In the past, Guatemalan citizens have been lynched for suspicion of child abduction. AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov. Dengue in the Americas August 15, 2022 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 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. 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. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. Guatemala Directorate General of Migration, Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad, potential entry requirements related to yellow fever, Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents, Canadian embassies and consulates by destination, Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclonesand monsoons, Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings, https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Guatemala, municipalities in Guatemala and Escuintla departments, departments along the borders with El Salvador and Honduras, dont 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, Avoid travelling alone, especially at night, Avoid excessive alcohol and narcotic consumption, as it can make you a more vulnerable target for criminals, Travel only through official border crossings, Cross only during the daytime and allow enough time to reach your destination or a major city before dark, 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, Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, Follow the instructions of local authorities, Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations, Avoid travelling alone, with informal guides or with strangers, even if they appear friendly and helpful, 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, 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, Dont swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas, Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas, 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 Cahabn, Los Esclavos, Nahualate and Naranjo rivers, if you dont have previous rafting experience, mudslides and rock slides during the rainy season, which can also affect main highways in mountainous regions, the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean (CA-9), the isolated dirt roads near Lake Atitlan, drive with car windows closed and doors locked at all times, be prepared to change your travel plans in case of roadblocks, dont go through roadblocks without stopping, even if they appear unattended, 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, Avoid boarding taxis at taxi stands or flagging taxis in the street, 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, Make sure the driver doesnt pick up other passengers along the way to your destination, Use ridesharing services from a trusted app only, Confirm the drivers identity and the licence plate before getting in the car, Enter Guatemala only through official ports of entry staffed by Guatemalan immigration officers, Use officially recognized docking and berthing facilities only. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Guatemala. For the time period of 2022-2050, . As a friend in Guatemala City tells me, the government is desperately trying to deflect corruption charges. There are now no more vaccine requirements or negative test proofs needed to enter Guatemala, only recommendations. This ruling gets underway tomorrow. Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions, including potential COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements for countries you are transiting through. 2. Antidiscrimination laws exist, but do not include specific protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. help you find accommodations and arrange flights home. You may request an extension of up to 90 days from the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information, U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19. Well its now official From January 10, 2022, youll need to prove full vaccination status to enter Guatemala as a tourist. - This does not apply to: - nationals of Guatemala; - permanent residents of Guatemala. For emergency services in Guatemala, dial 110. Closely supervise children, as theyre more likely to come in contact with animals. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! For all travelers aged 12 and over: Evidence of receiving a complete twodose COVID-19 vaccination course (or one dose for Johnson & Johnson), with the final dose being administered at least two weeks before beginning your trip to Guatemala; or, For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID19, please see the. 70% of all people living with HIV/AIDS live in Guatemala City and the metropolitan region. Central America stories, info, news, and opinion coming to you from local and expat writers in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Wait times may be long. Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 5% OFF your travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage and certificate, Is Guatemala Open for Tourists? All drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury may be detained and held in protective custody pending investigation and/or payment of alleged damages. Demonstrations take place frequently. pic.twitter.com/AycpijiorA, Ministerio de Salud Pblica (@MinSaludGuate) August 13, 2022. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease. Rifles and handguns are very common. Be prepared. Guatemala Covid Entry Requirements Eliminated for Travelers Entering the Country by CA Staff August 15, 2022 Guatemala, News, Travel All Guatemala Covid entry requirements are now eliminated, effective August 12, 2022. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. #Informacin | Ante la posibilidad de que ingrese un grupo masivo de personas migrante a territorio guatemalteco, recordamos los requisitos sanitarios de ingreso al pas. Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. https://t.co/OT82cWbWx4 Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) July 15, 2022 Guatemala: Guatemala has no vaccination or testing requirements for travelers entering its territory. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. All Guatemala Covid entry requirements are now eliminated, effective August 12, 2022. International Travel Restrictions Guatemala's land, air, and sea ports of entry remain open to most passenger traffic. For those aged 10 and over, proof of a negative test taken within three days before arrival, as outlined above. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. As governments across the world loosen coronavirus restrictions and shift their approach to accepting Covid-19 as a manageable . Health Alert Updated COVID-19-Related Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala (18 March 2022). From Mississippi, it was to Sao Paulo; from Alabama, it was Belize . Although surrogacy agencies/clinics claim surrogacy is legal in Guatemala, there is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Guatemala. While they operate with taxi licences, they are not regulated and are frequently involved in accidents. For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region. U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital city at night. 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). We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. Since September 2020, Guatemala is receiving international travelers. They recommended everyone continues with biosecurity measures including hand hygiene and maintain physical distance. Maintain distance from local children and refrain from actions that could fuel such suspicions. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Then they changed it again, to January 10. ), Patricia Trigueros takes you toRead More A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador. Guatemalas National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 You may request an extension of up to 90 days once a year. Most incidents are drug- and gang-related. Mask usage in Guatemala is required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. For all travelers aged 10 and over: Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test from a certified lab conducted no more than three (3) days prior to check in at the airport or arrival at the land border. A Green Cab radio dispatch service operates in the suburbs near zone 15 and the Cayal entertainment and shopping destination. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. A common crime against foreign citizens in Guatemala is robbery of cell phones. Quality of care varies greatly throughout public or rural facilities. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Guatemala International Travel Information. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. You must take the equipment/tools with you when you depart. Many hospitals in Guatemala require payment prior to treating patients, even if personal insurance will cover the treatment. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Guatemala by an abducting parent: If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. There have also been numerous reports of violent criminal activity along Guatemalas main highways, including the Carretera a El Salvador (Inter-American Highway CA-2). Read the entire Travel Advisory. Guatemalan citizens, Guatemalan residents, and diplomats accredited in Guatemala will be required to present either of the following: If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness or are suspected of having COVID-19, please postpone your trip to Guatemala. Get the flu shot. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destinations entry or exit requirements. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another countrys judicial affairs. ), A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador, with all the chopping and changing of the dates, press reports said Guatemala was delaying the change (to analyze the measures, apparently). If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this country for the duration of your pregnancy. Guatemala reopened its borders to international travel on September 18, 2020. The idea is, that if Guatemala introduces this rule, it might stop the thousands of Hondurans who pass through the country on their migration caravans up to the U.S.-Mexico border. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. El Salvador Travel Restrictions Guatemala Travel Restrictions Jamaica Travel Restrictions Mexico Travel Restrictions Puerto Rico Travel Restriction SXM Travel Entry Requirement U.S. Virgin Islands Entry Requirements Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering U.S. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension. When traveling to Lake Atitln, 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. Many cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, are at high altitude. Passport must be valid at the time of entry. Avoid approaching or photographing children and women, especially in Indigenous communities. Again, its important to note that non-Guatemalan citizens/legal residents need to show BOTH proof of vaccination AND negative test. For COVID-19-related entry requirements, please see the Health section below. James Dyde is the editor of centralamerica.com. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the countrys entry rules. pic.twitter.com/ev811IFmg4, Migracin Guatemala (@MigracionGuate) January 7, 2022. 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. Crime:Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Military and police forces conduct random vehicle searches along all borders. Some ATMs will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit PIN. To enter Guatemala, you will need a U.S. passport that is valid at the time of entry. P, The year is coming to an end, and, like I've been. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Last update: 01/22/2022. Quebec overtook British Columbia as the second most common initial settlement location among this group, landing 68,685 immigrants in 2022, representing about 15.7% of all new immigrants. Avoid riding in tuk-tuks, rickshaw taxis or moto taxis. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. International Travel Restrictions All arriving passengers aged 10 or older must fulfill one of the following requirements to enter Guatemala: Present proof of having received at least two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, or a single dose in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, over 14 days prior to travel. Practise safe food and water precautions. Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads. PASSPORT VALIDITY: Passport must have six months validity. 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. U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks. Guatemalan can travel to 1 country if they meet certain conditions. Not all risks are listed below. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime . https://t.co/lgVJnpsK69, Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) December 24, 2021. Please visit the, If you are considering traveling to Guatemala to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. They recommend mask use for anyone over the age of two. 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. Vigilante justice has increased in rural areas, resulting in lynchings of suspected child abductors, extortionists and other criminals. Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. Victims have been violently assaulted when they resisted an attack or refused to give up money or valuables. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. 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, Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed. By The New York Times. . Proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 (two doses for all except for Johnson & Johnson, which requires one dose). TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No for stays of up to 90 days. The 90-day period begins at the first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. Warm and waterproof attire is essential. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Its up to each venue or business to decide how to enforce things, and masks and distancing are voluntary. Some criminals also pose as police officers. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. Good health care is limited to private hospitals and clinics in urban areas. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail white-car taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Immigration, Health, and everyone else all appear to be on the same page at last. Health Alert New Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala on or after January 10, 2022. Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories), The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada), Ensure the tour guide has a name tag with the name of the tour company. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. 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 Atitln, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. If you take prescription medications, youre responsible for determining their legality in Guatemala. 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. 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. In effect, the above is all that remains of the previous Guatemala Covid entry requirements in effect in some form or another since September 2020 when it reopened to travelers. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Armed attacks have occurred in various places in Guatemala, including: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving from or through Mexico to Guatemala. 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. You could say its been official since before Christmas, but with all the chopping and changing of the dates, we waited until now to write about this. From 10 January 2022, travelers entering Guatemala must show the following on arrival: Proof of a full course of COVID vaccination (two doses; or one for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine) or proof of a medical condition that prevents . Guatemala Directorate General of Migration Government of Guatemala (in Spanish). Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). There have been instances of narco-related homicides in this area, especially along CA-13. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Published 30.11.2021 1. Restaurants in Guatemala are open with restrictions.