guatemala travel restrictions 2022 guatemala travel restrictions 2022

Be vigilant of motorcyclists who weave unexpectedly across lanes of traffic and pedestrians who unexpectedly dart across roads due to the lack of defined crosswalks. Avoid approaching or photographing children and women, especially in Indigenous communities. New 2023 AUSTRALIA ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TOUR!! Travel Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. In the past, Guatemalan citizens have been lynched for suspicion of child abduction. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also common. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 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. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving at night. Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Guatemala. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy shouldvisit a health care professionalbefore travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Criminal taxi drivers often use this ploy. American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)is a risk in this country. 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. For more information, see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. If you take prescription medications, youre responsible for determining their legality in Guatemala. January 10, 2022 Location: Guatemala, countrywide The Government of Guatemala announced new entry requirements that will be in effect as of January 10, 2022. Travelers exempt from receiving the vaccine must show medical certification proving theyre exempt. An official website of the United States government. Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19, or to complete a Passenger Locator Form. Drug-related armed attacks occur in departments close to all borders. U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks. Then, adding to further confusion, the U.S. Embassy also updated its page to say travelers could only enter the country if vaccinated. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal. Hurricanes usually occurfrom mid-May to the end of November. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. Canadian debit cards with a five-digit PIN are not accepted. Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test to enter or leave the country. Victims have been violently assaulted when they resisted an attack or refused to give up money or valuables. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Common scams include: Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. Check if you need one below. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the countrys entry rules. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. They are often overcrowded. Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala. Beware of strong currents, riptides, and undertows along Guatemala's Pacific coast beaches, as well as at Lake Atitlan. Crime rates are high near all border crossings in Guatemala, but are worse near unofficial ones. Lifeguards are rarely present. 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. Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling. They recommend mask use for anyone over the age of two. It was almost as if everyone had forgotten and needed to be retold. Last week, Guatemalas Immigration Department posted on its social media that entry restrictions for Covid were still in place reminding everyone that if they wanted to enter the country, theyd need to adhere to existing testing or proof of vaccine requirements. Required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. Avoid activities that might unintentionally violate a cultural or religious belief. Huehuetenango Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. A true case of jumping the gun. El Salvador Travel Restrictions Guatemala Travel Restrictions Jamaica Travel Restrictions Mexico Travel Restrictions Puerto Rico Travel Restriction SXM Travel Entry Requirement U.S. Virgin Islands Entry Requirements Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering U.S. There are four active volcanoes in Guatemala. Its true that cases are on the increase in Guatemala, as they are all over the world, due to the Omicron variant of Covid. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Guatemala. Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called PROATUR) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. Earthquakes and tsunamiscan occur. Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time. Reports of sexual assault remain high. Before travelling, verify your destinations COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. However, authorities have banned the entry of travelers who have been to South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, or Zimbabwe in the 14 days prior to travel in Guatemala. Since it is one of the countries that are open for tourism, Guatemala has put a few entry requirements in place for travelers. 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. The idea is, that if Guatemala introduces this rule, it might stop the thousands of Hondurans who pass through the country on their migration caravans up to the U.S.-Mexico border. It is against the law for drivers to operate cellular phones while driving. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctors prescription. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged. Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game. You must take the equipment/tools with you when you depart. Restaurants in Guatemala are open with restrictions. Most of the time, they are recycled school buses mechanically unreliable. The rule would start, but on January 3 instead. U.S. government personnel and family members are free to travel within Guatemala City except for zone 18 and the municipality of Villa Nueva. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public. High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. Local tour companies might underestimate the risk of hypothermia. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis. The spiking of drinks is a problem in tourist areas, especially in Antigua. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. help you find accommodations and arrange flights home. 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). The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches. . The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Health Alert New Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala on or after January 10, 2022. Public facilities are often understaffed and experience shortages of basic supplies and medication. If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. Especially if, as mentioned, its been relaxing restrictions, not adding to them. In effect, the above is all that remains of the previous Guatemala Covid entry requirements in effect in some form or another since September 2020 when it reopened to travelers. COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers, Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada). Contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Washington, D.C. ion. After that, press reports said Guatemala was delaying the change (to analyze the measures, apparently), which was why the Health Department removed all its posts on the matter. From 18 July 2022, the Government of Guatemala has declared that the use of masks throughout Guatemala is optional, except in hospitals, medical clinics, vaccination centres, medical. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this country for the duration of your pregnancy. is an infectious viral disease. Passport must be valid at the time of entry. You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. In case of emergency, dial: Guatemalan authorities provide information and assistance to tourists via their ASISTUR and DISETUR programs. assist you in reporting a crime to the police. But deaths are at an all time low, even with the lack of internal restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. Typically, two men on a motorcycle accost a pedestrian or driver stuck in traffic and demand valuables. Visitors should not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and are advised to decline invitations from strangers to private parties or gatherings. Get the flu shot. If you intend on hiking, including on volcanoes: Coastal waters can be dangerous. victims compensation programs in the United States. VACCINATIONS: Required: Honduras currently requires travelers arriving from or traveling to Panama and every nation in South America to present proof of yellow fever vaccine. In the event of an injury, appropriate basic medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. We recommend traveling to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only. If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness or are suspected of having COVID-19, please postpone your trip to Guatemala. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Guatemala reopened its borders to international travel on September 18, 2020. Travel to Guatemala Travel to Guatemala There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Guatemala from Ireland. Guatemalan can travel to 1 country if they meet certain conditions. Criminals frequently operate in groups and, increasingly, on motorcycles. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Credit card payment is not always available. Unlicensed drivers often drive at excessive speeds. A Green Cab radio dispatch service operates in the suburbs near zone 15 and the Cayal entertainment and shopping destination. You should carry an international driving permit. See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas. For the time period of 2022-2050, . Criminal activity and frequent fatal accidents, however, make these low-priced local and inter-city buses particularly dangerous. Report any crime incidents promptly to the police. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know. You dont have to present both. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. Public Transportation: The most common form of public transportation is the system of brightly-painted recycled school buses. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. (phone: 202-745-4953) or one of Guatemalas consulates in the United States for specific information. Local public buses, known as chicken buses, are not safe. Vaccination to enter Guatemala is now mandatory for foreign (non-citizen/legal resident visitors from January 10, 2022. Your safety and security could be at risk. Check with the Guatemalan Public Health Ministry to ensure the medication is legal in Guatemala. 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. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the. They may arrange security escorts for road travel or organized hiking activities. Or finding another place with no such restrictions. Theyre faking concern over Omicron.. Demonstrations take place frequently. PROVIAL - Directorate General of Road Safety and Protection (in Spanish). Guatemalan law doesnt criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 5% OFF your travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage and certificate, Is Guatemala Open for Tourists? Care in private hospitals is generally adequate for most common illnesses and injuries, and many of the medical specialists working in them are U.S.-trained and -certified. Guatemala citizens cannot travel to 15 countries. Of these three countries, only Honduras and Panama still have internal restrictions with any teeth. ), A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador, with all the chopping and changing of the dates, press reports said Guatemala was delaying the change (to analyze the measures, apparently). However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements. Contracts with promises of large commissions. There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. Detailed Travel Advisory. 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). Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Guatemalan citizens can travel to different countries with conditions during coronavirus with 138 countries open for travel. ), 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. Some areas have increased risk. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guatemala. The kidnappers usually force their victims to withdraw funds from an ATM or to arrange for family or friends to pay the ransom. Yellow feveris a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Read the entire Travel Advisory. As a result, some may ask you to sit in the front seat to hide the fact that they are providing a rideshare service. Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine. Is quarantine required to visit Guatemala? 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. Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. First responders may encounter obstacles to accessing areas outside of major cities, and/or be unable to provide urgent medical treatment. Ridesharing services drivers are sometimes targets of taxi drivers who oppose these services. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve. For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the. There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the X gender identifier. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:Zika virus: Advice for travellers. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles. Good health care is limited to private hospitals and clinics in urban areas. Visit theMinistry of Foreign Affairs website(Spanish only) orcontact the Guatemalan Embassyfor the most current visa information. SeeourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November. For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low. Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Guatemala. 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. pic.twitter.com/ev811IFmg4, Migracin Guatemala (@MigracionGuate) January 7, 2022. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. 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. You may request an extension of up to 90 days once a year. If youre traveling to Guatemala, we recommend keeping a mask handy in case restaurants demand it. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. As governments across the world loosen coronavirus restrictions and shift their approach to accepting Covid-19 as a manageable . Particularly in small villages, residents are often wary and suspicious of outsiders. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 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. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving. 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. For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Guatemala, in Guatemala City, and follow the instructions. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region. In Central America, only Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama still have Covid entry requirements for travelers entering their territories. Do not travel if you have any Covid symptoms. Water Safety: Basic safety measures and precautions for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities may not be observed in Guatemala. Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. . Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. Guatemala Directorate General of Migration (in Spanish). PROVIAL, the government roadside assistance agency, patrols most of the major highways and provides updates on roads conditions. Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Due to a lack of resources within the police force, arrest and detention rates are quite low. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. Whether youre a business ownerRead More Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? U.S. citizens do not need a visa and are admitted to Guatemala for 90 days. Furthermore, some violations of law that occur in Guatemala are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Testing and vaccines are now a recommendation rather than a rule. Guatemala Republic of Guatemala Travel Advisory October 4, 2022 Guatemala - Level 3: Reconsider Travel C Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season: The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. If you enter Guatemala with a vehicle, you must comply with the deadline for leaving the country, which is indicated on the temporary importation form provided by Guatemalan customs at the port of entry. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about, Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about. It can, however, change at any time. Schemes often involve some form of distraction. Armed attacks have occurred in various places in Guatemala, including: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving from or through Mexico to Guatemala. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Well its now official From January 10, 2022, youll need to prove full vaccination status to enter Guatemala as a tourist. When traveling to Lake Atitln, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services. If youre staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the regions evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning. What gives? Within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, the maximum score observed is 95 (Peru). Express kidnappings have occurred. #Actualizacin | El Ministerio de Salud Pblica y Asistencia Social actualiza lineamientos para ingresar al pas. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. Passengers who are neither Guatemalan citizens nor Guatemalan residents will be required to present both of the following: Note: If someone has a medical contraindication that makes it impossible to vaccinate against COVID-19, s/he should provide a medical certificate of the relevant condition. Vigilante justice has increased in rural areas, resulting in lynchings of suspected child abductors, extortionists and other criminals. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk. They they removed this announcement from their website and social media. Illegal drug traders may operate vessels in Guatemalan waters. 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. Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences. It seems strange to relax internal restrictions, but at the same time become the first country in Central America to demand vaccination for tourists. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions, Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. You should carry personal ID when travelling (certified. Effective March 11, 2022, the Government of Guatemala has modified the COVID-related entry requirements for travelers to Guatemala: Passengers who are Guatemalan citizens, foreigners, residents, accredited diplomats, or airline crew whose final destination is Guatemala must now present only one of the following: A day later, on August 12, Guatemala about-turned and abolished all this, making it the fourth country in the region after El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Belize to have zero Covid restrictions for travelers. Faith-Based Travelers:See the following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Guatemala. Many hospitals in Guatemala require payment prior to treating patients, even if personal insurance will cover the treatment. The full range of medical care is available in Guatemala City, but medical care outside of the city is limited. As far as it stands right now, Guatemala is allowing arriving unvaccinated citizens/residents without a test to get tested at the airport or border. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. 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. U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital city at night. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation or denied future entry into Guatemala.