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. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. Adequate health facilities are available in urbanized areas, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas. The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation or denied future entry into Guatemala. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. In a common scenario, an accomplice distracts the victim while an assailant slashes a bag or backpack or simply steals it. The 90-day period begins at the first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. Illegal drug traders may operate vessels in Guatemalan waters. Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Guatemala? The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication. Guatemala and neighboring countries also experience a high HIV prevalence amongst people with tuberculosis. Many cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, are at high altitude. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. Verify this information with theForeign Representatives in Canada. Are tours and excursions operating in Guatemala? Hide Vaccines and Medicines Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Most incidents are drug- and gang-related. Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada* It is important to note thatcountry entry requirementsmay not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. You must take the equipment/tools with you when you depart. 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. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the X gender identifier. On December 22, the Guatemalan Health Ministry first announced this was going to happen, effective immediately. . Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. Flash floods and mudslides are common. Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport. Mask usage in Guatemala is required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. PROVIAL, a roadside assistance force, patrols most of the major highways in the country. They are often reckless. Since it is one of the countries that are open for tourism, Guatemala has put a few entry requirements in place for travelers. However, outside urban areas, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. . 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. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Guatemala, in Guatemala City, and follow the instructions. Restaurants in Guatemala are open with restrictions. Guatemalas public hospitals frequently experience serious shortages of even the most basic medicines and equipment. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. Check with the Guatemalan Public Health Ministry to ensure the medication is legal in Guatemala. Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. You will be fined if you exceed the 90-day limit. Further information may be found on the FAAs safety assessment page. Crime:Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens. Guatemalan can travel to 1 country if they meet certain conditions. Get the flu shot. Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. Theyre faking concern over Omicron.. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Guatemala. Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Effective March 11, 2022, the Government of Guatemala has modified the COVID-related entry requirements for travelers to Guatemala: Passengers who are Guatemalan citizens, foreigners, residents, accredited diplomats, or airline crew whose final destination is Guatemala must now present only one of the following: Additionally, Guatemala is no longer restricting travel from those recently present in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Egypt, and Eswatini. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Yellow feveris a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. International Travel Restrictions Guatemala's land, air, and sea ports of entry remain open to most passenger traffic. There is general societal discrimination against LGBTI persons in relation to their access to education, health care, employment, and housing. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities). https://t.co/OT82cWbWx4 Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) July 15, 2022 Guatemala: Guatemala has no vaccination or testing requirements for travelers entering its territory. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease. While there is no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships or marriages, private same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults is legal. ), Patricia Trigueros takes you toRead More A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador. Antidiscrimination laws exist, but do not include specific protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. They recommend mask use for anyone over the age of two. These restrictions were intended to limit the effect of impurities in the CNG, such as hydrogen sulfide, on the structural integrity of the steel used in the manufacture of the cylinders. 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. This is mandatory for all travelers aged 12 and over. Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. 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. 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). Lifeguards are rarely present. You must request this extension and pay the required fee at the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration before your first 90-day limit expires. If youre staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the regions evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public. Violent incidents involving foreigners taking photos have occurred. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Immigration, Health, and everyone else all appear to be on the same page at last. 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. 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. However, authorities have banned the entry of travelers who have been to South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, or Zimbabwe in the 14 days prior to travel in Guatemala. Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country. 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. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Review the. Good health care is limited to private hospitals and clinics in urban areas. 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. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Photographing children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence, may result in exacerbating this fear. Incidents of sexual assault have also occurred, including on buses. All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. When entering Guatemala by land or sea, you must obtain an entry stamp in your passport. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. The volcano is constantly active at a low level, with small gas and ash eruptions every 15 to 20 minutes. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. While most roads in urban areas are in fair condition, travel on secondary streets and rural roads can be hazardous due to: Local drivers generally dont respect traffic laws. 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. Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to very high levels of violent crime: Within Guatemala City: Zone 3 Zone 18 Zone 19 Zone 21 Municipalities: Amatitln Chinautla Escuintla San Jos del Golfo San Raymundo Villa Nueva Departments: Chiquimula Jutiapa Zacapa Highways: RN-7E CA-11 CA-12 CA-13 PET-13 Back to top Safety and security 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. Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. These two- or three-wheeled motorcycles with passenger cabins are unsafe. Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the, The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Do not travel if you have any Covid symptoms. There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Guatemalan courts. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Travel Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Road safety and road conditions can vary greatly throughout the country. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country. But deaths are at an all time low, even with the lack of internal restrictions. In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption: Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. 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. We do not pay medical bills. Report any crime incidents promptly to the police. As in Guatemala, the vast majority of restrictions in Panama, however, are now recommendations. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Eruptions may occur at any time. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail white-car taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Guatemala prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, , intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. 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. Testing and vaccines are now a recommendation rather than a rule. ), Patricia Trigueros takes you toRead More A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.. Of these three countries, only Honduras and Panama still have internal restrictions with any teeth. Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Guatemala. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Guatemala, Entry Requirements for Guatemala in Spanish, Map of Different Regions Alert Levels in Spanish, Regulations for Different Levels of Alert in Spanish. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. contact relatives or friends with your written consent. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension. You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Boaters in the Rio Dulce area of Izabal have been the victim of violent armed attacks. Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), Canadian tourists may travel freely within any of the following CA-4 countries: You can travel between these countries for up to 90 days without having to undergo entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. - This does not apply to: - nationals of Guatemala; - permanent residents of Guatemala. They're limited elsewhere. 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. Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Military and police forces conduct random vehicle searches along all borders. Armed attacks have occurred in various places in Guatemala, including: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving from or through Mexico to Guatemala. 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. If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness or are suspected of having COVID-19, please postpone your trip to Guatemala. PROATUR also provide additional security in locations frequented by tourists. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. After all, Guatemala has seen a relaxing of in-country restrictions. For those aged 10 and over, proof of a negative test taken within three days before arrival, as outlined above. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Guatemala. Wait times may be long. 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. If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season: The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. 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. RESTRICTED ITEMS Unless youre in a red area, where both mask mandates and social distancing remain. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. Your email address will not be published. On its own tweet about the matter (see above), the Department of Immigration said it was posting the new rules because of the possibility of a massive group of migrants entering Guatemalan territory. If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page, Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates, Emergency Information for American Citizens, Health Alert New Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala on or after January 10, 2022. 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. 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. Laws and speed limits are often ignored, turn signals are rarely used, and passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common. Privately owned bus lines, including Transmetro and Transurbano in Guatemala City, are safer, but passengers have been subject to attacks at stations. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. You should carry an international driving permit. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? 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. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings. If you fail to leave Guatemala with your vehicle by the expiry date, you will be subject to a fine for the extra days. There have been instances of narco-related homicides in this area, especially along CA-13. Whether youre a business ownerRead More Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Again, its important to note that non-Guatemalan citizens/legal residents need to show BOTH proof of vaccination AND negative test. U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. If you intend on hiking, including on volcanoes: Coastal waters can be dangerous. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches. The Guatemalan Tourist Assistance Program, PROATUR, may be able to provide additional information and can be reached by dialing 1500 or +502-2290-2800. 122 documents in the last year Trade Adjustment Assistance . See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Guatemala International Travel Information. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. pic.twitter.com/ev811IFmg4, Migracin Guatemala (@MigracionGuate) January 7, 2022. Some areas have increased risk. 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. U.S. citizens do not need a visa and are admitted to Guatemala for 90 days. Local public buses, known as chicken buses, are not safe. Vaccination to enter Guatemala is now mandatory for foreign (non-citizen/legal resident visitors from January 10, 2022. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Criminal taxi drivers often use this ploy. is an infectious viral disease. 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. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Guatemala, seek legal advice in Canada and in Guatemala. 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. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (, San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to, Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to, Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City due to. Nevertheless, the threat of a serious explosion is still real. They first pick up the victim and then stop to pick up associates. Latest Travel Restrictions. Based on this approach, Guatemala scores 73.8 out of 100. Credit card payment is not always available. #Informacin | Ante la posibilidad de que ingrese un grupo masivo de personas migrante a territorio guatemalteco, recordamos los requisitos sanitarios de ingreso al pas. HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS in Guatemala is concentrated in urban areas. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Childrens passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information, U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19. 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. Still, there are new restrictions as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contracts with promises of large commissions. Secondary roads in those areas are poorly maintained and have experienced higher incidents of robbery, rape, and armed assault. Some areas have increased risk. Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guatemala. First responders may encounter obstacles to accessing areas outside of major cities, and/or be unable to provide urgent medical treatment. Uber is also considered safe to use in Guatemala City and Antigua. Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. Effective March 11, 2022, the Government of Guatemala has modified the COVID-related entry requirements for travelers to Guatemala: Passengers who are Guatemalan citizens, foreigners, residents, accredited diplomats, or airline crew whose final destination is Guatemala must now present only one of the following: For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. 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. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape. 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. The Government of Guatemala announced new entry requirements that will be in effect as of January 10, 2022. 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. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Is it safe to travel to Guatemala during the COVID-19 pandemic? 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 . SeeourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details. Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized.