Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads. Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. As governments across the world loosen coronavirus restrictions and shift their approach to accepting Covid-19 as a manageable . They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape. IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk. is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.. Travel Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Consider staying in hotels or other lodging facilities that offer secure parking, doormen, and a dedicated and professional security staff. Within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, the maximum score observed is 95 (Peru). During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death. Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission. You can drive in Guatemala with your valid Canadian drivers licence. Dengue in the Americas August 15, 2022 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Passengers who are neither Guatemalan citizens nor Guatemalan residents will be required to present both of the following: In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption: Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. Demonstrationsoccur frequently. Hide Vaccines and Medicines Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. For more detailed information, please see the Guatemala Travel Advisory. Dont photograph children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence. When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. Do not hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City, instead use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the Guatemala City airport, or hotel taxis. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another countrys judicial affairs. Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. Published Feb. 15, 2022 Updated March 8, 2022. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Guatemalan courts. In case of emergency, dial: Guatemalan authorities provide information and assistance to tourists via their ASISTUR and DISETUR programs. Taxi Seguro can be reached at +502-2312-4243. The final dose must have been administered at least two weeks before arrival in Guatemala. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions, including potential COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements for countries you are transiting through. provide general information regarding the victims role during the local investigationand following its conclusion. 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. Furthermore, some violations of law that occur in Guatemala are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, including taxi drivers. Unlicensed drivers often drive at excessive speeds. AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov. avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at, avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness, Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you, Always keep your medication in the original container, consult a lawyer in Canada and in Guatemala to explore all the legal options for the return of your child. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy shouldvisit a health care professionalbefore travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Guatemala International Travel Information. Immigration, Health, and everyone else all appear to be on the same page at last. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public. COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers, Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada). Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel? See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 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. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. pic.twitter.com/AycpijiorA, Ministerio de Salud Pblica (@MinSaludGuate) August 13, 2022. 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). Guatemala reopened its borders to international travel on September 18, 2020. See ourwebpagefor further information. White taxis operate independently and are considered dangerous. January 10, 2022 Location: Guatemala, countrywide The Government of Guatemala announced new entry requirements that will be in effect as of January 10, 2022. 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. For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:Zika virus: Advice for travellers. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. From Mississippi, it was to Sao Paulo; from Alabama, it was Belize . Some areas have increased risk. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guatemala. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Guatemala. It does not apply between Canada and Guatemala. While most roads in urban areas are in fair condition, travel on secondary streets and rural roads can be hazardous due to: Local drivers generally dont respect traffic laws. You should carry an international driving permit. U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital city at night. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. For COVID-19-related entry requirements, please see the Health section below. They are often reckless. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information, U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19. They can happen throughout the country, but the Petn area is usually the most affected. Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling. After all, Guatemala has seen a relaxing of in-country restrictions. What gives? Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease. Nevertheless, the threat of a serious explosion is still real. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. 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: BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp. 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. Good health care is limited to private hospitals and clinics in urban areas. Then, adding to further confusion, the U.S. Embassy also updated its page to say travelers could only enter the country if vaccinated. Is it safe to travel to Guatemala during the COVID-19 pandemic? In the past, Guatemalan citizens have been lynched for suspicion of child abduction. U.S. Embassy employees are not permitted to use these public buses. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. You could say its been official since before Christmas, but with all the chopping and changing of the dates, we waited until now to write about this. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. Antidiscrimination laws exist, but do not include specific protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Guatemala such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. However, outside urban areas, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Guatemala Directorate General of Migration, Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad, potential entry requirements related to yellow fever, Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents, Canadian embassies and consulates by destination, Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclonesand monsoons, Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings, https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Guatemala, municipalities in Guatemala and Escuintla departments, departments along the borders with El Salvador and Honduras, dont display signs of affluence, especially upon arrival at the airport, where travellers have been followed and robbed or carjacked en route to Guatemala City and Antigua, keep laptop computers, mobile phones and other personal electronic devices out of sight, and refrain from using them in public, ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times, carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and enough money for the day, if threatened by robbers, do not resist: hand over your valuables and cash immediately, Avoid travelling alone, especially at night, Avoid excessive alcohol and narcotic consumption, as it can make you a more vulnerable target for criminals, Travel only through official border crossings, Cross only during the daytime and allow enough time to reach your destination or a major city before dark, pay careful attention when others are handling your cards, use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements, Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, Follow the instructions of local authorities, Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations, Avoid travelling alone, with informal guides or with strangers, even if they appear friendly and helpful, never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company, buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation, ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity, stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard, inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal, obtain detailed information on hiking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails, Dont swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas, Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas, choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance, make sure safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets, are available and in good condition, make sure your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose, avoid challenging rivers, such as the Cahabn, Los Esclavos, Nahualate and Naranjo rivers, if you dont have previous rafting experience, mudslides and rock slides during the rainy season, which can also affect main highways in mountainous regions, the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean (CA-9), the isolated dirt roads near Lake Atitlan, drive with car windows closed and doors locked at all times, be prepared to change your travel plans in case of roadblocks, dont go through roadblocks without stopping, even if they appear unattended, make sure the transportation provider is reputable and reliable before booking, confirm your drop-off location, because Guatemala City Council no longer allows some intercity buses to enter the city centre, Avoid boarding taxis at taxi stands or flagging taxis in the street, If using hotel taxis, request the service at the front desk and always look for the hotel logo on the car, When travelling by air, pre-arrange your pickup with your hotel prior to your arrival or use authorized airport taxis, Note the driver's name on the picture identification badges, as well as the licence number, Make sure the driver doesnt pick up other passengers along the way to your destination, Use ridesharing services from a trusted app only, Confirm the drivers identity and the licence plate before getting in the car, Enter Guatemala only through official ports of entry staffed by Guatemalan immigration officers, Use officially recognized docking and berthing facilities only. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. INGUAT may not be able to accommodate all requests. Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Guatemalan law doesnt criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. Guatemala Republic of Guatemala Travel Advisory October 4, 2022 Guatemala - Level 3: Reconsider Travel C Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Tags: Guatemala Travel Restrictions. Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Guatemala - updated 11 January 2022 Travel to Guatemala. As Costa Rica ends its State of Emergency this week, we update our guide to the remaining Covid measures around Central America. Uber is also considered safe to use in Guatemala City and Antigua. You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail white-car taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Or finding another place with no such restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to fly to nearby Flores when visiting Tikal. Be sure that yourroutine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination. For examples, see our websites oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. PROVIAL - Directorate General of Road Safety and Protection (in Spanish). 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). Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called PROATUR) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. They have been involved in cases of extortion, petty theft and other crimes. If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Guatemala, seek legal advice in Canada and in Guatemala. 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. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Masks are now only compulsory in the following areas: Green is normal, yellow is moderate, orange is high, and red is the highest alert. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guatemala. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate. If a U.S. citizen exceeds the period of authorized stay, a fine of 15 Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ) per day is imposed, and this fine must be paid to be permitted to depart Guatemala. Only Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama still have official restrictions in place.https://t.co/lcbH7Ev7eG, Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) August 11, 2022, Whether youre a business ownerRead More Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options. Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information, U.S. Embassy Guatemala webpage on COVID-19, For all travelers aged 12 and over: Evidence of receiving a complete twodose COVID-19 vaccination course (or one dose for Johnson & Johnson), with the final dose being administered at least two weeks before beginning your trip to Guatemala; and. 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. assist you in reporting a crime to the police. This ruling gets underway tomorrow. Passport must be valid at the time of entry. Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Get the flu shot. The overall score for Guatemala is lower than the regional average observed across Latin America and the Caribbean (80.9). Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated. Road safety and road conditions can vary greatly throughout the country. Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala. If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. Find out what types of insects are present where youre travelling, when theyre most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread. It was almost as if everyone had forgotten and needed to be retold. Information about foreign domestic airlines. If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season: The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Entry The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. An official website of the United States government. Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional. The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). Vaccination to enter Guatemala is now mandatory for foreign (non-citizen/legal resident visitors from January 10, 2022. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional. victims compensation programs in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. They are often overcrowded. The full range of medical care is available in Guatemala City, but medical care outside of the city is limited. Again, if you have Guatemalan citizenship or legal residency, you can present evidence of either full vaccination or a negative test. Only limited exceptions apply. To enter Guatemala, you will need a U.S. passport that is valid at the time of entry. Boaters in the Rio Dulce area of Izabal have been the victim of violent armed attacks. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. 70% of all people living with HIV/AIDS live in Guatemala City and the metropolitan region. First responders may encounter obstacles to accessing areas outside of major cities, and/or be unable to provide urgent medical treatment. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime . . Incidents of sexual assault have also occurred, including on buses. You may request an extension of up to 90 days from the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration. These immigration numbers come in contrast to the previous year's figures, where Canada welcomed just 184,000 new PRs due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Its up to each venue or business to decide how to enforce things, and masks and distancing are voluntary. 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. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Guatemala are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May through November. 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. If you fail to present your entry stamp when departing Guatemala, you may be fined and experience delays. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to San Marcos Department for personal travel, except for the city of San Marcos. Due to a lack of resources within the police force, arrest and detention rates are quite low. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Several ridesharing services are also available but safety varies depending on the company. You may need a tourist visa to visit Guatemala. Criminals have attacked drivers, fare collectors and passengers. Guatemala City, Guatemala for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the X gender identifier. They may tell you they are drug enforcement officers and then take you to a side road where they steal everything from you. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No for stays of up to 90 days. 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. Violent incidents involving foreigners taking photos have occurred. Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (. 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. There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. P, The year is coming to an end, and, like I've been. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Its true that cases are on the increase in Guatemala, as they are all over the world, due to the Omicron variant of Covid. report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Childrens Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre. If you are in Guatemala you should: Observe social distancing of at least 1.5 metres. - This does not apply to: - nationals of Guatemala; - permanent residents of Guatemala. [READ MORE] Embassy Messages Alerts View Alerts and Messages Archive Quick Facts PASSPORT VALIDITY: Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. They have the Biden administration breathing down their neck, and theres talk of sanctions coming in the new year. Riptides are common. Especially if, as mentioned, its been relaxing restrictions, not adding to them. Guatemalan citizens, Guatemalan residents, and diplomats accredited in Guatemala will be required to present either of the following: If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness or are suspected of having COVID-19, please postpone your trip to Guatemala. International Travel Restrictions All arriving passengers aged 10 or older must fulfill one of the following requirements to enter Guatemala: Present proof of having received at least two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, or a single dose in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, over 14 days prior to travel. U.S. government personnel and their family members are prohibited from using these forms of transportation. We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. 2. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page, Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates, Emergency Information for American Citizens, Health Alert New Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala on or after January 10, 2022. Detailed Travel Advisory. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Guatemala. Guatemalan can travel to 1 country if they meet certain conditions. There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Guatemala by an abducting parent: If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. As in Guatemala, the vast majority of restrictions in Panama, however, are now recommendations. Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. In Central America, only Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama still have Covid entry requirements for travelers entering their territories. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so. Some ATMs will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit PIN. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. The equipment/tools must be of a personal, not commercial, quantity. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.