This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Guatemala set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Guatemala’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its embassy, high commission or consulate.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

You must keep to the social distancing rules. 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 laboratories, nursing homes, prisons, and on public transportation, where it remains mandatory to wear masks.

The Government of Guatemala announced that from 13 August 2022, to enter Guatemala:

• You do not need to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter Guatemala

Please contact the Embassy of Guatemala in London for information on other migration requirements and documentation that you may need prior to travelling.

Please make every effort to stay informed before making any travel plans. You can confirm with your airline and/or check the website of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration.

There are no quarantine requirements.

Local authorities have advised against travel if suffering from any respiratory disease or presenting COVID-19 symptoms.

Proof of vaccination status

You can use the UK COVID Pass to demonstrate your vaccination record.

You don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry into Guatemala.

Testing/screening on arrival

You should comply with any additional screening or testing measures put in place by the authorities.

Testing on departure

There is currently no testing upon departure in Guatemala. They will take your temperature upon arrival at the airport.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

British citizens do not need a visa to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days. For further information on entry requirements for tourists and for those planning to work in Guatemala, contact the Guatemalan Embassy in London.

If you wish to extend your visa, you must submit an application to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration in Guatemala City. You can find more information on the website of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (in Spanish).

If you overstay your visa then you should expect to pay a fine before leaving the country. This fine can only be paid at the main Migration office in Guatemala City. While fines can be paid at the airport or land borders, it is strongly recommended that payment be made at the Migration office, as the administrative process at the airport could cause serious delays.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Guatemala.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry to and exit from Guatemala. ETDs must have a minimum period of 6 months validity from the date you enter Guatemala. If you’re travelling via the United States of America on an ETD, you’ll need to get a USA visa. For more information, please contact the USA Embassy in Guatemala. You should also check the requirements for any country that you are transiting. All tourists, including holders of ETDs will need an immigration form to leave the country.

Central America Border Control Agreement

Guatemala is part of the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists can travel within any of the CA-4 countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) for a period of up to 90 days which starts at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. They will be subject to immigration checks at the border (which does not interrupt or restart the 90 day count). 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.

If you are planning on travelling to Nicaragua, before you travel please check information on entry requirements with your travel company, the Nicaraguan Immigration authorities, or your nearest Nicaraguan Embassy. Please also check our travel advice for Nicaragua.

Departure tax

There is a US$30 (or Quetzal equivalent) airport departure tax, which is normally included in the price of the ticket.

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.

When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped by a migration official. If you enter Guatemala without obtaining the relevant stamp, you are likely to receive a fine and may experience delays when leaving the country.

When crossing into Guatemala by the land border at El Carmen, be wary of people offering to help process your entry into the country.