travel advisories guatemala

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Guatemala Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Guatemala. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Dengue July 18, 2024 Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Destination List: Afghanistan, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, Ethiopia, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Laos, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uruguay

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Chikungunya

There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in Guatemala within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:

• People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in Guatemala, OR
• People planning to stay in Guatemala for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Guatemala.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Guatemala. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Guatemala.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Guatemala take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Guatemala.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Guatemala.

Rabies is also present in bats.

If rabies exposures occur while in Guatemala, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Guatemala, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Guatemala. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Guatemala include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Guatemala. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Guatemala’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Guatemala. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Guatemala may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Guatemala, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Guatemala, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Guatemala .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Guatemala for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

FCDO  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
• to the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia in the department of Huehuetenango

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel to these areas .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Is It Safe in Guatemala?

Despite Guatemala's high crime rates, the vast majority of travelers do enjoy worry-free vacations without incident. Most crime in Guatemala is concentrated in Guatemala City, which has high levels of theft, armed robbery, and gang activity. Although crime does happen frequently outside the city and in main tourist centers like Antigua and Tikal, most tourists experience no issues. In Guatemala, the most dangerous criminals are interested in targeting local business owners, not tourists.   Although the rates of crime are high, the odds of having a crime-free trip to Guatemala are in the average traveler's favor and you can increase those odds by practicing common sense and staying vigilant.

Travel Advisories

• Guatemala closed its borders at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but has since reopened for all travelers, including U.S. citizens. However, the State Department is still advising against any international travel.  
• Before COVID-19, the State Department also advised American citizens to reconsider travel to Guatemala due to reports of widespread violent crime, gang activity, and drug trafficking in the Guatemala, Escuintla, Chiquimula, Quetzaltenango, Izabal, and Petén departments.  

Is Guatemala Dangerous?

Guatemala can be a very dangerous country, but crimes against tourists occur less frequently and are less likely to be violent. According to the State Department, there were 176 recorded instances of crime against tourists in 2019 out of 2.6 million registered tourists.  

Tourists are most at risk for petty crimes, like pickpocketing and bag-snatching , which typically occur in crowded areas or on public transportation. In Guatemala City, Zone 1 is notorious for being a very dangerous neighborhood with many robberies happening near the bus terminal and Central Market. ATM crime and bankcard scamming are also common in Guatemala, so it's best to avoid using ATMs in main tourist centers whenever you're traveling in Guatemala. Although cities are the most dangerous, any area that attracts a high volume of tourists will also attract crime, even when you're trekking in the middle of the jungle. No matter where they are, travelers should remain vigilant at all times.

The police force in Guatemala is young and under-funded, and the judicial system is overcrowded and inefficient.   Be on your guard if you ever get stopped by a police officer, but remain polite. Corruption does occur, but many officers can be helpful too. Security escorts and emergency services are available through the Tourist Assistance Office of INGUAT.

Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Travelers?

Although tourists are less likely to become victims of crimes in Guatemala, traveling alone does increase your risk and solo travelers should be cognizant of that. You can reduce your risk as a solo traveler in Guatemala by not going out at night alone and teaming up with other travelers you meet along the way to visit popular attractions.

If you want to get out and enjoy nature, explore the forests, hike volcanoes , or go searching for waterfalls, you should always go with a tour group rather than venturing out on your own. Avoid taking tours from individuals and use a reputable company with good reviews. Tour companies usually know where they need a police escort and have connections with the locals that can warn them about potential dangers.

Is Guatemala Safe for Female Travelers?

Most female travelers in Guatemala report feeling just as safe as male travelers while visiting Guatemala. Women should heed general safety advice like avoiding public transportation and not walking around alone at night, but should also be aware that Guatemalan culture has a history of misogyny and one of the highest rates of violence against women worldwide. Although most of the crimes against women occur within domestic spheres and female tourists are not usually the target of these offenses, it is still something to bear in mind when interacting with men in Guatemala.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Guatemala comes in at 131 out of 202 on the Gay Travel Index , a ranking that measures the legal situations and living conditions of the LGBTQ+ community in countries across the world. The country is largely Catholic and conservative and while homophobia is still prevalent in the culture, things are starting to change. In 2020 the country's first openly gay politician was elected to parliament and small gay pride celebrations take place annually in Guatemala City, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango. LGBTQ+ travelers may want to be discreet while traveling in Guatemala, especially if they find themselves outside the main tourist zones. The government is still struggling to address acts of violence that target members of the LGBTQ+ community, and tolerance is still an ongoing issue that Guatemalan LGBTQ+ rights activists are fighting for.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

In highly-trafficked tourist corridors, BIPOC travelers are usually treated like every other foreigner and face few issues, however, it's important for all travelers, but especially indigenous travelers, to be aware of the country's brutal history of racism. During the Guatemalan Civil War, which took place from 1960 to 1996, 200,000 Mayans were massacred in genocide and the community still suffers acts of violence today. While this is an ongoing issue in Guatemala, BIPOC travelers generally do not experience racially-motivated crimes, however, they may notice some racial tension during their travels.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Crime is an issue in Guatemala, but travelers can take the following precautions to lower their chances of becoming a victim:

• In Guatemala City and Antigua , avoid traveling at night at all costs. Even if your destination is only a couple of blocks away, take a cab or ride-share.
• Don’t flash any signs of wealth and leave valuable jewelry at home. Keep your camera in a discreet case whenever you're not using it.
• Resisting a robbery or mugging can be very dangerous, so if you are held up, cooperate fully.
• Travelers should be vigilant, not paranoid. Robbers tend to target those who appear nervous because it insinuates that you have something of high value to protect.
• Never leave your valuables unattended at restaurants and keep your phone put away at all times when it's not in use.

Overseas Security Advisory Council, U.S. Department of State. " Guatemala 2020 Crime & Safety Report ." March 31, 2020.

U.S. Department of State. " COVID-19 Traveler Information ." August 6, 2020.

U.S. Department of State. " Guatemala Travel Advisory ." September 28, 2020.

Overseas Security Advisory Council, U.S. Department of State. " Guatemala 2019 Crime & Safety Report ." February 28, 2019.

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Guatemala Travel Advisory

• North America
• Central America
• Guatemala Travel Advice

We advise caution when travelling to Guatemala

Local situation: 3.4 / 5.

We advise caution when travelling to Guatemala. We detected travel advisories from 5 sources for this specific country.

Regional Situation: 3.3 / 5

Guatemala shares a land border with 4 neighbouring states. For this region of countries (including Guatemala), the Advisory Index is 3.3 (average value over all countries). All countries have some reported advisories: Mexico (3.6), Honduras (3.4), El Salvador with 3.3 and Belize with 3 (of 5).

Current informationen on Covid-19 in Guatemala

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Guatemala. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Guatemala.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for Guatemala

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Guatemala.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Guatemala from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 3.4 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

Exercise increased caution in Guatemala due to violent crime and civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/guatemala

Advisory issued by: Canada

The Canadian goverment suggests: Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/guatemala

Advisory issued by: Finland

Iaktta särskild försiktighet -

Source: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/GT

Advisory issued by: United States

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to crime. Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to crime. Zone 18 and the city of ...

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/guatemala-travel-advisory.html

Individual rating changes for Guatemala

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Guatemala. Most recent events first.

Changes from September 29th 2020

The total rating for Guatemala changed from 3.8 to 3.7 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government decreased their existing warning for Guatemala to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 5.0 (by -1.0).

Changes from August 7th 2020

The total rating for Guatemala changed from 3.3 to 3.8 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government increased their existing warning for Guatemala to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 2.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from March 22nd 2020

The total rating for Guatemala changed from 3.2 to 3.3 . Here are the influencing details:

The Canadian government increased their existing warning for Guatemala to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 18th 2020

The total rating for Guatemala changed from 3.0 to 3.2 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government increased their existing warning for Guatemala to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 16th 2020

The total rating for Guatemala changed from 2.6 to 3.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government issued a new warning for Guatemala with a rating of 4.0.

The Irish government increased their existing warning for Guatemala to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from September 25th 2019

The total rating for Guatemala changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government issued a new warning for Guatemala with a rating of 2.0.

The Canadian government issued a new warning for Guatemala with a rating of 3.0.

The New Zealand government issued a new warning for Guatemala with a rating of 2.0.

The Irish government issued a new warning for Guatemala with a rating of 3.0.

The Finnish government issued a new warning for Guatemala with a rating of 3.0.

About Guatemala

Guatemala with its capital New Guatemala is a country in North America (Central America), slightly smaller than Tennessee (108,890 km²). The country is located Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize. The climate can be described as tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands. The landscape is mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau. With a population of about 13 million citizens.

Guatemalan flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems Guatemala is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• deforestation in the Peten rainforest
• soil erosion
• water pollution

Natural hazzards

• Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms
• numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes
• significant volcanic activity in the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (3,772 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close p

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Guatemala. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

Agriculture products

Guatemalan Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Guatemala.

Export products

• electricity
• manufacturing products
• precious stones

Import products

• chemical products
• construction materials
• fertilizers
• mineral products
• plastic materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for guatemala.

Guatemala is currently rated at 3,4 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 5 official sources. We advise caution when travelling to Guatemala.

Is it safe to travel Guatemala in 2024?

Visiting the country Guatemala is usually fine. The score is at 3,4 Just keep an eye open, obey local rules and you'll most likely be fine.

How many travel advisories do you know for Guatemala?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 5 individual sources for Guatemala.

What is the current Corona virus situation in Guatemala?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Guatemala. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Guatemala.

What is the size of Guatemala?

Guatemala has a size of 108,890 km² or 42,043 mi² which is slightly smaller than Tennessee.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for Guatemala and bordering countries.

If you want to embed Guatemala travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is Guatemala safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in Guatemala?
• Are there security warnings for Guatemala?

2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).

2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.

2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.

2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.

2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.

2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.

2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.

Things to know before visiting Guatemala

Nov 2, 2023 • 7 min read

Guatemala is a fascinating country with so much to see – here are tips that will help you make the most out of your trip Fernanda Reyes / Getty Images

Guatemala has been my second home for nearly two decades, and the country still captivates me: the landscape with its volcanoes and coffee trees, the lakes and rivers and tropical beaches, Mayan ruins peeking out above the treetops. 

Mayan traditions are still alive and well, and the weather’s almost always fine in the Land of Eternal Spring. However, there's information travelers to Guatemala should know before visiting if you really want to enjoy all it has to offer. 

Get your shots before you leave

If you come in from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you’ll need to be vaccinated against this mosquito-borne disease. It’s also recommended that you’re up to date with your typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies, flu and TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough) shots. It’s best to visit a travel clinic at least a month before your trip if you need to get vaccinated so there’s enough time to give you full protection. Some vaccines, like hepatitis B and rabies, require follow-up doses.

Bring your own bug spray if you like it DEET free

Most of the things you may have forgotten at home are available in Guatemala, but some items are more difficult to find or very expensive. Bug spray is easy to find but usually contains DEET. The locally produced DEET-free repellents aren’t very effective, so you’ll want to bring a good brand from home. The mosquito-borne diseases of malaria, zika, dengue fever and chikungunya are all endemic in parts of Guatemala. 

Don't go without sunscreen

Sunburn is a real risk if you spend time outside. Some of the larger stores and pharmacies sell chemical sunscreens, but these generally don’t have an SPF higher than 25. The stronger stuff and natural mineral sunscreens are normally only available in a handful of specialty health stores, with limited options and much higher prices. Pack enough of your favorite sunscreen, and remember to use it.

Your preferred feminine hygiene products might be hard to find

In terms of feminine hygiene products, most shops stock pads only. Some larger stores and pharmacies stock tampons with applicators. You might find the kind without an applicator, as well as menstrual cups, in specialty health stores, but the price will reflect the fact that they’re imported.

Pack lightweight clothing

Because Guatemala’s weather is mainly warm and humid, light clothing that dries quickly is more useful than jeans, which are heavy, too warm for the climate and take forever to dry. For cooler days, a light sweater or jacket is generally sufficient. If you need more clothes than you brought or just a wardrobe revamp, most towns have a paca , a place where you can buy secondhand clothing for as little as Q5 (less than US$1). 

When in doubt, cover up

Guatemalans tend to be religious: practicing Catholic, evangelical or, to a smaller extent, traditional Mayan belief systems. That deep-rooted faith also means that they are generally more socially conservative, especially in Maya-dominated communities. 

Men don’t go shirtless unless they’re at the beach. Women prefer knee-length shorts and oversized T-shirts to bathing suits. In the large cities and Ladino-dominated areas, people are more open to shorts, shorter skirts and tank tops. In the Maya communities, however, the women usually wear traditional clothing in public, and their cortes – a garment worn as a skirt – always fall below the knee.

If you’re not sure whether your clothing is appropriate, it’s best to cover up: put on a shirt and don’t wear anything shorter than mid-thigh. If you visit a church or other spiritual site, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and arms.  

Avoid illegal drugs

Some bars and hostels turn a blind eye to the use of marijuana and other illegal drugs. However, police raids on bars and hostels aren’t uncommon, and if you’re found with any illegal substances in your possession, you will be arrested. 

Don’t drink the water

Tap water in Guatemala is not safe to drink. To reduce your risk of getting parasites, stick to purified water: bottled water is readily available everywhere. Hostels and restaurants will usually let you refill your water bottle, sometimes for a small fee. You may also want to skip the raw salad unless you’re sure that purified water was used for washing produce. 

If you do contract parasites, a trip to the pharmacy is often all you need to get the right treatment.

