Credit card payment is not always available. 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. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk. 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. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickenss, and take precautions before you travel. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the countrys entry rules. 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. 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. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. Its true that cases are on the increase in Guatemala, as they are all over the world, due to the Omicron variant of Covid. 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). Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our. Drink boiled or bottled water. Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. SWISS wird ihren Fluggsten unter dem Namen SWISS Senses ab 2025 ein vllig neues, persnlicheres Reiseerlebnis bieten. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Guatemalan law doesnt criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. Before travelling, verify your destinations COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. In a common scenario, an accomplice distracts the victim while an assailant slashes a bag or backpack or simply steals it. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctors prescription. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. Wichtiges Element des neuen Erlebnisses ist eine neue Kabinenausstattung fr die Langstreckenflotte, diese wird heute erstmals der ffentlichkeit prsentiert. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also common. INGUAT - The Guatemalan Tourist Institute. 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. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. 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. Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala. San Marcos Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so. You must take the equipment/tools with you when you depart. Its unclear if this applies also to vaccinated tourists, or if immigration agents will turn them away. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destinations entry or exit requirements. They can happen throughout the country, but the Petn area is usually the most affected. Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Guatemalas Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Guatemalas air carrier operations. As a result, some may ask you to sit in the front seat to hide the fact that they are providing a rideshare service. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. They first pick up the victim and then stop to pick up associates. Find out what types of insects are present where youre travelling, when theyre most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread. Practise safe food and water precautions. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. 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). Vaccination to enter Guatemala is now mandatory for foreign (non-citizen/legal resident visitors from January 10, 2022. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Secondary and rural roads have little to no illumination. Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. 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. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. Some areas have increased risk. Earthquakes and tsunamiscan occur. Or finding another place with no such restrictions. For emergency services in Guatemala, dial 110. Restaurants in Guatemala are open with restrictions. Winter Nights 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. Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Guatemala citizens cannot travel to 15 countries. The spiking of drinks is a problem in tourist areas, especially in Antigua. Travelers exempt from receiving the vaccine must show medical certification proving theyre exempt. Passengers who in the past 14 days have been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa or Zimbabwe are not allowed to enter. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Traffic Laws: Valid U.S. drivers licenses are accepted for the first 30 days of a visit, and international driving permits are accepted for extended stays. 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. Travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies upon leaving the airport. The content on this page is provided for information only. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. For those aged 10 and over, proof of a negative test taken within three days before arrival, as outlined above. Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country. 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. Incidents of sexual assault have also occurred, including on buses. Be prepared. Demonstrationsoccur frequently. PASSPORT VALIDITY: Passport must have six months validity. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. After that, press reports said Guatemala was delaying the change (to analyze the measures, apparently), which was why the Health Department removed all its posts on the matter. Further information may be found on the FAAs safety assessment page. From Alaska and Hawaii, the best prices were to Guatemala City, while the cheapest place to fly from West Virginia was Madrid. The Guatemalan border with Mexico, in particular the northwestern corner of Petn, is a high-risk area due to large scale drug and alien smuggling. Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. These two- or three-wheeled motorcycles with passenger cabins are unsafe. 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. There is a significant difference between Guatemala City and the rest of the country. HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS in Guatemala is concentrated in urban areas. This is mandatory for all travelers aged 12 and over. 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. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. 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. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. 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. Carry a photocopy of your passport in case you lose your passport. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Verify this information with theForeign Representatives in Canada. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guatemala. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Well it's now official - From January 10, 2022, you'll need to prove full vaccination status to . 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. 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. Taxi Amarillo Express (yellow taxis) is a radio-dispatch taxi service reached by dialing 1766. Criminals perceive foreigners as wealthy. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated. 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. Is it safe to travel to Guatemala during the COVID-19 pandemic? Only limited exceptions apply. Warm and waterproof attire is essential. Unless youre in a red area, where both mask mandates and social distancing remain. All Guatemala Covid entry requirements are now eliminated, effective August 12, 2022. They may arrange security escorts for road travel or organized hiking activities. Then, adding to further confusion, the U.S. Embassy also updated its page to say travelers could only enter the country if vaccinated. Crime rates are high near all border crossings in Guatemala, but are worse near unofficial ones. Passport must be valid at the time of entry. Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Is Guatemala City Safe? Then they changed it again, to January 10. Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Avoid riding in tuk-tuks, rickshaw taxis or moto taxis. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
Lock
A locked padlock
) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Use of radio-dispatched taxis or Uber is far safer than hailing taxis on the street. . For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:Zika virus: Advice for travellers. Roadblocks erected because of roadwork are common, particularly in the following northern and western departments: These roadblocks may cause substantial delays. 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. Victims have been violently assaulted when they resisted an attack or refused to give up money or valuables. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. You will be fined if you exceed the 90-day limit. 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. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the. Guatemala Directorate General of Migration Government of Guatemala (in Spanish). Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. You may request an extension of up to 90 days from the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Public Transportation: The most common form of public transportation is the system of brightly-painted recycled school buses. 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. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Medical staff may speak little or no English. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Guatemala? It is recommended that you contact the nearestdiplomatic or consular officeof the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. 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. An official website of the United States government. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Guatemala.