvador’, the main road between Guatemala City and the border with El Salvador. Crossroads at Fraijanes, San Jose Pinula and Las Luces are also focal points for ‘express kidnappings’ and sexual assaults. Avoid involvement in any demonstrations while in Guatemala.

Armed attacks on tourists climbing mountains have been reported so it is advisable to go with a reputable tour guide or company.

You should carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes, except in San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá, where local authorities may fine or detain you if you don’t show your original passport.

Typical Scams

There have been reports of travellers being targeted by bogus police officers and becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault. Another typical scam asks you to transfer funds to people you supposedly know (such as family or friends) who are in Guatemala.

When crossing into Guatemala by land border, the customs or immigration official may try to charge you an illegal “entry fee”. If you ask for an official receipt the “fee” is usually dropped.

Transport/Travel

Armed attacks have been reported for road travel routes to/from major tourist sites like Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan and boat services may offer a safer alternative. The Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel should be avoided, as should the road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan). Main roads are generally safer than quieter or more remote routes.

Recent landslides and flooding have destroyed many roads and bridges, causing some disruptions to road travel.

It is illegal in Guatemala to have more than 1 person riding a motorcycle at one time, and a black vest and helmet with the registration number must be worn at all times, otherwise, you may incur a fine of around £80.

Avoid travel on public buses (which are repainted US School buses), as local gangs have staged armed attacks, muggings, rape and sexual assault on these buses. As a result, some inter-city buses are banned from entering the city centres. Private inter-city buses generally have a better safety record although they have also been subject to attacks.

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.

Money

Credit cards are the recommended form of exchange as debit cards are sometimes rejected by ATMs. You should only change or withdraw money in hotels, at banks or at foreign exchange offices. There have been reports of credit and debit cards being cloned after use in ATMs. If your credit card is lost or stolen you may have trouble getting a replacement as major international courier services from the UK are not delivering to Guatemala.

Natural Disasters

Guatemala has four active volcanoes, so listen out for local alerts and warnings when travelling in these areas. If climbing Fuego and Santiaguito, avoid areas around craters and don’t climb volcanoes at night. Take care when climbing the Tajumulco volcano. Land disputes among local communities have led to some unrest.

Guatemala experiences minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. Guatemala’s rainy season runs from June to November, and this is also hurricane season in the Caribbean. Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides and collapse roads and bridges.

Health

You should be in touch with your GP around 8 weeks before you travel for vaccination or health advice. Diarrhoea can be caused by contaminated food or water so we advise you to drink bottled water.

You should carry evidence of your insurance coverage at all times in case you need medical treatment.

Dengue fever is present throughout the year in Guatemala. It is not safe to drink the water in Lake Atitlan and some areas are not safe for swimming.

Take precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS during your visit.

A Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever.

Drug trafficking incurs severe penalties (10-20 years) and drug use can result in detention for 8-15 years. Conditions in Guatemalan prisons are very poor.

Do not take photographs without permission in Guatemala, especially photos of children and particularly in remote areas such as Quiche, Peten, San Marcos and Chiquimula provinces. Photography can provoke local fears of child kidnapping or organ theft and can result in violence. You may be asked to pay a small fee if do are given permission to take photographs.

Attitudes to homosexuality in Guatemala City are tolerant but local people may be less accepting in other areas of Guatemala, so public displays of affection should be avoided.

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Guatemala’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Guatemala set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Guatemalan Embassy in the UK.

 Passport validity requirements

To enter Guatemala, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Guatemala for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you overstay the 90 days, you’ll have to pay a fine before leaving the country. You can pay this fine at the main Institute of Migration (in Spanish) office in Guatemala City. You can also pay fines at the airport or land borders, but administrative processes can cause serious delays.

Applying for or extending a visa

To stay longer than 90 days (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Guatemalan government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Guatemalan Embassy in the UK.

If you want to extend  your visa or permit to stay, you must apply to the Institute of Migration (Spanish language website).

If you do not get your passport stamped when you arrive, you will get a fine and be delayed on your departure. If you notice your passport has not been stamped, return to the immigration desk, or go to the Institute of Migration (in Spanish) offices in Guatemala City as soon as possible.

Immigration declaration form

Before you enter or exit Guatemala, you must complete the online immigration declaration form. Print the confirmation email you receive and carry it with you. Alternatively take a screenshot of the email QR code. If you need more information, contact your travel agent or the Institute of Migration (in Spanish).

Airport tax

You must pay airport departure tax of 30 US dollars (or the same amount in Guatemalan quetzal). This is normally included in the price of your ticket.

Travelling with children 

To enter or exit Guatemala, children aged 17 and under travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian must have a notarised letter in Spanish from the parents or guardians not travelling with them. Contact the Guatemalan Embassy, or if you’re in Guatemala the nearest Institute of Migration (Spanish language website), for information about what documents you need. Single parents will need additional documents.

Travelling between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua 

You can travel between Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador for up to 90 days without a visa. The CA-4 Agreement also includes Honduras, however British Nationals must have a visa to visit Honduras. If you’re entering Honduras, read the entry requirements. Read the travel advice for:

• El Salvador
• Nicaragua

The 90-day period starts when you enter any of these countries and does not restart when you cross borders. You can extend your stay by up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days expires. If you overstay, you may get a fine. 

You’ll have to go through immigration checks at borders. If you’re expelled from one of these countries, you’re also excluded from the other 2.

Illegal entry fees at land borders

Guatemalan customs or immigration officials sometimes ask travellers crossing land borders to pay an ‘entry fee’. This is illegal. If you are asked to pay a fee, ask for an official receipt, and you may find the officials drop the request.

When crossing into Guatemala by the land border at El Carmen, be wary of people offering to help process your entry into the country. They may be trying to overcharge you for unnecessary services.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Guatemala, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Guatemala guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Guatemala. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Guatemala

It is often not possible to exchange British pounds in Guatemala. It is much easier to exchange US dollars.

Guatemala’s coastal and Northeastern regions are warm all year round, averaging around 20-25°C.  The central highlands see more rainfall, especially during the rainy season from May-September. Guatemala has such a temperate climate that it is known as the ‘Land of Eternal Spring’. 

Guatemalan food has both Mayan and Spanish influences and is similar to Mexican food. Corn, beans, rice, cheese, tortillas, stews and soups are popular dishes and ingredients.  Tamales are a popular dish, which is a filled dough wrapped in a plantain or banana leaf. For breakfast, you can expect to have eggs, tortillas and beans with plenty of fresh tropical fruit such as mango or papaya. Don’t forget to try the famous Guatemalan coffee! 

• Explore natural wonders off the beaten track
• Visit ancient colonial cities and soak up the Central American charm
• Discover amazing Mayan ruins and tap into the extraordinary history of Guatemala
• Why not brush up on your Spanish skills with a few language lessons?
• Try the spicy salsa and dance the night away!
• It’s easy to hop across to other Central or South American countries or tie in a trip to the USA
• Culture, beauty and stunning scenery await in this Central American country!