Guatemalans can get personal but don’t mean harm

It’s not unusual in Guatemalan culture to call people by some physical attribute. Being called guapo or guapa (attractive one) can feel uncomfortable at worst, but being called gordo or gorda (fat one) may sting. If you don’t like the nickname you’ve been given, try not to act offended; the trick is to let it slide and to tell the person your name instead. 

You may also find that Guatemalans like to ask personal questions: how old you are, how many children you have, where you are going. If you answer in the negative as to whether you have a spouse, this may even lead to questions about the status of your virginity, no matter your age. If you feel uncomfortable, remain polite, joke, and change the subject. 

Politeness goes a long way – most of the time

Guatemalans appreciate politeness. A friendly buenas  (good morning/afternoon/evening) or hola  (hello) creates a good first impression. Por favor  or simply porfa  (please) and gracias  (thank you) show that you were raised right. If you learn to say thank you in the Mayan dialect spoken at your destination, it’s guaranteed to elicit a smile. Ask locals how to say thank you in their language, repeat the phrase back to them and then use it for as long as you’re in that town.

One area where being too polite will do you no good, though, is standing in line. People will patiently wait in line in a more formal setting, such as at the clinic or a government office. At the market or in a neighborhood tienda (corner store)? If you don’t speak up, somebody may very well step in front of you as if it’s the most normal thing in the world – and in Guatemala, it is. 

The travel experience might be different for female visitors 

The culture of machismo is rife in Guatemala. Local women generally don’t frequent bars and cantinas on their own because of the risk of sexual harassment and violence. Even in pairs, women may face harassment. If you want to go out drinking, it’s best to do it in a mixed group: the presence of men in your group will deter those who won’t take no for an answer.

Women travelers may also encounter micro-aggressions like being talked over or ignored in favor of the men in their group. They’re also held to a higher standard than male travelers when it comes to dress or how they behave in bars and at parties. Sexual harassment and violence are real risks, and the conviction rate for offenders is low. 

However, as a woman traveler, you may find real solidarity – local women tend to be protective of female tourists traveling on their own. If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, try to move closer to groups of other women. And who knows: you might make some real connections and make some new friends!

The LGBTQI+ scene is small   

Same-sex relationships are legal in Guatemala but frowned upon. The LGBTIQ+ scene in the country is small and mostly confined to the largest cities and tourist areas. While violence against LGBTIQ+ tourists is rare, local activists have been attacked. Take your cues from your surroundings and watch how the local community behaves towards transgender people or public displays of affection between same-sex couples, for instance. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. 

Always hike with a local guide

Some tourists who come to Guatemala climb volcanoes on their own with no issues. However, hiking alone is not a good idea because of the risk of getting robbed, injured or lost. Use local guides and follow their instructions: if they say they’re not going any farther, turn around with them. Guides know what the risks are, and the risks are very real – Guatemala has seen several high-profile deaths of hikers in recent years. Rescue teams are normally made up of volunteers using donated gear. When they have to risk their lives to rescue you, the decent thing to do is to reimburse them for their trouble.   

To stay safe, don't take unnecessary chances

Is Guatemala safe? As a tourist, you’re unlikely to run into serious trouble. That said, listen to local advice about areas to avoid, always be aware of your surroundings and never leave your belongings or your drinks unattended. 

Guatemala has a reputation for corruption and poor enforcement of laws. You may hear of travelers who bribed officials and got away with it. You may also hear of travelers who weren’t so lucky, so just don’t do it. 

This article was first published Mar 3, 2022 and updated Nov 2, 2023.

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Travel Advice for Guatemala

Going to Guatemala and need to know about the latest government travel advice for Guatemala? Find the updated travel advice and travel warnings for Guatemala from governments around the world, here.

General Travel Advice and Warnings for Guatemala

The decision to travel to Guatemala is your decision and you are responsible for your individual health and safety whilst in Guatemala.

The content on this web page is given information only and pulled together from travel advice and warnings for Guatemala by authorities around the world to their citizens.

While we make every effort to offer you correct travel advice information, it is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.

This owners of this site does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information offered.

Standard Cautions Travellers Need to Keep in Mind When Taking a Trip in Guatemala

Crime – Petty criminal activities such as pick pocketing in a congested surrounding to sexual assault and robberies do take place in bigger cities of Guatemala. Ensure that all your personal belongings, including passports and other traveling documents, are safe at all times.

Terrorism – Constantly be aware of your surroundings whenever in public locations. Be particularly alert if going to sporting occasions and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists frequently make use of such occasions to mount attacks.

Demonstrations and Protests – Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any moment. They can also result in disruptions to traffic and public transport. It is in your interest of safety to stay away from areas where demonstrations and big gatherings are occurring and adhere to the directions of local authorities. Monitor local media in Guatemala for details on on-going demonstrations in Guatemala.

Scams – Take care in crowded tourist areas in Guatemala, where scammers target foreigners. If you have actually been scammed in Guatemala, get to a safe area right away; take note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; alert the authorities in Guatemala and obtain a record and if your credit card is used by the scammer call your credit card company to inform the scam; they will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction.

Spiked Food and Drinks – Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers whilst travelling in Guatemala or anywhere else. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, chewing gum or cigarettes from unknown acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that can put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

What is the entry/exit conditions for Guatemala?

Every country or territory determines who can enter or exit through its borders, likewise Guatemala chooses who enter its borders. The Government of your home country cannot interfere on your behalf if you do not fulfill your Guatemala’s entry or exit requirements.

To learn more concerning the entry/exit requirement for Guatemala visit visa requirements for Guatemala or get the latest information with the visa office at the Guatemalan consulate in your home country.

Travel insurance coverage for Guatemala

Health cover is one of the major reasons travellers get travel insurance policy. It will not avoid you getting ill or seriously injured, though it can prevent you suffering financially. Medical support overseas can be really expensive.

You have to shell out for all medical care you get overseas. You can not expect to get free or subsidised treatment through your Guatemala’s public health system, like you would in your home country.

If you can’t pay, local authorities could arrest you. The government from your home country can’t pay you medical costs for you, loan you cash or get you out of jail.

You need travel insurance coverage for travelling to Guatemala . You also need to make sure you pick a plan that is right for you.

Check out the small print of your travel insurance policy.

Declare all pre-existing conditions to your travel insurance company upfront. If you don’t, you may void your travel insurance plan.

Tell your travel insurance company the activities you intend to do, before you go. Many popular activities like skiing are excluded in basic plans. You may need to pay added.

Check if you have free credit card travel insurance. Some cards include travel insurance coverage cover. Nonetheless, they frequently have different conditions than paid plans. Understand the differences.

If you’re visiting Guatemala from a country that has a reciprocatory healthcare agreement, you still need travel medical insurance. Agreements are restricted in what they’ll will cover.

If you have an incurable health problem, you may not have the ability to obtain standard travel insurance. Nevertheless you may have the ability to find a specialised insurer that covers you for health, mishaps or property problems unconnected to your ailment. Speak to your insurance provider to learn.

