North and Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
|
Still current at: 08 October 2008
|
|
Updated: 25 September 2008
|
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment Local Travel section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
-
We advise against all but essential travel to the Tajumulco volcano and the surrounding area in the Department of San Marcos because of fears among the local population that foreigners were involved in the disappearance of a young child. See the Crime section of this advice 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.
-
Local protests earlier this year led to the brief kidnapping of four foreign tourists in the Department of Izabal. There has also been a spate of attacks on tourists using motorised and sailing boats, which has resulted in one death. You should seek local advice on security conditions before travelling to this region, especially the areas in and around Rio Dulce, Livingston and Puerto Barrios.
-
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 adviceand
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.
-
The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Guatemala in 2007 were for replacing lost or stolen passports; hospitalisations; and deaths, mostly from natural causes. Also, 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 strongly 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
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism in Guatemala and there has been no history of domestic terrorism since the end of the 36-year civil war in 1996. 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. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
There is a low threat from terrorism in Guatemala and there has been no history of domestic terrorism since the end of the 36-year civil war in 1996. 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. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America with around 40 murders a week in Guatemala City alone. Although the majority of serious crime involves gangs or narcotics and does not occur in tourist areas, violent attacks on tourists, including carjackings, assault, armed robbery, murder and rape have increased in the past few years and can happen anywhere. Guns are commonly used, and there is a low arrest and conviction rate for perpetrators. You should take your personal security seriously and be aware of your surroundings at all times. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.
Despite the high levels of crime most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free. Over 25,000 British Citizens visited Guatemala in 2007 and the overwhelming majority of visitors were unaffected by crime. In recent years, the Guatemalan Government has taken steps to address the issue of crime against tourists, in particular by expanding the Tourist Police. This has helped reduce crime against foreigners in some tourist areas.
When travelling in Guatemala you should be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them. The following advice may help:
- You should not resist when being robbed. 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 recently 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.
- 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. There have been several recent armed attacks on tourists climbing the Agua and Acatenango volcanoes and walking on quieter trails in tourist areas such as those around Tikal.
- 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.
Petty crime is widespread in urban areas and at tourist sites. You should be particularly careful of your belongings at bus stations, airports and crowded tourist places. Theft is common in Antigua and Zone 1 in Guatemala City. You should keep your valuables locked away in a safe or keep them on your person when travelling. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Guatemala Country Profile
You should exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala, as incidents of political violence, roadblocks, strikes and large demonstrations can occur, often with little or no notice. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. The use of roadblocks and/or blocking of public facilities, including the international airport, has increased and these may affect your travel plans. You should be aware that some demonstrations in the capital and at strategic points on the country's main highways have turned violent.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Guatemala Country Profile
You should exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala, as incidents of political violence, roadblocks, strikes and large demonstrations can occur, often with little or no notice. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. The use of roadblocks and/or blocking of public facilities, including the international airport, has increased and these may affect your travel plans. You should be aware that some demonstrations in the capital and at strategic points on the country's main highways have turned violent.
Local Travel
You can obtain up-to-date security information through INGUAT (service available in English), the Guatemalan Tourist Institute. INGUAT’s tourist assistance service, ASISTER, can be reached on (502) 2421 2810 and (502) 5578 9836. You may also dial 1500 in Guatemala.
Tourists should be aware that there has been a spate of attacks on tourists on motorised and sailing boats in the Livingstone/Rio Dulce area. Assailants are boarding boats armed with machetes and robbing tourists of valuables and money. One such attack led to the death of an American tourist on 10 August 2008.
We advise against all but essential travel to the Tajumulco volcano and the surrounding area in the Department of San Marcos because of fears among the local population that foreigners were involved in the disappearance of a young child. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
You should remain vigilant when travelling to the tourist destinations of Rio Dulce and Livingstone in Izabal Department following the kidnapping, and subsequent release, of four foreign tourists on 14 March 2008. This was the result of a long running dispute between local indigenous people and the Guatemalan authorities. Also in February 2008, 30 police officers were kidnapped in the same Department. The situation is now under control but local tensions remain. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the local media for developments.
In mid-February 2008 a group of indigenous persons organised protests in the cities of Solola and Panajachel in reaction to the insecurity and kidnappings in the same region. Houses were burnt and several roads in the Lake Atitlan area were blocked. While protests have been suspended local citizens have threatened to return to the street if their concerns are not addressed. The possibility of violent incidents occurring between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
There have been several armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. 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. In addition minor roads around Lake Atitlan have seen instances of armed attack against tourists. There are adequate boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.
