Guatemala

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• We continue to advise against all but essential travel to neighbouring Honduras due to the ongoing political crisis where the situation remains unpredictable and may change very quickly. The curfew previously in place has been lifted, but could be reintroduced at any time should there be a change in the situation in Honduras. As a reaction to this neighbouring countries (El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua) may close land borders and stop air links at short notice. Anyone intending to travel to or through Honduras should contact his or her travel operator for further advice and to keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media, the FCO’s Travel Advice on Honduras and by checking our Embassy’s website at www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.u k.
  
  
• On 4 November a foreign tourist was shot whilst taking a taxi tour of Puerto Barrios after disembarking from a Cruise Ship. Passengers and visitors from Cruise Ships are strongly advised to only take recognised tours from the Cruise Ships and that they confirm their tour itinerary with the boat, port authority or with the Guatemalan Tourist representatives (INGUAT and ASISTUR).
  
  
• There has been a reported threat of possible kidnappings of foreign tourists in the Department of Izabal, especially in and around the towns of Puerto Barrios and Livingston, by local indigenous groups who are intent on using this as an ongoing method to draw attention to local grievances. In March 2008 4 Belgian Tourists were kidnapped in Rio Dulce for this reason.
  
  
• There has been a reported outbreak of Dengue fever in the Department of Izabal, especially in and around the towns of Puerto Barrios and Livingston. There are confirmed cases of Classic dengue and Dengue Hemorragico. You are advised to take additional health precautions against mosquitoes and be advised that the authorities are publically spraying a mixture of insecticide and diesel to combat the outbreak.
  
  
• We advise against climbing the Tajumulco volcano in San Marcos or visiting the surrounding area due to recent unrest in local communities involved in land use disputes. There have been several recent armed attacks on tourists climbing Pacaya, Agua and Acatenango volcanoes. We recommend you only climb these, and Fuego, Santiaguito, and Tacana as part of a group with a professional guide and in daylight hours.
  
  
• Since 4 April 2009, there have been a series of earth tremors throughout the country measuring above 4 on the Richter scale. Please continue to monitor our travel advice before travelling to Guatemala.
  
  
• Since March 2009 there has been an increase in violence with co-ordinated attacks on buses, which has left over a hundred dead.  While foreigners and tourists are not directly targeted, you should remain vigilant at all times in urban centres and crowded public areas.
  
  
• There continue to be armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from and around major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. The most recent involving a British National was on 3 November on the road to Tikal. You are advised to avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. You should use the Pan American Highway to Solola instead. The road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) should also be avoided where possible. Tourists have also been attacked on minor roads around Lake Atitlan, and in particular the road between Santiago Atitlan and San Pedro. There are frequent boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.
  
  
• There has been an increase of "express kidnappings" at ATM machines, petrol station forecourts, and shopping centres and of robberies in and around the area of the airport, zone 10 and Los Proceres Boulevard. We advise caution in these areas; and keep cash and valuable items out of sight. Please see the Crime Section for more details.
  
  
• Large demonstrations occur throughout Guatemala, often with little or no notice, and can cause serious traffic and other disruptions. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. See the Political Situation section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  Seethe Natural Disasters (Rainy Season/Landslides) section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
  
  
• We advise against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US school buses) for security reasons.  There have been reports of violent muggings, including rape and assault against foreigners on these buses. Private inter-city coach services are not included in this restriction and are generally a safer alternative. See the Local Travel (Public buses and coaches services) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 12 British nationals required consular assistance in Guatemala in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (3 cases); hospitalisations (2 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (2 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (29 cases). The risk of violent crime, such as armed robbery and mugging, is real and there have been armed attacks in daylight hours at tourist sites. Travelling at night or visiting remote places on your own greatly increases the risk of you becoming a victim of crime.  See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Crime