Find out more about obtaining worldwide travel insurance coverage for Guatemala prior to you go.

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Cruise or vacation to Caribbean or Mexico ahead? These travel advisories may change your mind

Heading to a level 4 destination write a will and leave a dna sample.

There's nothing like a vacation to get away from work or just the normal day-to-day grind.

There is plenty to do in Florida — after all, tourists flock here for once-in-a-lifetime getaways. And for Florida residents, there are hidden gems , plenty of road trip opportunities, and places for a romantic weekend when we get tired of the main attractions.

But sometimes even Florida residents just have to leave the state. What's nice is that some prime vacation spots are just a hop, skip and jump away. Or should we say boat ride, flight and cruise stop away?

Yes, we're talking about a vacation to the Bahamas, one or more of the Caribbean islands, or even the eastern coast of Mexico.

But nothing spoils a vacation like being a victim of a crime or feeling unsafe. Here's the current list of travel advisories issued for several popular vacation spots close to Florida that have been issued by the U.S. Department of State.

But first, here's what the levels of travel advisories mean.

What are the travel advisory alert levels and what do they mean for your vacation?

The U.S. Department of State has four levels of alerts when it comes to travel. The alerts tell U.S. citizens about specific safety concerns in a country, which include demonstrations, crime, and weather. Here is how the State Department defines each level:

• This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.      
• Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides more advice for travelers to these areas in the travel advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
• Reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the travel advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
• This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The State Department advises travelers heading to those countries despite the alert level write a will prior to traveling and leave DNA samples in case of worst-case scenarios.

Interactive map: See latest travel advisories at a glance

➤ View the interactive map.

The Bahamas under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Alert level: Level 2, exercise increased caution.
• Date issued: Jan. 26, 2024.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.   Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
• More details can be found here.

Cuba under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: Jan. 5, 2024.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime.  Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.

Turks and Caicos Islands under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: July 17, 2023.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. Local medical care and criminal investigative capabilities are limited.

Cayman Islands under Level 1 travel advisory, use normal precautions

• Alert level: Level 1, exercise normal precautions.
• Reason: Exercise normal precautions in the Cayman Islands.

Jamaica under Level 3 travel advisory, reconsider travel

• Alert level: Level 3, reconsider travel
• Date issued: Jan. 23, 2024 (even before Hurricane Beryl brushed by the island)
• Reason: Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services.  Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

Haiti under Level 4 travel advisory, do not travel

• Alert level: Level 4, do not travel
• Date issued: July 27, 2023
• Reason: Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.  Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Violent crime, including armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include U.S. citizens are common. Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti.

Dominican Republic under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: June 18, 2024
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic. The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo. 

Grenada under Level 1 travel advisory, use normal precautions

• Alert level: Level 1, exercise normal precautions (well before Hurricane Beryl made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane)
• Date issued: July 17, 2023
• Reason: Exercise normal precautions in Grenada.

Trinidad and Tobago under Level 3 travel advisory, reconsider travel

• Date issued: July 2, 2024
• Reason: Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping. Violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping is common. Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Popular Mexico locations travel advisories range from Level 1 to Level 4

• Alert level: Level 2, exercise increased caution
• Date issued: Aug. 22, 2023
• Reason : Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.
• Reason : Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.
• Reason : Do not travel due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. government employees may not travel to even to tourist areas in Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa.

Dengue reaches historic levels in the Americas and closer to home

Mosquitoes are infecting people across the Americas with dengue at historic levels and U.S. travelers are bringing the potentially life-threatening virus home with them. The alarming rise in infections has spurred American health officials to warn about the risk .

In South America, cases of the tropical disease are now decreasing during cooler winter months after record numbers of people were sickened by dengue. But experts warn more people will get infected across Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean as summer and hurricane season take their holds in the Northern Hemisphere.

While risk of local transmission in the contiguous U.S. remains low, officials are concerned about the extent to which the country will be able to harbor dengue in the years ahead. Climate change is creating scorching droughts followed by intense rainfall ‒ which could sustain dengue’s transmission vector, the pesky Aedes egypti mosquito, never fully eradicated from the United States.

A. egypti loves to feast on people’s blood and dense urban areas offer opportunities for it to spread, posing a risk for sustained local dengue transmission in this country.

“It’s to be expected that we’re going to have increases,” said Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health, who specializes in dengue fever. Climate change, he added, “will drive the expansion of dengue and other viruses transmitted. I think the question is, what do we do about it?”

The number of people in the U.S. and its territories sickened by dengue in just the first half of 2024 has surpassed any year in the last decade. The cases are occurring via travel, with people bitten by the pesky Aedes egypti mosquito in foreign countries, as well as in Puerto Rico, where local transmission led officials to declare a public health emergency in March .

In late June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory warning about increased risk of dengue in the U.S.

Recent extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Beryl , pose additional risks with just tiny amounts of standing water making suitable bases for mosquitoes to breed and spread dengue.

Dengue symptoms, cause

Most people who get dengue never show symptoms. But those who do can get high fever, body aches, nausea and rash. Most recover in a couple weeks, according to the World Health Organization .

Some infections are so severe they can require hospitalization or even, in rare instances, kill. Severe dengue occurs in about 1 in 20 infections and can include vomiting, restlessness, rapid breathing and bloody gums, nose or stool. Infants, elderly people and pregnant women are at increased risk for severe disease, the CDC said.

Severe dengue is more likely with repeat infections.

There are four different types of dengue virus, with immunity to each lasting only a few years.

The same A. egypti species that caries dengue is notorious for triggering historic epidemics of deadly diseases such as yellow fever and Zika.

While mosquitoes carrying dengue can infect people, infected people – including those who show no symptoms – can also introduce the virus to local mosquito populations. And once infectious, a mosquito can transmit the virus for the rest of its short life, WHO said. This helps sustain dengue’s spread.

Spread fast and far

A. egypti mosquitoes can lay eggs in standing water as small as a bottle cap, pipes, broken pots or anywhere that collects water.

“They’re really good at being everywhere,” said Dr. Gabriela Paz Bailey, the CDC's dengue branch chief.

Dengue’s increase is apparent globally, after international campaigns to eradicate dengue and the A. egypti in decades past failed. In 2000, there were half a million dengue cases. By 2019, there were 5.2 million. The year 2023 reached a historic high of over 6.5 million cases, with 7,300 dengue-related deaths.

“It’s increasing rapidly, and it’s also appearing in areas that didn’t have dengue before,” said Paz Bailey, who is based in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. has seen nearly 2,700 cases so far this year, CDC data shows. The majority of those infections have been in Puerto Rico, during what’s normally considered the island’s dry season.

Nearly 900 Americans have contracted dengue while traveling abroad, returning to states such as Florida, Texas, Arizona and California, where A. egypti mosquitoes thrive and therefore the potential for local transmission is high. Northern states have also seen cases, with over 140 in New York and 35 in Illinois. Neither state is suitable for A. egypti.

Paz Bailey said increased travel since the COVID-19 pandemic has helped drive up infections. In Puerto Rico, she said dengue rates are high in part because immunity provided by the 2015-2016 Zika epidemic has waned. Meanwhile, the type of dengue virus is shifting, from dengue 1 to dengue type 2 and 3, she said.

Risk ahead in U.S.

Much of the southern U.S. has environments that allow A. egypti mosquitos to thrive. Climate change is expanding the range of such hot and humid habitats, officials said.

“We have to recognize the unique vulnerability to this part of the country,” Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and dean of Baylor College of Medicine's National School of Tropical Medicine, told USA TODAY.

Along with climate change, he points to urbanization in areas such as Houston, a sprawling metropolitan area that's the nation's fourth-largest city, and poverty that can help foster dengue’s reintroduction into the U.S.

Hotez said a discarded tire can be the “Ritz-Carlton” for A. egypti mosquitoes, which are endemic throughout the region. Additionally, Texas' international airports allow travel to and from areas with widespread local transmission.

In muggy Houston, the recent effects of Hurricane Beryl, coupled with severe heat for days, are ideal scenarios for dengue and other vector-borne diseases to thrive , state officials said. There have been 10 cases of dengue in Texas this year, state health officials said. So far, all these are believed to be travel-related, not locally transmitted.

The U.S. currently doesn’t have a widely available vaccine to prevent dengue. The best way to prevent illness is to protect against mosquito bites, which can occur day and night.

Hotez said before he sets out on his morning walks, he covers himself in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, and sprays insect repellant to reduce mosquito exposure.

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Hundreds of migrants leave southern Mexico on foot in a new caravan headed for the US border

Edgar H. Clemente

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Migrants walk along the highway through Suchiate, Chiapas state in southern Mexico, Sunday, July 21, 2024, during their journey north toward the U.S. border. (AP Photo/Edgar H. Clemente)

DOLORES HIDALGO – CIUDAD HIDALGO, MéHundreds of migrants from around a dozen countries left from Mexico’s southern border on foot Sunday, as they attempt to make it to the U.S. border.

Some of the members of the group said they hoped to make it to the U.S. border before elections are held in November, because they fear that if Donald Trump wins, he will follow through on a promise to close the border to asylum-seekers.

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“We are running the risk that permits (to cross the border) might be blocked,” said Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador. He feared that a new Trump administration might stop granting appointments to migrants through CBP One , an app used by asylum-seekers to enter the U.S. legally — by getting appointments at U.S. border posts, where they make their cases to officials.

The app only works once migrants reach Mexico City, or states in northern Mexico.

“Everyone wants to use that route” said Salazar, 37.

The group left Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, which is next to a river that marks Mexico’s border with Guatemala.

Some said they had been waiting in Ciudad Hidalgo for weeks for permits to travel to towns further to the north.

Migrants trying to pass through Mexico in recent years have organized large groups to try to reduce the risk of being attacked by gangs or stopped by Mexican immigration officials as they travel. But the caravans tend to break up in southern Mexico, as people get tired of walking for hundreds of miles (kilometers).

Recently, Mexico has also made it more difficult for migrants to reach the U.S. border on buses and trains.

Travel permits are rarely awarded to migrants who enter the country without visas and thousands of migrants have been detained by immigration officers at checkpoints in the center and north of Mexico and bused back to towns deep in the south of the country.

Oswaldo Reyna, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant, crossed from Guatemala into Mexico 45 days ago and waited in Ciudad Hidalgo to join the new caravan announced on social media.

He criticized Trump's recent comments about migrants and how they are trying to “invade” the United States.

“We are not delinquents,” he said. “We are hard-working people who have left our country to get ahead in life, because in our homeland we are suffering from many needs.”

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Guatemala travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: July 15, 2024 12:32 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, guatemala - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country.

Regional advisories - Avoid non-essential travel

Within Guatemala City:

Municipalities:

• Amatitlán
• San José del Golfo
• San Raymundo
• Villa Nueva

Departments:

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Violent crime

Violent crime, including homicides, is common in Guatemala. Due to a lack of resources within the police force, arrest and detention rates are quite low. There have been incidents involving deceptive police officers who commit petty crimes, while other officers have reportedly been involved in sexual assault cases.

Most incidents are drug- and gang-related. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. Rifles and handguns are very common.

Criminals perceive foreigners as wealthy. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape.

Incidents of armed robbery occur daily on public buses. Buses are frequently targeted by gangs, who may hurl grenades or fire shots as a way of ensuring compliance with their demands or to settle accounts. Criminals have attacked drivers, fare collectors and passengers.

Due to very high levels of violent crime, you should avoid non-essential travel to certain:

• zones in Guatemala City
• municipalities in Guatemala and Escuintla departments
• departments along the borders with El Salvador and Honduras
• highways throughout the country

Crimes that occur in these areas include:

• kidnappings
• sexual assaults

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is prevalent in urban and tourist areas, especially in:

• national parks
• other crowded places

Crime tends to increase during the holiday seasons.

Schemes often involve some form of distraction. Criminals frequently operate in groups and, increasingly, on motorcycles. Typically, two men on a motorcycle accost a pedestrian or driver stuck in traffic and demand valuables.

Some criminals also pose as police officers. They may tell you they are drug enforcement officers and then take you to a side road where they steal everything from you. Victims who have resisted have been injured or killed.

If travelling to Guatemala:

• don’t display signs of affluence, especially upon arrival at the airport, where travellers have been followed and robbed or carjacked en route to Guatemala City and Antigua
• keep laptop computers, mobile phones and other personal electronic devices out of sight, and refrain from using them in public
• ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and enough money for the day
• if threatened by robbers, do not resist: hand over your valuables and cash immediately

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings have occurred. The kidnappers usually force their victims to withdraw funds from an ATM or to arrange for family or friends to pay the ransom. Criminal taxi drivers often use this ploy. They first pick up the victim and then stop to pick up associates.

• Be cautious of strangers
• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
• Avoid isolated areas and secondary roads
• Avoid low-cost hotels with poor security
• Avoid excessive alcohol and narcotic consumption, as it can make you a more vulnerable target for criminals

Border areas

Border areas often see higher levels of criminal activity and violence. Crime rates are high near all border crossings in Guatemala, but are worse near unofficial ones.

Drug-related armed attacks occur in departments close to all borders. The southwestern department of San Marcos at the Guatemala-Mexico border and the zone at the border with Belize are especially affected.

There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. Military and police forces conduct random vehicle searches along all borders. Wait times may be long.

Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk.