We recommend 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 September 5 Asistur issued recommendations for routes to be taken when travelling in and around Solola, Panajachel and Lake Atitlan please contact them for 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.
Public buses and coach services
When travelling in Guatemala you should carefully consider your route and transport options in advance.
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. You should be aware that UK based members of the British Embassy, their dependants and official British visitors are instructed not to use these buses because of the risk of violent robbery and accidents.
Private inter-city coach services are not included in this restriction and are generally a safer alternative. However, there have been armed attacks, including rape, on cars and buses (including tourist buses) during daylight hours on well-used, main roads.
When travelling in Guatemala you should carefully consider your route and transport options in advance.
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. You should be aware that UK based members of the British Embassy, their dependants and official British visitors are instructed not to use these buses because of the risk of violent robbery and accidents.
Private inter-city coach services are not included in this restriction and are generally a safer alternative. However, there have been armed attacks, including rape, on cars and buses (including tourist buses) during daylight hours on well-used, main roads.
Guatemala City Council no longer permits some inter-city buses to enter the city centre. Passengers are dropped at various points on the outskirts. You should take this into account when planning your journeys.
Border areas
You should pay particular attention to your security at the border areas with Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. You should avoid openly changing large amounts of money and make sure valuables are kept out of sight. It is often better to cross borders in the morning as borders often close in the early evening and it also allows time for you to reach your destination before dark. You should exercise particular care when travelling in the Belize/Guatemala border area because of the ongoing dispute between the two countries. You are strongly advised to use only the officially recognised border crossings. Some tourists have been injured exploring caves in Guatemala particularly during the rainy season between June and November. You should ensure that you use registered and licensed operators before undertaking caving activities.
Road Travel
You can use your UK Driving License to drive in Guatemala for visits under three months. However, you are recommended to hold an International Driving Permit.
When travelling by car, it is generally safer to travel on main roads between major cities and tourist destinations. Quieter routes and poor road conditions increase the risk of attack. Travelling in a convoy of more than one car may be safer.
Roads between the main tourist locations in Guatemala are of an acceptable standard. In more isolated locations, roads are unpaved and four-wheel drive vehicles are advisable. Driving standards are variable compared with the UK. You should drive carefully and expect the unexpected. Adequate car insurance is essential.
If you are involved in an accident you should contact the National Police by calling 120 or the fire brigade by dialling 122 or 123. If you are involved in an accident you should normally wait for the police to arrive.
Many public buses are poorly maintained and accidents are common and occasionally fatal.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Local laws and customs
There are stiff penalties for drug trafficking (10-20 years) and drug use (8-15 years). Guatemalan prisons are overcrowded, violent, unsanitary, and disease is rife.
You should refrain from taking pictures without permission, especially in the case of children. See the Crime section above for details. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.
In Guatemala City, local people are largely tolerant of individual’s personal lifestyles and small displays of affection between same sex couples are accepted. A more conservative attitude prevails outside Guatemala City and public displays of affection by same-sex couples are not recommended.
You should carry a photocopy of your personal details page for identification purposes.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
You should refrain from taking pictures without permission, especially in the case of children. See the Crime section above for details. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.
In Guatemala City, local people are largely tolerant of individual’s personal lifestyles and small displays of affection between same sex couples are accepted. A more conservative attitude prevails outside Guatemala City and public displays of affection by same-sex couples are not recommended.
You should carry a photocopy of your personal details page for identification purposes.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visa requirements
Visas are not required by British citizens to enter Guatemala and can visit freely for up to 90 days. If your stay in Guatemala is longer than 90 days you should go to the General Directorate of Migration in Guatemala to apply for an extension to the 90-day rule.
If you would like to clarify any other information on entry requirements you should contact the Guatemalan Embassy in London.
Passport validity
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity before travelling to Guatemala.
Central America Border Control Agreement
Central America Border Control Agreement
In June 2006, Guatemala entered the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists may travel within any of the CA-4 countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a period of up to 90 day, without completing entry and exit formalities at border Immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90-day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires. If you are expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.
Departure Tax
There is a US$30 (or Quetzal equivalent) airport departure tax which is normally included in the price of the ticket. An additional security tax of US$3 is payable at the airport. For internal flights there is a five Quetzal per person travel tax, which is also payable at airline check-in desks.
When crossing into Guatemala by land border, there have been numerous reports of customs/immigration officials charging an "entry fee". This is illegal. By asking for an official receipt for your money you may find that the "fee" is dropped.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at Guatemalan immigration, please contact the Guatemalan Embassy in London.
Health
Hospitals in Guatemala are reluctant to give medical treatment unless they can be satisfied that you have medical insurance. It is therefore essential that you carry evidence of your insurance cover at all times. State-funded hospitals are on the whole under-staffed, under-funded, ill equipped, and are often unhygienic. You should use private clinics where possible.
Malaria is common to low-lying areas outside Guatemala City. Dengue fever is also common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region, with an increase in the number of reported cases in the common border areas shared with El Salvador and Honduras.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 59,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guatemala were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.9% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Guatemala and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Malaria is common to low-lying areas outside Guatemala City. Dengue fever is also common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region, with an increase in the number of reported cases in the common border areas shared with El Salvador and Honduras.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 59,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guatemala were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.9% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Guatemala and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural disasters
Rainy Season/Landslides
The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.
Heavy rains cause frequent flooding, landslides and collapsed roads and bridges throughout the country. Roads may become blocked at any moment.
Volcanoes
Four of Guatemala's volcanoes are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego,Santiaguito and Tacana. A state of yellow alert is in place for Pacaya, Fuego and Santiaguito. All three volcanoes erupt intermittently, and you should exercise caution in the vicinity.
Thereis also a lesser state of alert (green) for the Tacana volcano. We recommend you only climb Santiaguito, Pacaya and Tacana as part of agroup with a professional guide. We presently advise against climbing Fuego, which is currently very active - the Guatemalan authorities are advising tourists to avoid the volcano and surrounding areas.
For further information on volcano warnings please check with the Humanitarian Early Warning System - Volcanoes Watch.
Earthquakes
Guatemala is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. The most recent earthquake on 13 June 2007 measured 6.8 on the Richterscale and was located offshore from the Pacific coast. The earthquake was felt in Guatemala City and nearby areas but there were no reports of injuries or major damage.
For further information on volcano warnings please check with the Humanitarian Early Warning System - Volcanoes Watch.
Earthquakes
Guatemala is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. The most recent earthquake on 13 June 2007 measured 6.8 on the Richterscale and was located offshore from the Pacific coast. The earthquake was felt in Guatemala City and nearby areas but there were no reports of injuries or major damage.
You should ensure that you know what action to take should an earthquake occur. If staying in a hotel read their earthquake instructions. During an earthquake, you should drop to the ground and take cover under sturdy furniture, in a doorway or next to an inside wall, away from windows or objects which may fall. Cover your head with a pillow or your arms and wait for the earthquake to stop, before moving to a safe area outside.
Further advice may be found on American Red Cross - Earthquake.
General
Insurance
We strongly 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. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Consular Registration
You are strongly advised to register with the British Embassy on arrival in Guatemala. You can do this in person or via email: consular.guatemala@fco.gov.uk (full contact details can be found on the page).
You are strongly advised to register with the British Embassy on arrival in Guatemala. You can do this in person or via email: consular.guatemala@fco.gov.uk (full contact details can be found on the page).
Passports
Passports should be left in a hotel safe/deposit box. You should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages before you travel.
The British Embassy in Guatemala City does not issue standard passports. Applications for new passports are accepted and forwarded to the British Embassy in Mexico City for processing on our behalf. The process may take up to 6 weeks. If a courier is used, the cost will have to borne by the applicant.
However, in emergencies and some circumstances, we are able to process temporary and emergency passports in Guatemala, but it is dependant on your situation. These documents are only available if you have held a full passport previously. Please note that these passports are restrictive - temporary passports are only valid for up to one year and emergency passports are for one journey back to the UK. Temporary passports (but not Emergency passports) are valid for travel via the US.
Money
You should not rely on debit cards as a means to transfer funds to Guatemala: ATMs sometimes reject them. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are more reliable. If credit cards are lost or stolen there may be difficulties obtaining a replacement as the main international courier services from the UK are refusing to accept them for delivery to Guatemala. See the Crime Section above for advice on changing and withdrawing money in Guatemala.
The US dollar is the only foreign currency that is freely exchangeable in Guatemala. It is possible to change Sterling only at the Banco del Quetzal.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile