Written by:undefined undefined
Published: 28-02-2023
Most foreign citizens do not need a visa to visit Guatemala as a tourist for up to 90 days. Citizens of The USA and other countries, including those in the European Union, Canada, Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Japan, and Switzerland, need a passport valid for at least three months past their intended length of stay and proof of onward or return travel. Entry is limited to 30 days in Guatemala, but extensions can be arranged through the local immigration office.
Guatemalan Textiles
Visa Extensions
If you wish to extend your visa, you must submit an application to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration in Guatemala City. You can find more information on the website of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (in Spanish). If you overstay your visa then you should expect to pay a fine before leaving the country. This fine can only be paid at the main Migration office in Guatemala City. While fines can be paid at the airport or land borders, it is strongly recommended that payment be made at the Migration office, as the administrative process at the airport could cause serious delays.
Valid Passport
Entering Neighboring Countries
In 2006, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua formed an agreement known as the CA-4 Border Control Agreement. The agreement allows citizens of these countries to travel freely across each other’s land borders without going through formalities at Guatemala immigration checkpoints. U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals who legally enter any of these countries can also travel within these four countries without needing additional visas or entry permits. The immigration officials in your original host country determine your length of stay, which is usually 90 days. If you want to stay for longer than 90 days in this four-country region then you must seek a one-time extension from local immigration authorities. Alternatively, you can travel to a country outside the CA-4 region and then re-enter Guatemala.
Land Border with Honduras
Documents
Guatemalan law requires foreigners to carry their passport (or a copy) with them at all times. It’s a good idea to print off a few copies of your passport before traveling and then keep them in a waterproof bag while in Guatemala.
Welcome to Guatemala
Customs
Foreign travelers to Guatemala can bring reasonable goods and belongings for personal use, including cameras, computers, sports gear, medicine, clothing, and jewelry, all of which are permitted duty-free. It’s rare for customs officials in Guatemala to check the luggage of arriving tourists.
Lake Atitlan
Vaccinations
No inoculations or shots are required to enter Guatemala.
Departure tax
There is a US$30 (or Quetzal equivalent) airport departure tax, which is normally included in the price of your air ticket.
When crossing into Guatemala by land border, there have been numerous reports of customs/immigration officials charging an “entry fee”. This is illegal. By asking for an official receipt for your money you may find that the “fee” is dropped.
When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped by a migration official. If you enter Guatemala without obtaining the relevant stamp, you are likely to receive a fine and may experience delays when leaving the country.
When crossing into Guatemala by the land border at El Carmen, be wary of people offering to help process your entry into the country. There have been reports of the theft of belongings while you are sorting out your paperwork!
Welcome to Gautemala
If you have any questions about the entry requirements for Guatemala, ask us here and we will be happy to assist!
