Guatemala

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Guatemala’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Guatemala set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Guatemalan Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Guatemala, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Guatemala for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you overstay the 90 days, you’ll have to pay a fine before leaving the country. You can pay this fine at the main Institute of Migration (in Spanish) office in Guatemala City. You can also pay fines at the airport or land borders, but administrative processes can cause serious delays.

Applying for or extending a visa

To stay longer than 90 days (to work or study, for business, travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Guatemalan government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Guatemalan Embassy in the UK.

If you want to extend your visa or permit to stay, you must apply to the Institute of Migration (Spanish language website).

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry. 

If you do not get your passport stamped when you arrive, you will get a fine and be delayed on your departure. If you notice your passport has not been stamped, return to the immigration desk immediately, or go to the Institute of Migration (in Spanish) offices in Guatemala City as soon as possible.

Immigration declaration form

Before you enter or exit Guatemala, you must complete the online immigration declaration form. If you can, print the confirmation email you receive and carry it with you. Alternatively take a screenshot of the email QR code. If you need more information, contact your travel agent or the Institute of Migration (in Spanish).

This form can be done on arrival just before immigration, there are dedicated terminals to complete the online form. However, this can delay your arrival into the country.

Airport tax

You must pay airport departure tax of 30 US dollars (or the same amount in Guatemalan quetzal). This is normally included in the price of your ticket.

Travelling with children 

To enter or exit Guatemala, children aged 17 and under travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian must have a notarised letter in Spanish from the parents or guardians not travelling with them. Contact the Guatemalan Embassy, or if you’re in Guatemala the nearest Institute of Migration (Spanish language website), for information about what documents you need. Single parents will need additional documents.

Travelling between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua 

You can travel between Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador for up to 90 days without a visa. The CA-4 Agreement also includes Honduras, however British Nationals must have a visa to visit Honduras. If you’re entering Honduras, read the entry requirements. Read the travel advice for:

• El Salvador
• Nicaragua

The 90-day period starts when you enter any of these countries and does not restart when you cross borders. You can extend your stay by up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days expires. If you overstay, you may get a fine. 

You’ll have to go through immigration checks at borders. If you’re expelled from one of these countries, you’re also excluded from the other 2.

Illegal entry fees at land borders

Guatemalan customs or immigration officials sometimes ask travellers crossing land borders to pay an ‘entry fee’. This is illegal. If you are asked to pay a fee, ask for an official receipt, and you may find the officials drop the request.

When crossing into Guatemala by land, be wary of people offering to help process your entry into the country. They may be trying to overcharge you for unnecessary services.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Guatemala, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Guatemala guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Guatemala. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Guatemala

It is often not possible to exchange British pounds in Guatemala. It is much easier to exchange US dollars.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Guatemala

Fire and Ambulance: 122 or 123

Police: 110 

PROATUR, Guatemala tourist assistance

PROATUR, Guatemala’s tourist assistance service, provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists (call centre staff speak English and Spanish):

• Telephone: +502 2290 2810 or 1500 if dialling from inside Guatemala

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Guatemala
• dealing with a death in Guatemala
• being arrested or imprisoned in Guatemala
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO  

Help abroad   

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.  

Help in the UK   

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.   

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)   

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Guatemala on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.