• Travel only through official border crossings
• Allow enough time for border formalities
• Cross only during the daytime and allow enough time to reach your destination or a major city before dark

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation, and the denial of future entry into Guatemala.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Useful links

• Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
• Protests and blockades listed by date  – Government of Guatemala (in Spanish)
• Tourist assistance website  – Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT)

Vigilante justice

Vigilante justice has increased in rural areas, resulting in lynchings of suspected child abductors, extortionists and other criminals.

Photography

Many people in Guatemala fear that children are being kidnapped for illegal adoption or sexual abuse. Photographing children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence, may result in exacerbating this fear. Violent incidents involving foreigners taking photos have occurred.

Avoid approaching or photographing children and women, especially in Indigenous communities.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Incidents of sexual assault have also occurred, including on buses. Some tourist service-providers build trusting relationships with female tourists and then sexually assault them.

• Avoid travelling alone, with informal guides or with strangers, even if they appear friendly and helpful
• Use only reputable tour guides or buses
• Ensure the tour guide has a name tag with the name of the tour company

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

The spiking of drinks is a problem in tourist areas, especially in Antigua. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, including taxi drivers. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

Some volcanoes are at high altitude, with sub-zero temperatures at night. Warm and waterproof attire is essential. Local tour companies might underestimate the risk of hypothermia.

There is no mountain rescue service in Guatemala.

If you intend on hiking, including on volcanoes:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on hiking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common.

Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

• Exercise caution when swimming
• Don’t swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards.

If you participate in adventure activities, such as zip-lining, diving and whitewater rafting:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
• make sure safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets, are available and in good condition
• make sure your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose
• avoid challenging rivers, such as the Cahabón, Los Esclavos, Nahualate and Naranjo rivers, if you don’t have previous rafting experience

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Road travel

Road conditions.

Road safety and road conditions can vary greatly throughout the country. While most roads in urban areas are in fair condition, travel on secondary streets and rural roads can be hazardous due to:

• poor maintenance and lighting
• poorly maintained vehicles
• lack of road signs
• pedestrians on the road
• steep and winding mountain roads
• mudslides and rock slides during the rainy season, which can also affect main highways in mountainous regions

Road safety

Local drivers generally don’t respect traffic laws. They are often reckless. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also common.

There is heavy traffic on:

• the Pan-American Highway (CA-1)
• the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean (CA-9)

Police presence is scarce on:

• the isolated dirt roads near Lake Atitlan
• the road from Godínez to Panajachel

Seek advice from a registered travel agency if you plan off-road travel in the remote highlands of Petén to ensure you’re prepared and properly equipped.

Roadblocks erected because of roadwork are common, particularly in the following northern and western departments:

• Alta Verapaz
• Huehuetenango
• Petén
• Quiché

These roadblocks may cause substantial delays.

Illegal roadblocks are also frequent. They can occur on the main roads leading to Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport.

Throughout Guatemala:

• avoid travelling at night
• drive with car windows closed and doors locked at all times
• be prepared to change your travel plans in case of roadblocks
• don’t go through roadblocks without stopping, even if they appear unattended

PROVIAL, the government roadside assistance agency, patrols most of the major highways and provides updates on roads conditions.

PROVIAL   - Directorate General of Road Safety and Protection (in Spanish)

Public transportation

Local public buses, known as “chicken buses”, are not safe. Most of the time, they are recycled school buses mechanically unreliable. They are often overcrowded. Unlicensed drivers often drive at excessive speeds. They are frequently involved in major road accidents, and serious crimes occur on board.

Avoid using chicken buses.

Privately owned bus lines, including Transmetro and Transurbano in Guatemala City, are safer, but passengers have been subject to attacks at stations. If you travel by bus:

• travel only during daylight hours
• make sure the transportation provider is reputable and reliable before booking
• confirm your drop-off location, because Guatemala City Council no longer allows some intercity buses to enter the city centre

Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs ( taxis amarillos ), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. They have been involved in cases of extortion, petty theft and other crimes.

• Avoid boarding taxis at taxi stands or flagging taxis in the street
• Avoid using white taxis
• If using hotel taxis, request the service at the front desk and always look for the hotel logo on the car
• When travelling by air, pre-arrange your pickup with your hotel prior to your arrival or use authorized airport taxis
• Note the driver's name on the picture identification badges, as well as the licence number
• Never share a taxi with strangers
• Make sure the driver doesn’t pick up other passengers along the way to your destination
• Negotiate the fare in advance
• Have small bills available for payment

Ridesharing services

Several ridesharing services are also available but safety varies depending on the company.

Ridesharing services drivers are sometimes targets of taxi drivers who oppose these services. As a result, some may ask you to sit in the front seat to hide the fact that they are providing a rideshare service.

• Use ridesharing services from a trusted app only
• Confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car

Tuk-tuks / rickshaw taxis / moto taxis

These two- or three-wheeled motorcycles with passenger cabins are unsafe. While they operate with taxi licences, they are not regulated and are frequently involved in accidents.

Avoid riding in tuk-tuks, rickshaw taxis or moto taxis.

Illegal drug traders may operate vessels in Guatemalan waters. Boaters in the Rio Dulce area of Izabal have been the victim of violent armed attacks.

• Avoid boating at night
• Enter Guatemala only through official ports of entry staffed by Guatemalan immigration officers
• Use officially recognized docking and berthing facilities only

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Guatemalan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Student visa: required

You may request an extension of up to 90 days from the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration. If you wish to conduct business or stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding 6 months, you require a visa.

Guatemala Directorate General of Migration  – Government of Guatemala (in Spanish)

Entry stamp

When entering Guatemala by land or sea, you must obtain an entry stamp in your passport.

If you fail to present your entry stamp when departing Guatemala, you may be fined and experience delays.

If you enter Guatemala with a vehicle, you must comply with the deadline for leaving the country, which is indicated on the temporary importation form provided by Guatemalan customs at the port of entry. If you fail to leave Guatemala with your vehicle by the expiry date, you will be subject to a fine for the extra days.

Electronic declaration form

You must complete an electronic declaration form before arriving and leaving Guatemala. You will then receive a QR code. Keep your QR code in order to present it to authorities upon your arrival or departure.

Electronic declaration form  - Government of Guatemala

Central America-4 Border Control Agreement

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:

• El Salvador

You can travel between these countries for up to 90 days without having to undergo entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints.

You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints.

The 90-day period begins at the first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. You will be fined if you exceed the 90-day limit.

You may request an extension of up to 90 days once a year. You must request this extension and pay the required fee at the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration before your first 90-day limit expires. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension.

Guatemala Directorate General of Migration (in Spanish)

• Children and travel

Children travelling with only one parent or with a third party must travel with a notarized letter of consent from the other parent, both parents or their guardian.

• Immigration exit requirements – Government of Guatemala (in Spanish)
• Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad
• Travel with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 2 July, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. 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.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

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.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• 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. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance 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.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re 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. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

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.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited to private hospitals and clinics in urban areas. Quality of care varies greatly throughout public or rural facilities.

