Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Health and Proof Requirements
Guatemala has updated its entry protocols for 2026, requiring proof of onward travel and sufficient funds upon arrival. Travelers from yellow fever risk countries must present vaccination certificates, and all visitors are encouraged to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover potential medical needs in remote areas.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Guatemala, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This ensures smooth re-entry to your home country and compliance with Central American border regulations.
Always verify with your airline and embassy, as some nationalities face stricter rules for overland travel through neighboring countries like Mexico or Honduras.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, and most of Latin America can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. This covers the majority of international visitors, allowing exploration of sites like Antigua and Lake Atitlán without additional paperwork.
Overstaying can result in fines or deportation, so track your dates carefully using a travel app or calendar reminder.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, such as some Asian and African countries, apply at a Guatemalan embassy or consulate with documents including a passport photo, invitation letter if applicable, proof of accommodation, and financial statements showing at least $50 per day of stay. The process typically costs $50-100 and takes 5-15 business days.
Online applications are not yet available, so plan ahead and consider expedited services if traveling during peak seasons like Semana Santa.
Border Crossings
Air arrivals at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City involve quick immigration checks, often under 30 minutes, but land borders with Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize require more time for stamping and possible vehicle inspections. Expect fees of $10-20 for tourist cards at overland entries.
Popular routes like the chicken bus from Tapachula to Guatemala City are efficient but crowded; always carry your passport and have small bills for fees.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations from remote areas like the Petén jungle, trip delays due to volcanic activity, and adventure activities such as hiking Pacaya Volcano. Policies should include at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage, starting from $2-5 per day.
Providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans for Guatemala's diverse terrain, including theft protection for markets in Chichicastenango.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 180 days total by applying at the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM) in Guatemala City before your initial 90 days expire, with fees around $25 and requirements for proof of funds and a valid reason like extended volunteering or research.
Extensions are not guaranteed and may require an interview; apply early to avoid last-minute issues, especially if planning multi-country Central American trips under CA-4 agreements.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Guatemala uses the Quetzal (GTQ). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Guatemala City by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for routes from North America during dry season peaks.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at market stalls for affordable meals under Q50, like tamales or pepián, skipping touristy restaurants in Antigua to save up to 60% on food costs.
Local mercados offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat options at bargain prices, supporting community vendors while keeping your budget intact.
Public Transport Passes
Use chicken buses for intercity travel at Q20-50 per leg, or opt for tourist shuttles with multi-day packages starting at Q200, drastically reducing costs compared to taxis.
Combo tickets for sites like Tikal and Semuc Champey often bundle transport and entry, saving 20-30% on logistics.
Free Attractions
Explore public volcanoes like Pacaya's lower trails, Lake Atitlán boat rides on public ferries, and indigenous markets in Chichicastenango, all cost-free or under Q20 entry.
Many natural wonders and cultural festivals, such as Day of the Dead in Santiago Sacatepéquez, offer authentic experiences without ticket fees.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but carry cash (Quetzales) for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where ATMs may be scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions up to 10%.
Site Passes
Purchase a multi-site ticket for Mayan ruins like Tikal and Yaxhá at Q150-300, which covers several locations and pays off after two visits.
National park passes for areas like Sierra de Las Minas provide unlimited access for a week at Q100, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Smart Packing for Guatemala
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection during highland hikes and mosquito-prone evenings. Include quick-dry layers for sudden rain showers common in the wet season.
Modest attire like scarves or shawls is respectful for visiting indigenous communities and churches in places like Todos Santos Cuchumatán.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A/B), portable power bank for long days exploring ruins without outlets, offline maps via apps like Maps.me, and a waterproof phone case for boat trips on Lake Atitlán.
Download Spanish language apps and a translation tool, as English is limited outside tourist hubs like Antigua.
Health & Safety
Carry travel insurance details, a comprehensive first-aid kit with altitude sickness meds for Lake Atitlán (1,500m elevation), prescriptions, high-SPF sunscreen, and DEET insect repellent for jungle areas like Tikal.
Include water purification tablets or a filter bottle, as tap water is unsafe; also pack antidiarrheal for potential traveler's issues from street food.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for volcano climbs and market visits, reusable water bottle, microfiber towel for cenote swims, and small-denomination Quetzales in a secure money belt.
Photocopies of passport and insurance, plus a dry bag for rainy season treks, ensure you're prepared for Guatemala's adventurous terrain.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes for rugged paths at Semuc Champey and Acatenango Volcano, paired with comfortable sandals for beachy Río Dulce areas and city strolls in Guatemala City.
Waterproof options are essential for wet season mud and river crossings; break them in before travel to avoid blisters on long walks.
Personal Care
Include eco-friendly toiletries, high-altitude lip balm with SPF, a compact poncho or rain jacket for afternoon downpours, and wet wipes for remote areas without facilities.
Travel-sized items keep your luggage light for domestic flights to Flores, and biodegradable products respect Guatemala's sensitive ecosystems like the cloud forests.
When to Visit Guatemala
Dry Season (November-April)
Peak time for clear skies and comfortable temperatures of 20-28°C, ideal for exploring Antigua's colonial streets, hiking Pacaya Volcano, and visiting Tikal without rain interruptions.
Fewer mosquitoes and optimal conditions for outdoor adventures, though holidays like Semana Santa bring crowds and higher prices in Holy Week processions.
Early Wet Season (May-June)
Lush greenery and blooming landscapes with warm 25-30°C days, perfect for birdwatching in Biotopo Cerro Cahui and fewer tourists at Lake Atitlán kayaking spots.
Afternoon showers are short; this shoulder period offers deals on accommodations and vibrant markets, but pack rain gear for sudden tropical downpours.
Late Wet Season (July-October)
Budget-friendly with heavy rains creating misty highlands (18-25°C), great for indoor cultural experiences like weaving workshops in Santiago Atitlán and coffee farm tours in the Antigua region.
Rivers swell for rafting on the Cahabón, but some roads to remote sites like Semuc Champey may close; it's low season for serene, uncrowded ruins.
Transition (October-November)
Cooling off with decreasing rains and mild 20-26°C weather, excellent for Día de los Muertos celebrations in indigenous villages and early dry-season hikes in the Sierra de las Minas biosphere.
Wildlife viewing peaks as animals emerge post-rain, with lower costs before the holiday rush; ideal for photography enthusiasts capturing misty volcanoes at dawn.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). ATMs are common in cities; exchange USD easily, but cards less so in rural areas. Carry small bills for markets.
- Language: Spanish is official; 23 Mayan languages spoken. English is limited but growing in tourist spots like Antigua and Flores.
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (North American two/three-pin)
- Emergency Number: 110 for police, 125 for medical emergencies, 122 for fire
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants, Q5-10 for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water is not safe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Farmacias widely available in towns; look for blue or red cross signs. Basic meds over-the-counter