Guatemala
Warnings and insuranceSummary
TheBefore Foreign,you Commonwealthtravel, &check Developmentthe Office‘Entry (FCDO)requirements’ providessection for Guatemala’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice aboutfor risksthe oflatest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
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The youfinal travelround of Guatemala’s Presidential Elections were held on 20 August. The electoral process has been contested by Guatemala’s Public Ministry, leading to public protests and roadblocks across the country including some zones of Guatemala City (zones 1, 2 & 4), Sololá (Lake Atitlan), Totonicapán, Alta Verapaz, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Sacatepéquez (close to Antigua), Quiché and the north of Petén. Guatemalan authorities have increased the presence of police officers in key locations, such as the airport, to limit the impact that the protests may have on services, but events continue to be fast moving and the situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and with no warning.
NoWhilst travela canmajority beof guaranteedprotests safe.have Readbeen allpeaceful, there have been incidents of clashes between protestors and police, with the adviceuse inof thistear guidegas. You should avoid all political demonstrations and seeroadblocks supportand check with local authorities as well as media outlets for Britishthe nationalslatest abroadinformation. The following link provides an up to date list of protests and road blocks (bloqueados) PROVIAL.
It foris informationcurrently aboutunclear specificwhen the demonstrations and roadblocks will cease, and they may prevent your ability to travel topics.throughout Guatemala. If they continue, you may need to postpone in-country travel or reschedule your flight. We recommend that you remain in a safe place and do not seek to travel toward or through the roadblocks.
FollowGuatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) provides a 24 hours emergency assistance and contactroutine guidance to tourists. The call centre is staff with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling +502 2290 2800 or 1500.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travelguidance on Twitterforeign travel insurance,.
15,133 FacebookBritish nationals visited Guatemala in 2022. 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 andtravelling Instagramon 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 canshould alsoplan signany uptravel tocarefully. getYou emailshould notificationsmonitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. whenFollow thisthe advice isof updated.local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Natural disasters.
Travel insurance
IfGuatemala youhas chooseactive volcanoes, some prone to travel,heightened researchactivity. yourSee destinationsVolcanoes and getLocal appropriate travel insurance.
Although Insurancethere’s shouldno coverrecent yourhistory itinerary,of plannedterrorism activitiesin Guatemala, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
You can contact the emergency services by calling 120 (police) or 122/123 (ambulance and expensesfire).
If inyou anare emergency.abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2024-03-20 11:01
FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to within 5km of the Mexican border from the Pacific Coast up to and including the Gracias a Dios crossing and to the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia in the department of Huehuetenango (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ pages).
2023-11-15 11:22
Information on protests and roadblocks (under ‘Political situation’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-11-07 13:21
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-10-10 19:37
Further information on the political situation and protests (‘Summary’ page).
2023-10-06 15:05
Information on the requirement to complete an immigration pre-clearance form before entering or exiting Guatemala and further information on the political situation and protests (‘Summary’. ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-06-22 11:15
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-05-26 10:46
New information about getting an immigration stamp if issued an Emergency Travel Document whilst in Guatemala (‘Entry requirements’ page), and what to do in case of an Earthquake ( ‘Natural Disasters’ page).
2023-04-28 16:33
Information on travelling to municipalities of Ixchiguan and Tajumulco (‘Safety and Security’ page). Additional information about nationwide elections (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and Security’ pages).
2022-11-10 12:04
Removal of information about Tropical Storm Lisa (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages).
2022-11-02 03:33
Addition of information regarding Tropical Storm Lisa (“Summary”, Natural disasters”)
2022-10-13 10:25
Updated information that on 10th October, a “State of Public Calamity” was declared in the whole country due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Julia (‘Summary’, ‘Natural Disasters’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)
2022-08-22 10:27
State of Siege and State of Calamity ended; local authorities change measures against COVID-19 (‘ Summary’ ‘Safety and Security (Local Travel)’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-07-20 18:08
Local authorities change measures against COVID-19 (‘Travel in Guatemala’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-07-13 10:40
Updated information on the extension of the “State of Siege” in the Municipalities of Ixchiguan and Tajumulco by 30 days. Addition of information on new measures against COVID-19 (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-06-24 18:09
Addition of information about a “State of Public Calamity” declared in the whole country due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Celia (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)
2022-06-10 18:45
On 8th June 2022, a State of Siege was declared in the municipalities of Ixchiguan and Tajumulco, both in the department of San Marcos. (‘Summary’ and ‘Local Travel’ pages’)
2022-03-18 09:44
Updated information on entry requirements for entry Guatemala (‘Entry requirements page’)
2022-03-15 17:23
Removal of information on the “State of Siege” in Solola which ended on 19 February, and updated information on restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages effective from 3 March (‘Safety and security’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)