Warm and waterproof attire is essential. Do not hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City, instead use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the Guatemala City airport, or hotel taxis. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years. Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 Avoid raw or undercooked food. 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. They have the Biden administration breathing down their neck, and theres talk of sanctions coming in the new year. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). 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. All Guatemala Covid entry requirements are now eliminated, effective August 12, 2022. PROVIAL - Directorate General of Road Safety and Protection (in Spanish). You should carry an international driving permit. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Guatemala International Travel Information. Adequate health facilities are available in urbanized areas, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Typhoidis a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. ), Patricia Trigueros takes you toRead More A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. Dengue in the Americas August 15, 2022 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 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. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19, or to complete a Passenger Locator Form. Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Guatemala. It was almost as if everyone had forgotten and needed to be retold. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region. On December 22, the Guatemalan Health Ministry first announced this was going to happen, effective immediately. If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Guatemala, seek legal advice in Canada and in Guatemala. Last update: 01/22/2022. Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission. 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. 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). Some tourist service-providers build trusting relationships with female tourists and then sexually assault them. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations. There are four active volcanoes in Guatemala. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport. For COVID-19-related entry requirements, please see the Health section below. Travel Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling. Testing and vaccines are now a recommendation rather than a rule. 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). People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time. To make travel safe and convenient for users, we'll update the page when countries and regions make official announcements about travel. In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis. Drug-related armed attacks occur in departments close to all borders. You must have received your last dose at least 2. 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. Read the entire Travel Advisory. TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No for stays of up to 90 days. Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. Unvaccinated foreign travelers can expect to either not be allowed to board their plane into Guatemala, or to be turned away at the border. Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. 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. Of these three countries, only Honduras and Panama still have internal restrictions with any teeth. Restaurants in Guatemala are open with restrictions. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.. If youre traveling to Guatemala, we recommend keeping a mask handy in case restaurants demand it. Effective August 13, 2022, travelers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results to enter Guatemala. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. International Travel Restrictions Guatemala's land, air, and sea ports of entry remain open to most passenger traffic. This is mandatory for all travelers aged 12 and over. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. The volcano is constantly active at a low level, with small gas and ash eruptions every 15 to 20 minutes. While they operate with taxi licences, they are not regulated and are frequently involved in accidents. Their emergency assistance call center staffed with Spanish and English speakers may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Roadblocks erected because of roadwork are common, particularly in the following northern and western departments: These roadblocks may cause substantial delays. We recommend traveling to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only. 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. Full travel advice: Health. As governments across the world loosen coronavirus restrictions and shift their approach to accepting Covid-19 as a manageable . INGUAT - The Guatemalan Tourist Institute. Then, adding to further confusion, the U.S. Embassy also updated its page to say travelers could only enter the country if vaccinated. 2. 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). Crime rates are high near all border crossings in Guatemala, but are worse near unofficial ones. They are often reckless. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Laws and speed limits are often ignored, turn signals are rarely used, and passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common. If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season: The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Please make every effort to stay informed before making any travel plans by confirming with your airlines and checking the website (https://igm.gob.gt) of the Guatemalan governments immigration authority. It is not necessary to present a negative Covid test. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Is Guatemala City Safe? 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). Pickpockets and purse-snatchers are prevalent in major cities and tourist sites, especially the central market and other parts of Zone 1 in Guatemala City. Hiking in the area, while popular, is best undertaken with the assistance of a local guide to ensure safety, as criminals are known to target some routes. . You must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane. For those aged 10 and over, proof of a negative test taken within three days before arrival, as outlined above. U.S. government personnel and their family members are prohibited from using these forms of transportation. There have been instances of narco-related homicides in this area, especially along CA-13. You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Guatemala. If you take prescription medications, youre responsible for determining their legality in Guatemala. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated. Although Guatemala has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Volcn de Fuego's last . The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. They can happen throughout the country, but the Petn area is usually the most affected. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due tocrime. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country. Find out what types of insects are present where youre travelling, when theyre most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread. Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except urbanized areas. In the past, Guatemalan citizens have been lynched for suspicion of child abduction. Top countries include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and Antigua and Barbuda. Not all risks are listed below. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads. If you plan to undergo surgery in Guatemala, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified. Avoid approaching or photographing children and women, especially in Indigenous communities. 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. They are often overcrowded. Zone 18 and Villa Nueva within the Guatemala Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. Since September 2020, Guatemala is receiving international travelers. Guatemala reopened its borders to international travel on September 18, 2020. All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango. Privately owned bus lines, including Transmetro and Transurbano in Guatemala City, are safer, but passengers have been subject to attacks at stations. Practise safe food and water precautions. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 5% OFF your travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage and certificate, Is Guatemala Open for Tourists? Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. is an infectious viral disease. Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada* It is important to note thatcountry entry requirementsmay not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. Please visit the U.S. Embassys COVID-19 information page for more information on COVID-19 in Guatemala. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also common. Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Riptides are common. We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now. We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking. Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country. 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. Zika virus can causeserious birth defects. They may arrange security escorts for road travel or organized hiking activities. Water Safety: Basic safety measures and precautions for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities may not be observed in Guatemala. Avoid riding in tuk-tuks, rickshaw taxis or moto taxis. New 2023 AUSTRALIA ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TOUR!! Travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies upon leaving the airport. Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Lifeguards are rarely present. See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas. Detailed Travel Advisory. INGUAT may not be able to accommodate all requests. Published Feb. 15, 2022 Updated March 8, 2022. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Jamaica Travel Restrictions Effective April 16, 2022, travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result in order to board flights to Jamaica. 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. In case of emergency, dial: Guatemalan authorities provide information and assistance to tourists via their ASISTUR and DISETUR programs. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (. Check if you need one below. 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. Border areas often see higher levels of criminal activity and violence. 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. 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. But despite Guatemala still updating this system around every two weeks, its now essentially meaningless. You may request an extension of up to 90 days from the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Security escorts for tourist groups are available from INGUAT and may be requested by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Travelers may also call the police for roadside assistance by dialing 110 or 120, or the fire department by dialing 122 or 123; however, patrols are sporadic. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal. Earthquakes and tsunamiscan occur. Some areas have increased risk. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Check with the Guatemalan Public Health Ministry to ensure the medication is legal in Guatemala. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Travelers exempt from receiving the vaccine must show medical certification proving theyre exempt. There are no restrictions, but if the passenger is carrying $10,000 or more, s/he will need to justify the income and the purpose, Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16 It can also be sexually transmitted. Criminal taxi drivers often use this ploy. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S. maritime advisories and alerts. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Then they changed it again, to January 10. 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. Visit theMinistry of Foreign Affairs website(Spanish only) orcontact the Guatemalan Embassyfor the most current visa information. You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. The full range of medical care is available in Guatemala City, but medical care outside of the city is limited. Drink boiled or bottled water. Boaters in the Rio Dulce area of Izabal have been the victim of violent armed attacks. Masks are now only compulsory in the following areas: Green is normal, yellow is moderate, orange is high, and red is the highest alert. Beware of strong currents, riptides, and undertows along Guatemala's Pacific coast beaches, as well as at Lake Atitlan. Local public buses, known as chicken buses, are not safe. International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBI pages for information. Guatemala City, Guatemala President Giammattei already went out of his way last month to cozy up to the United States over Taiwan, and any action which makes it harder for Honduran migrants to pass through Guatemala on the way north might be another way to get on Uncle Sams good side. Road safety and road conditions can vary greatly throughout the country. contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Taxi Amarillo Express (yellow taxis) is a radio-dispatch taxi service reached by dialing 1766. If you are in Guatemala you should: Observe social distancing of at least 1.5 metres. 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. Many cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, are at high altitude. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Violent incidents involving foreigners taking photos have occurred. Local tour companies might underestimate the risk of hypothermia.