Summary

COVID-19 entry restrictions for Guatemala

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Guatemala’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

Travelling from and returning to the UK

Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

If you’re planning travel to Guatemala, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.

On 22nd June 2022 local authorities declared “State of Public Calamity” for 30 days in the whole country due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Celia. Heavy rain has caused significant damage to infrastructure. The state of calamity allows the authorities to take measures to avoid greater consequences and to mainly protect and guarantee the lives and security of the population.

You should follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Monitor local media and consult your tour operator and PROATUR as travel routes are likely to face disruption. See Natural disasters

On 8th8 June, the Guatemalan President declared a State of Siege for a period of 30 days, startingfollowing fromreports Tuesdayof 7thviolence June in the municipalitiesdepartment of IxchiguanSan andMarcos Tajumulco(affecting in the departmentmunicipalities of SanIxchiguan Marcos.and TheTajumulco). StateOn of6 SiegeJuly, wasthe declaredPresident followingextended reportsthese ofmeasures violenceby in30 thedays. departmentCongress ofapproved Santhis Marcos.decision on 7 July 2022. The State of Siege may impact on your ability to move freely around these provinces. This measure temporarily suspends the right of assembly or demonstration; the right of freedom of movement from 06:00pm6pm to 06:00am;6am; and possession of a firearm. British nationals are advised not to travel to the affected areas. See Local travel.

15,229 British nationals visited Guatemala in 2019. Most visits are trouble free.

Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. You should carry personal ID when travelling (certified copies are fine). See Crime

Avoid travelling on public buses (repainted US school buses). Private inter-city coach services are safer, but not immune from attack. See Local travel

The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. See Rainy season. You should plan any travel carefully. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Natural disasters.

Guatemala has active volcanoes, some prone to heightened activity. See Volcanoes

UK health authorities have classified Guatemala as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Guatemala, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

You can contact the emergency services by calling 120 (police) or 122/123 (ambulance and fire).

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.