Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Guatemala International Travel Information. help you find accommodations and arrange flights home. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about, Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about. Care in private hospitals is generally adequate for most common illnesses and injuries, and many of the medical specialists working in them are U.S.-trained and -certified. Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. Criminal taxi drivers often use this ploy. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Check if you need one below. Its up to each venue or business to decide how to enforce things, and masks and distancing are voluntary. On roads between Guatemala City and the Petn region; On tThe Inter-American Highway (CA-1) and the road from Guatemala City to the Caribbean coast (CA-9), due to heavy traffic, including large trucks and trailers. Bars in Guatemala are . 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. pic.twitter.com/ev811IFmg4, Migracin Guatemala (@MigracionGuate) January 7, 2022. Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Travelers exempt from receiving the vaccine must show medical certification proving theyre exempt. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. Travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies upon leaving the airport. If you are in Guatemala you should: Observe social distancing of at least 1.5 metres. It is not necessary to present a negative Covid test. Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel? Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport. We have obtained the information on this page from the Guatemalan authorities. You dont have to present both. In the past, Guatemalan citizens have been lynched for suspicion of child abduction. Guatemalas National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. 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. 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. Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. 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. They recommended everyone continues with biosecurity measures including hand hygiene and maintain physical distance. Immigration, Health, and everyone else all appear to be on the same page at last. There is no mountain rescue service in Guatemala. 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. Air Travel. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public. We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now. Stay home if youre sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Buses are frequently targeted by gangs, who may hurl grenades or fire shots as a way of ensuring compliance with their demands or to settle accounts. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Guatemalan citizens can travel to different countries with conditions during coronavirus with 138 countries open for travel. Unvaccinated foreign travelers can expect to either not be allowed to board their plane into Guatemala, or to be turned away at the border. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. 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. Guatemala reopened its borders to international travel on September 18, 2020. Public facilities are often understaffed and experience shortages of basic supplies and medication. 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. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickenss, and take precautions before you travel. Still, there are new restrictions as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Guatemala Republic of Guatemala Travel Advisory October 4, 2022 Guatemala - Level 3: Reconsider Travel C Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. What gives? Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, or Uber. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time. 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. - This does not apply to: - nationals of Guatemala; - permanent residents of Guatemala. A lack of trust in the judicial system and a fear of further harassment or social recrimination discourages victims from filing complaints. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. 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). As a result, some may ask you to sit in the front seat to hide the fact that they are providing a rideshare service. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Eruptions may occur at any time. If youre traveling to Guatemala, we recommend keeping a mask handy in case restaurants demand it. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime . 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. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation or denied future entry into Guatemala. Crime:Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the countrys entry rules. Particularly in small villages, residents are often wary and suspicious of outsiders. This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Passengers who are neither Guatemalan citizens nor Guatemalan residents will be required to present both of the following: There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. Series of tremors sometimes lead to evacuations of surrounding areas. Secondary roads in those areas are poorly maintained and have experienced higher incidents of robbery, rape, and armed assault. For COVID-19-related entry requirements, please see the Health section below. Then they changed it again, to January 10. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. For those aged 10 and over, proof of a negative test taken within three days before arrival, as outlined above. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guatemala. Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning import or export of items such as antiquities and artefacts. Winter Nights Drink boiled or bottled water. Many cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, are at high altitude. Outside of that, its up to each municipality and venue to enforce rules, and many dont. 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). Nevertheless, the threat of a serious explosion is still real. 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. is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. If you plan to undergo surgery in Guatemala, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified. All travelers aged 10 and over must show proof of a negative Covid test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days of arrival in Guatemala. Travelers are allowed to enter Guatemala. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guatemala. Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. 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. Well it's now official - From January 10, 2022, you'll need to prove full vaccination status to . If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. 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. Especially if, as mentioned, its been relaxing restrictions, not adding to them. 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. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, though most private hospitals also accept credit cards. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. 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. Lifeguards are rarely present. Hospitals, health centers, swab and vaccination posts, medical clinics, and laboratories. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destinations entry or exit requirements. The overall score for Guatemala is lower than the regional average observed across Latin America and the Caribbean (80.9). Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person.