• Assailants generally carry guns and are prepared to use them.  Victims have been killed and injured resisting attack.
• You should avoid displaying items of value such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones. You are advised not to wear jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash.
• Consider your transport options carefully when travelling between cities or tourist sites.  There have been several armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from places such as Coban, Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan.  We advise against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US school buses) for security reasons. Private inter-city buses are generally safer, although attacks can also occur on these.  Some routes between popular tourist sites should be avoided.  See the Local Travel Section for more information.
• For shorter trips within towns and cities the safest option is to take radio or hotel taxis.  You should avoid walking in unfamiliar areas or catching local city buses or unofficial taxis. When arriving at the airport you can buy pre-paid taxi vouchers from the INGUAT Tourist Office (in the arrivals terminal).
• You should keep valuables out of sight on arrival at Guatemala City.  Carjackings and armed robberies on travellers arriving at the airport have increased.  Victims have been followed and attacked some distance from the airport. Visibly carrying a laptop bag on arrival at the airport may increase your likelihood of being targeted.
• It is safer to change money at hotels and use ATMs in shopping centres or department stores. It is wise not to withdraw too much money at one time.  There have been several armed attacks on foreigners, including a British tourist in April, after they have withdrawn money from ATMs.  You should avoid withdrawing money at night.
• Avoid travelling on your own or at night especially at border crossings or areas where there are few other people around. The risk of attack increases at night, so you are advised to travel during the day.
• You should take particular care when travelling around Guatemala City, especially in Zone 1 where many cheaper hotels are situated and several bus routes terminate. Zones 9, 10 (Zona Viva) and 14 are considered the safest areas of Guatemala City. However, the risk of violent crime exists in all zones of the city.
• You should avoid approaching or taking pictures of Guatemalan children without permission from the child’s parent or guardian.  This is particularly important advice to follow in more remote areas such as Quiche, Peten, San Marcos and Chiqimula provinces.  There has been an increase in the number of lynchings and attempted lynchings related to accusations and fears of child kidnapping for adoption or theft of vital organs.  Foreigners have become caught up in these violent reactions.
• You should be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers. There have been reports of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by people dressed in police uniforms.
• We advise against climbing the Tajumulco volcano in San Marcos or visiting the surrounding area due to recent unrest amongst local communities involved in land use disputes. When climbing volcanoes or walking in remote areas, it is safer to go with others and hire a guide or take part in a tour with a reputable company and only conduct this activity in daylight hours. There have been several recent armed attacks on tourists climbing Pacaya,  Agua and Acatenango volcanoes.
• You should consider purchasing the local Asistur card on arrival at the international airport (INGUAT booth, 2nd floor). The card can provide you with emergency assistance and guidance during your stay. You can also contact INGUAT (service available in English), the Guatemalan Tourist Institute on their 24 hour number (502) 2421 2810 (or 1550 in country) for security information and advice.

There continue to be armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. The most recent involving a British National was on 3 November on the road to Tikal. You are advised to avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. You should use the Pan American Highway to Solola instead. The road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) should also be avoided where possible. Armed attacks on tourists have also taken place on minor roads around Lake Atitlan , and in particular, the road between Santiago Atitlan and San Pedro. There are frequent boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.

Car-jackings and armed hold-ups are increasingly common on the main road 'carretera Salvador' leading from Guatemala City to the border with El Salvador. The crossroads at Fraijanes, San Jose Punula an Las Luces are also focal points for express kidnappings.

We specifically recommend the use of the main Inter-American road highway between Panajachel and Solola.  To visit other tourist destinations around Lake Atitlan use the water route from Panajachel. On 5 September 2008, the local tourist support unit Asistur issued recommendations for routes to be taken when travelling in and around Solola, Panajachel and Lake Atitlan.  Please contact them for further details.

Asistur also offer an escort service for tourists groups or individuals travelling locally in the region.  Please contact them on the number above for more information regarding this service.

Local laws and customs

Entry requirements

Health

Natural disasters

Rainy Season/Landslides

General