You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. There are four active volcanoes in Guatemala. Top 10 Source Countries of New Immigrants to Canada in 2022 Revealed by Support for victims of sexual assault is lacking. If you wish to conduct business or stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding 6 months, you require a visa. Guatemala reopened its borders to international travel on September 18, 2020. U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks. You must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane. Is it safe to travel to Guatemala during the COVID-19 pandemic? These immigration numbers come in contrast to the previous year's figures, where Canada welcomed just 184,000 new PRs due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Bars in Guatemala are . For emergency services in Guatemala, dial 110. Antidiscrimination laws exist, but do not include specific protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Please make every effort to stay informed before making any travel plans by confirming with your airlines and checking the website (https://igm.gob.gt) of the Guatemalan governments immigration authority. Demonstrations take place frequently. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), Canadian tourists may travel freely within any of the following CA-4 countries: You can travel between these countries for up to 90 days without having to undergo entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. A true case of jumping the gun. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Guatemala. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. Then they changed it again, to January 10. You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, including taxi drivers. Only Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama still have official restrictions in place.https://t.co/lcbH7Ev7eG, Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) August 11, 2022, Whether youre a business ownerRead More Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? Dont photograph children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickenss, and take precautions before you travel. From Mississippi, it was to Sao Paulo; from Alabama, it was Belize . Guatemala: Authorities update COVID-19-related travel and domestic Eruptions may occur at any time. Well its now official From January 10, 2022, youll need to prove full vaccination status to enter Guatemala as a tourist. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya. Guatemala Covid Entry Requirements | centralamerica.com For more detailed information, please see the Guatemala Travel Advisory. 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. Travel advice and advisories for Guatemala See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. . January 10, 2022 Location: Guatemala, countrywide The Government of Guatemala announced new entry requirements that will be in effect as of January 10, 2022. If you plan to undergo surgery in Guatemala, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. 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. Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. After all, Guatemala has seen a relaxing of in-country restrictions. According to LGBTI rights groups, gay and transgender individuals often experience police abuse. It does not apply between Canada and Guatemala. 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. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. You may request an extension of up to 90 days once a year. Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country. Travel Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Stay on main roads when traveling to and from Antigua and Lake Atitlan. By The New York Times. In a common scenario, an accomplice distracts the victim while an assailant slashes a bag or backpack or simply steals it. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. Guatemala City, Guatemala There is no mountain rescue service in Guatemala. is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Entry See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas. Border areas often see higher levels of criminal activity and violence. U.S. Embassy employees are not permitted to use these public buses. 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. Guatemala International Travel Information Use of radio-dispatched taxis or Uber is far safer than hailing taxis on the street. ), Patricia Trigueros takes you toRead More A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador. Restaurants in Guatemala are open with restrictions. Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads. All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango. Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others. Review the. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov. Criminals have attacked drivers, fare collectors and passengers. 122 documents in the last year Trade Adjustment Assistance . While there is no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships or marriages, private same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults is legal. Country Summary:Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs. You must request this extension and pay the required fee at the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration before your first 90-day limit expires. Especially if, as mentioned, its been relaxing restrictions, not adding to them. Since it is one of the countries that are open for tourism, Guatemala has put a few entry requirements in place for travelers. We recommend traveling to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only. Since September 2020, Guatemala is receiving international travelers. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation or denied future entry into Guatemala. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You should carry personal ID when travelling (certified. Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. Do take radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, and/or Uber. You can drive in Guatemala with your valid Canadian drivers licence. If you take prescription medications, youre responsible for determining their legality in Guatemala. Passengers who in the past 14 days have been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa or Zimbabwe are not allowed to enter. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy shouldvisit a health care professionalbefore travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. 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. If you intend on hiking, including on volcanoes: Coastal waters can be dangerous. When entering Guatemala by land or sea, you must obtain an entry stamp in your passport. Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. SeeourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details. They have the Biden administration breathing down their neck, and theres talk of sanctions coming in the new year. If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. Boaters in the Rio Dulce area of Izabal have been the victim of violent armed attacks. 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. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. 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. (phone: 202-745-4953) or one of Guatemalas consulates in the United States for specific information. LGBTI rights groups allege that police officers regularly engage in extortion by waiting outside clubs and bars frequented by LGBTI persons to demand protection money or payment to avoid jail. Is Guatemala Open for Travel? - Latest Travel Restrictions They recommend mask use for anyone over the age of two. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. Guatemala Travel Bans & Restrictions - COVID-19 Travel Advisory - TRIP.COM (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? The overall score for Guatemala is lower than the regional average observed across Latin America and the Caribbean (80.9). Some areas have increased risk. For examples, see our websites oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Guatemala, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. Verify this information with theForeign Representatives in Canada. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption: Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. While they operate with taxi licences, they are not regulated and are frequently involved in accidents. report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Childrens Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre. The Latest Covid-19 Travel Requirements For Central America - Forbes Entry requirements - Guatemala travel advice - GOV.UK Guatemalan citizens can travel to different countries with conditions during coronavirus with 138 countries open for travel. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public. If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. But deaths are at an all time low, even with the lack of internal restrictions. We do not pay medical bills. In Central America, only Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama still have Covid entry requirements for travelers entering their territories. If you fail to leave Guatemala with your vehicle by the expiry date, you will be subject to a fine for the extra days. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. 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. Childrens passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. P, The year is coming to an end, and, like I've been. Maintain distance from local children and refrain from actions that could fuel such suspicions. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving. In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Drink boiled or bottled water. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime . Victims who have resisted have been injured or killed. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Then, adding to further confusion, the U.S. Embassy also updated its page to say travelers could only enter the country if vaccinated. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission. Consider staying in hotels or other lodging facilities that offer secure parking, doormen, and a dedicated and professional security staff. Further information may be found on the FAAs safety assessment page. Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs. 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. They have been involved in cases of extortion, petty theft and other crimes. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Avoid activities that might unintentionally violate a cultural or religious belief. Crime:Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens. This ruling gets underway tomorrow. There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. There have been incidents involving deceptive police officers who commit petty crimes, while other officers have reportedly been involved in sexual assault cases. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Immigrants. Check if you need one below. 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. Care in private hospitals is generally adequate for most common illnesses and injuries, and many of the medical specialists working in them are U.S.-trained and -certified. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another countrys judicial affairs. Avoid approaching or photographing children and women, especially in Indigenous communities. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Vaccination to Enter Guatemala Mandatory | centralamerica.com Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. Travel Trends for Spring 2022 - The New York Times The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death. For all travelers aged 12 and over: Evidence of receiving a complete two-dose 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; 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. The risk may vary between regions of a country. victims compensation programs in the United States. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also common. The tourist centers of Antigua and Lake Atitln are both relaxed right now, with few to zero places demanding masks or social distancing. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Guatemala and neighboring countries also experience a high HIV prevalence amongst people with tuberculosis. Guatemala - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Guatemala. 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. Can I travel to Guatemala? Travel Restrictions & Entry - KAYAK Risk is generally low for most travellers. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Guatemala. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:Zika virus: Advice for travellers. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Rifles and handguns are very common. The content on this page is provided for information only. You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints. See ourwebpagefor further information. Immigration, Health, and everyone else all appear to be on the same page at last. Guatemala - Department of Foreign Affairs Hospitals, health centers, swab and vaccination posts, medical clinics, and laboratories. RESTRICTED ITEMS ), 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). Detailed Travel Advisory. You must take the equipment/tools with you when you depart. If a U.S. citizen exceeds the period of authorized stay, a fine of 15 Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ) per day is imposed, and this fine must be paid to be permitted to depart Guatemala. TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No for stays of up to 90 days. Indigenous Areas: Be mindful of local traditional practices when visiting indigenous Maya communities as tensions can rise quickly and locals occasionally take the law into their own hands. 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. Unless youre in a red area, where both mask mandates and social distancing remain. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged. Guatemalan can travel to 1 country if they meet certain conditions. Crime rates are high near all border crossings in Guatemala, but are worse near unofficial ones. Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our. PASSPORT VALIDITY: Passport must have six months validity. Masks are now only compulsory in the following areas: Green is normal, yellow is moderate, orange is high, and red is the highest alert. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. We have obtained the information on this page from the Guatemalan authorities. Volcn de Fuego's last . All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to San Marcos Department for personal travel, except for the city of San Marcos. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. 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. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. Certain types of activities may put you at higher risk of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves. For a list of doctors or medical providers in Guatemala City, please visit our website. Last update: 01/22/2022. Proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 (two doses for all except for Johnson & Johnson, which requires one dose). Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the. Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. 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. Full travel advice: Health. From Alaska and Hawaii, the best prices were to Guatemala City, while the cheapest place to fly from West Virginia was Madrid. American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)is a risk in this country. Outside of that, its up to each municipality and venue to enforce rules, and many dont. 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. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Beware of strong currents, riptides, and undertows along Guatemala's Pacific coast beaches, as well as at Lake Atitlan. Do not travel to: It is recommended that you contact the nearestdiplomatic or consular officeof the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. 70% of all people living with HIV/AIDS live in Guatemala City and the metropolitan region. Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate. They are often overcrowded. - This does not apply to: - nationals of Guatemala; - permanent residents of Guatemala. Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysBusiness visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysStudent visa: required. Its unclear if this applies also to vaccinated tourists, or if immigration agents will turn them away. Demonstrationsoccur frequently. You should carry an international driving permit. They can happen throughout the country, but the Petn area is usually the most affected. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. To make travel safe and convenient for users, we'll update the page when countries and regions make official announcements about travel. 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 Ridesharing services drivers are sometimes targets of taxi drivers who oppose these services. An official website of the United States government. A lack of trust in the judicial system and a fear of further harassment or social recrimination discourages victims from filing complaints. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Road Conditions and Safety: Road hazards are common. INGUAT - The Guatemalan Tourist Institute. Based on this approach, Guatemala scores 73.8 out of 100. . Their emergency assistance call center staffed with Spanish and English speakers may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Many cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, are at high altitude. Before travelling, verify your destinations COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. Unlicensed drivers often drive at excessive speeds. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Robberies of occupied vehicles are common in Guatemala City, often by two assailants on motorcycles who pull up alongside a car stopped at a traffic light. International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBI pages for information. Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning import or export of items such as antiquities and artefacts. Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).