Public facilities are often understaffed and experience shortages of basic supplies and medication.

Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, though most private hospitals also accept credit cards.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medications

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Guatemala.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Guatemala.

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. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Guatemala.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Guatemala by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Guatemala to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Guatemalan law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex.

However, outside urban areas, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Guatemala, seek legal advice in Canada and in Guatemala. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Dress and behaviour

Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Imports and exports

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning import or export of items such as antiquities and artefacts.

It is illegal to photograph:

• government buildings
• military installations and establishments
• the Presidential Palace

Don’t photograph children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence.

You can drive in Guatemala with your valid Canadian driver’s licence. You should carry an international driving permit.

If you are involved in a driving accident that results in injury or death, you may be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).

You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Guatemala. Some ATMs will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit PIN. Canadian debit cards with a five-digit PIN are not accepted.

U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks.

Wildfires are currently affecting multiple areas of Guatemala, including:

• Antigua Guatemala

There are reports of heavy smoke i n southern Guatemala City.

If you are in Guatemala:

• stay away from the affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• always follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Forest fires occur between November and June. They can happen throughout the country, but the Petén area is usually the most affected.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the advice of local emergency services personnel

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services.

Flash floods and landslides are common. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged.

Weather bulletins  - National Institute of Volcanology and Meteorology (in Spanish)

Seismic activity

Earthquakes and tsunamis.

Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

There are four active volcanoes in Guatemala.

Eruptions may occur at any time. Series of tremors sometimes lead to evacuations of surrounding areas. Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport.

In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption:

• monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders 
• CONRED – National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (in Spanish)
• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Tsunami warning system - U.S. National Weather Service
• Latest earthquakes - U.S. Geological Survey

Local services

Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110 / 120
• medical assistance: 122 / 123
• firefighters: 122 / 123

Tourist assistance

Guatemalan authorities provide information and assistance to tourists via their ASISTUR and DISETUR programs. They may arrange security escorts for road travel or organized hiking activities.

INGUAT - The Guatemalan Tourist Institute

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Guatemala, in Guatemala City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. 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.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. 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. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Guatemala Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 17, 2023, guatemala - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to  crime . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to  crime .
• Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to  crime .
• Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City due to  crime .

Country Summary:  Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate. Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program ( PROATUR ) provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. PROATUR also provide additional security in locations frequented by tourists. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas for personal travel but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including tourist destinations such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Guatemala.

If you decide to travel to Guatemala:

• When traveling to Lake Atitlán, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services. Hiking in the area, while popular, is best undertaken with the assistance of a local guide to ensure safety, as criminals are known to target some routes.
• When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. We recommend traveling to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only.
• Visitors are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean, since currents and undertows are strong, and beaches lack adequate lifeguards or emergency response.
• Visitors should not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and are advised to decline invitations from strangers to private parties or gatherings.
• Consider staying in hotels or other lodging facilities that offer secure parking, doormen, and a dedicated and professional security staff.
• Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute ( INGUAT ).
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving at night.
• 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.
• Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. U.S. government personnel and their family members are prohibited from using these forms of transportation.
• Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not use public ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts while in Guatemala and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Guatemala.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

San Marcos Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

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. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Huehuetenango Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Zone 18 and Villa Nueva within the Guatemala Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel and family members are free to travel within Guatemala City except for zone 18 and the municipality of Villa Nueva. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. 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. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail white-car taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, or Uber.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Guatemala - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to  crime . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to  crime .
• Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to  crime .
• Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City due to  crime .

Country Summary:  Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate. Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program ( PROATUR ) provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. PROATUR also provide additional security in locations frequented by tourists. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas for personal travel but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including tourist destinations such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Guatemala.

If you decide to travel to Guatemala:

• When traveling to Lake Atitlán, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services. Hiking in the area, while popular, is best undertaken with the assistance of a local guide to ensure safety, as criminals are known to target some routes.
• When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. We recommend traveling to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only.
• Visitors are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean, since currents and undertows are strong, and beaches lack adequate lifeguards or emergency response.
• Visitors should not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and are advised to decline invitations from strangers to private parties or gatherings.
• Consider staying in hotels or other lodging facilities that offer secure parking, doormen, and a dedicated and professional security staff.
• Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute ( INGUAT ).
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving at night.
• 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.
• Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. U.S. government personnel and their family members are prohibited from using these forms of transportation.
• Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not use public ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts while in Guatemala and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Guatemala.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

San Marcos Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

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. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Huehuetenango Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Zone 18 and Villa Nueva within the Guatemala Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel and family members are free to travel within Guatemala City except for zone 18 and the municipality of Villa Nueva. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. 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. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail white-car taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, or Uber.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Passport must be valid at the time of entry.

One page per stamp.

A visa is not required.

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

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Guatemala City

Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16 Guatemala City, Guatemala Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

To enter Guatemala, you will need a U.S. passport that is valid at the time of entry. There is no minimum validity period for a U.S. passport. U.S. citizens do not need a visa and are admitted to Guatemala for 90 days. Some airlines require that passengers complete the  electronic Guatemalan immigration form  prior to check-in Although you may select to fill out the form in English, in drop down menus, United States is listed as “Estados Unidos.”

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are in Guatemala, please obtain a new passport at the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. In order to be permitted to depart Guatemala, you will present the new passport together with a police or Ministerio Publico report regarding the loss/theft to the Guatemalan Immigration Agency ( Dirección de Migración ).

Visit the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs website  (Spanish only) or  contact the Guatemalan Embassy  for the most current visa information. 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.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guatemala.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called  PROATUR ) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. Their emergency assistance call center – staffed with Spanish and English speakers – may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2810. You may also contact PROATUR by WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.

Crime:  Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens.

Travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies upon leaving the airport.  Victims have been violently assaulted when they resisted an attack or refused to give up money or valuables. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers are prevalent in major cities and tourist sites, especially the central market and other parts of Zone 1 in Guatemala City. In a common scenario, an accomplice distracts the victim while an assailant slashes a bag or backpack or simply steals it.

Reports of sexual assault remain high. Support for victims of sexual assault is lacking.

The Guatemalan border with Mexico, in particular the northwestern corner of Petén, is a high-risk area due to large scale drug and alien smuggling.  There have been instances of narco-related homicides in this area, especially along CA-13. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. Travelers should remain in groups, stay on principal trails leading to the Central Plaza and the Temple IV complex, and avoid remote areas of the park.

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).  For more detailed information, please see the  Guatemala Travel Advisory .

To decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Report any crime incidents promptly to the police.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport in case you lose your passport.
• Do not use public ATMs.  Only use ATMs inside secure bank lobbies or hotels. Scams involving attempts to acquire a victim’s ATM card and personal identification number (PIN) are common. U.S. citizens have been victims of credit card scams where the card is copied and used improperly.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches. Refrain from using a cell phone on the street. A common crime against foreign citizens in Guatemala is robbery of cell phones.
• Do not use local public buses . U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to use any local buses. Avoid low-priced public inter-city buses (often recognizable as recycled and repainted U.S. school buses). Travelers also have been attacked on first-class buses on highway CA-2 near the border areas with both Mexico and El Salvador, on highways CA-1 and CA-9 near the border with El Salvador, and in the highlands between Quetzaltenango and Sololá.  Public buses are subject to frequent attacks by armed robbers, and often are poorly maintained and dangerously driven.
• Do not hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City, instead use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the Guatemala City airport, or hotel taxis. Uber is also considered safe to use in Guatemala City and Antigua.

Tourist groups are advised to request security escorts.  Security escorts for tourist groups are available from INGUAT and may be requested by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

• Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the  National Tourist Assistance Program , and should provide the itinerary, names of travelers, and model and color of the vehicle in which they will be traveling.
• The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or  e-mail , and should arrive at INGUAT at least three business days in advance of the proposed travel.
• INGUAT may not be able to accommodate all requests.
• Visit  INGUAT’s web site .

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.  

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Guatemala. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:  

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime:   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the police through the tourist assistance program ( PROATUR ) at 1500 or +502-2290-2800 and contact the U.S. Embassy at+502-2354-0000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The U.S. Embassy can:

• help you find appropriate medical care.
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• help you find accommodations and arrange flights home.
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate basic medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders may encounter obstacles to accessing areas outside of major cities, and/or be unable to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Water Safety:  Basic safety measures and precautions for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities may not be observed in Guatemala.

• Beware of strong currents, riptides, and undertows along Guatemala's Pacific coast beaches, as well as at Lake Atitlan.  Lifeguards are rarely present.
• Signs that warn of treacherous surf are rare and confined mostly to private beaches owned by hotels.

Potential for Natural Disasters:

• There are  four active volcanoes  in Guatemala: Fuego, Pacaya, Tacaná, and Santiaguito. Volcanic activity has forced evacuations of nearby villages. U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to visit the Agua volcano due to the high incidence of robberies on the volcano.
• Be aware of the possibility of  earthquakes  at any time and make contingency plans.  Consult Guatemala’s National Seismic Institute ( INSIVUMEH ) for updates on earthquakes and seismic activity.
• Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November.
• Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads.
• Consult Guatemala’s  National Disaster Reduction Coordination Office   (CONRED)  for updates on natural disasters or tropical storms and hurricanes.

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.

• Particularly in small villages, residents are often wary and suspicious of outsiders.
• Avoid activities that might unintentionally violate a cultural or religious belief.
• In the past, Guatemalan citizens have been lynched for suspicion of child abduction. Maintain distance from local children and refrain from actions that could fuel such suspicions.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. 

Furthermore, some violations of law that occur in Guatemala are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our websites on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:   If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws.  You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States.  See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:   There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Guatemala.  While there is no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships or marriages, private same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults is legal.

• Antidiscrimination laws exist, but do not include specific protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• There is general societal discrimination against LGBTI persons in relation to their access to education, health care, employment, and housing.
• According to LGBTI rights groups, gay and transgender individuals often experience police abuse.  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.
• A lack of trust in the judicial system and a fear of further harassment or social recrimination discourages victims from filing complaints.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Guatemala prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, , intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, information, and general infrastructure, and common in lodging and communication. There is a significant difference between Guatemala City and the rest of the country. 

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .  

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

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.

When traveling to Guatemala for temporary work related to your profession, if you bring in any technical equipment or tools, you must declare this equipment/these tools upon entry.  The equipment/tools must be of a personal, not commercial, quantity.  You must take the equipment/tools with you when you depart.  If, upon entry, you intend to leave any equipment/tools in Guatemala, you are required to report that to customs authorities and pay import taxes.

Contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Washington, D.C . ion. (phone: 202-745-4953) or one of Guatemala’s consulates in the United States for specific information.

The full range of medical care is available in Guatemala City, but medical care outside of the city is limited. Guatemala’s public hospitals frequently experience serious shortages of even the most basic medicines and equipment. 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. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of  medical providers and hospitals  on our website. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Many hospitals in Guatemala require payment prior to treating patients, even if personal insurance will cover the treatment. They do not typically enter into payment plan agreements, and they may decline to discharge you from the hospital if you owe money for treatment.

For emergency services in Guatemala, dial 110.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except urbanized areas.

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Guatemalan Public Health Ministry  to ensure the medication is legal in Guatemala.

Vaccinations:   Be up to date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Road hazards are common.  Secondary and rural roads have little to no illumination.  U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital city at night.  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.

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.  There have also been numerous reports of violent criminal activity along Guatemala’s main highways, including the Carretera a El Salvador (Inter-American Highway CA-2).

Armed attacks have occurred in various places in Guatemala, including:

• On roads between Guatemala City and the Petén region;

Between Tikal and the Belize border; and

• On tThe Inter-American Highway (CA-1) and the road from Guatemala City to the Caribbean coast (CA-9), due to heavy traffic, including large trucks and trailers.

U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving from or through Mexico to Guatemala.

Stay on main roads when traveling to and from Antigua and Lake Atitlan.  Secondary roads in those areas are poorly maintained and have experienced higher incidents of robbery, rape, and armed assault.

PROVIAL, a roadside assistance force, patrols most of the major highways in the country.  PROVIAL can be contacted by calling +502-2422-7800.  Travelers may also call the police for roadside assistance by dialing 110 or 120, or the fire department by dialing 122 or 123; however, patrols are sporadic.

Traffic Laws:   Valid U.S. driver’s licenses are accepted for the first 30 days of a visit, and international driving permits are accepted for extended stays.  Laws and speed limits are often ignored, turn signals are rarely used, and passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common.

It is against the law for drivers to operate cellular phones while driving.

People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time.

All drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury may be detained and held in protective custody pending investigation and/or payment of alleged damages.

Public Transportation:   The most common form of public transportation is the system of brightly-painted recycled school buses.  Criminal activity and frequent fatal accidents, however, make these low-priced local and inter-city buses particularly dangerous.  U.S. Embassy employees are not permitted to use these public buses.

Use of radio-dispatched taxis or Uber is far safer than hailing taxis on the street.  In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation:

• Taxi Seguro can be reached at +502-2312-4243.
• Taxi Amarillo Express (yellow taxis) is a radio-dispatch taxi service reached by dialing 1766.
• A Green Cab radio dispatch service operates in the suburbs near zone 15 and the Cayalá entertainment and shopping destination.
• To use Uber, download their app or go to https://www.uber.com .

U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis.  The Guatemalan Tourist Assistance Program, PROATUR , may be able to provide additional information and can be reached by dialing 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.  Visit the website of Guatemala’s  national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them via  e-mail .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Guatemala’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Guatemala’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guatemala . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

Travel Advisory Levels

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