First responders may encounter obstacles to accessing areas outside of major cities, and/or be unable to provide urgent medical treatment. Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country. 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. 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. Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Full travel advice: Health. It was almost as if everyone had forgotten and needed to be retold. Support for victims of sexual assault is lacking. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Are tours and excursions operating in Guatemala? Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Is Guatemala City Safe? It can also be sexually transmitted. Incidents of sexual assault have also occurred, including on buses. Secondary roads in those areas are poorly maintained and have experienced higher incidents of robbery, rape, and armed assault. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. We recommend traveling to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Guatemalan law doesnt criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so. Schemes often involve some form of distraction. Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. Travelers exempt from receiving the vaccine must show medical certification proving theyre exempt. U.S. citizens do not need a visa and are admitted to Guatemala for 90 days. Reports of sexual assault remain high. U.S. government personnel and their family members are prohibited from using these forms of transportation. Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Guatemala. Contracts with promises of large commissions. International Travel Restrictions Guatemala's land, air, and sea ports of entry remain open to most passenger traffic. Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death. High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives. Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysBusiness visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysStudent visa: required. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. To enter Guatemala, you will need a U.S. passport that is valid at the time of entry. You could say its been official since before Christmas, but with all the chopping and changing of the dates, we waited until now to write about this. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape. Rifles and handguns are very common. Demonstrationsoccur frequently. 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. 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 . Theres a school of thought out there that much of this is, in some way, a form of appeasing the United States. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. Especially if, as mentioned, its been relaxing restrictions, not adding to them. We have obtained the information on this page from the Guatemalan authorities. If you plan to undergo surgery in Guatemala, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified. 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. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. 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. Is quarantine required to visit Guatemala? There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. While the Government of Canada issues passports with an X gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. pic.twitter.com/ev811IFmg4, Migracin Guatemala (@MigracionGuate) January 7, 2022. Typhoidis a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. 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. The spiking of drinks is a problem in tourist areas, especially in Antigua. victims compensation programs in the United States. 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. Illegal roadblocks are also frequent. 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). Vaccination to enter Guatemala is now mandatory for foreign (non-citizen/legal resident visitors from January 10, 2022. Guatemala - Scores for Women, Business and the Law 2023 Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, information, and general infrastructure, and common in lodging and communication. In case of emergency, dial: Guatemalan authorities provide information and assistance to tourists via their ASISTUR and DISETUR programs. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated. information on insurance providers for overseas coverage, National Disaster Reduction Coordination Office, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis). When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. Then, adding to further confusion, the U.S. Embassy also updated its page to say travelers could only enter the country if vaccinated. Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Guatemala prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, , intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Their emergency assistance call center staffed with Spanish and English speakers may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. An official website of the United States government. When entering Guatemala by land or sea, you must obtain an entry stamp in your passport. See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. Border areas often see higher levels of criminal activity and violence. PROVIAL - Directorate General of Road Safety and Protection (in Spanish). Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Childrens passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years. Proof of full vaccination as outlined above (applicable to those aged 12 and over). Victims have been violently assaulted when they resisted an attack or refused to give up money or valuables. Travel Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. After all, Guatemala has seen a relaxing of in-country restrictions. Local tour companies might underestimate the risk of hypothermia. For emergency services in Guatemala, dial 110. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. 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. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. They recommend mask use for anyone over the age of two. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Report any crime incidents promptly to the police. Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country. You should carry an international driving permit. 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. You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Guatemala. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. 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. The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the, The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or. Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 Get the flu shot. Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 5% OFF your travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage and certificate, Is Guatemala Open for Tourists? Top countries include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and Antigua and Barbuda. For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. Taxi Seguro can be reached at +502-2312-4243. A true case of jumping the gun. Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. Guatemala travel restrictions To visit Guatemala by air or land, travelers age 12 and up must show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. 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. military installations and establishments, stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments, follow the advice of local emergency services personnel, monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation, know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks, be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip, stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts, carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator, follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation, follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders. Illegal drug traders may operate vessels in Guatemalan waters. Guatemalan can travel to 1 country if they meet certain conditions. They may tell you they are drug enforcement officers and then take you to a side road where they steal everything from you. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, including taxi drivers. 70% of all people living with HIV/AIDS live in Guatemala City and the metropolitan region. Guatemalas public hospitals frequently experience serious shortages of even the most basic medicines and equipment. 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. They have the Biden administration breathing down their neck, and theres talk of sanctions coming in the new year. 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. ), A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador, Guatemala about-turned and abolished all this, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Belize to have zero Covid restrictions for travelers, only Honduras and Panama still have internal restrictions with any teeth. You can drive in Guatemala with your valid Canadian drivers licence. 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. They're limited elsewhere. Some areas have increased risk. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. The 90-day period begins at the first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. As a friend in Guatemala City tells me, the government is desperately trying to deflect corruption charges. Travelers are allowed to enter Guatemala. Road Conditions and Safety: Road hazards are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No for stays of up to 90 days. If a U.S. citizen exceeds the period of authorized stay, a fine of 15 Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ) per day is imposed, and this fine must be paid to be permitted to depart Guatemala. Unvaccinated foreign travelers can expect to either not be allowed to board their plane into Guatemala, or to be turned away at the border. It seems strange to relax internal restrictions, but at the same time become the first country in Central America to demand vaccination for tourists. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBI pages for information. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. 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. Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the countrys entry rules. Crime:Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens. And here we are on January 9, looking like its official this time. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. Nevertheless, the threat of a serious explosion is still real. Further information may be found on the FAAs safety assessment page. If you wish to conduct business or stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding 6 months, you require a visa. To decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim: Tourist groups are advised to request security escorts. 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. report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Childrens Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Signs that warn of treacherous surf are rare and confined mostly to private beaches owned by hotels. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. On December 22, the Guatemalan Health Ministry first announced this was going to happen, effective immediately. For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:Zika virus: Advice for travellers. Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. If you take prescription medications, youre responsible for determining their legality in Guatemala. Again, its important to note that non-Guatemalan citizens/legal residents need to show BOTH proof of vaccination AND negative test. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present: To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page. Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Since September 2020, Guatemala is receiving international travelers. 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. Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs. Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada* It is important to note thatcountry entry requirementsmay not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. Immigrants. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. There is general societal discrimination against LGBTI persons in relation to their access to education, health care, employment, and housing. 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. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. Report crimes to the police through the tourist assistance program (PROATUR) at 1500 or +502-2290-2800 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +502-2326-4000. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. 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. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
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