We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. Based on this approach, Guatemala scores 73.8 out of 100. Latest Travel Restrictions. Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. 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? Guatemalan citizens can travel to different countries with conditions during coronavirus with 138 countries open for travel. Is Guatemala Open for Travel? - Latest Travel Restrictions Care and attention centers for the elderly. While the Guatemalan Health Ministry puts out a (now deleted) post saying Guatemala was only allowing vaccinated travelers in, an announcement corroborated by the U.S. Embassy, the immigration department says something else. But deaths are at an all time low, even with the lack of internal restrictions. Verify this information with theForeign Representatives in Canada. They are frequently involved in major road accidents, and serious crimes occur on board. Full travel advice: Health. Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Guatemala prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, , intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy shouldvisit a health care professionalbefore travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. 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). 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. US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Guatemala, Entry Requirements for Guatemala in Spanish, Map of Different Regions Alert Levels in Spanish, Regulations for Different Levels of Alert in Spanish. Then they changed it again, to January 10. Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctors prescription. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Testing and vaccines are now a recommendation rather than a rule. The southwestern department of San Marcos at the Guatemala-Mexico border and the zone at the border with Belize are especially affected. It seems strange to relax internal restrictions, but at the same time become the first country in Central America to demand vaccination for tourists. Unlicensed drivers often drive at excessive speeds. Signs that warn of treacherous surf are rare and confined mostly to private beaches owned by hotels. Vaccination to Enter Guatemala Mandatory | centralamerica.com You should not travel to this country, territory or region. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged. Guatemala Travel Advisory Travel Advisory October 4, 2022 Guatemala - Level 3: Reconsider Travel C Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness or are suspected of having COVID-19, please postpone your trip to Guatemala. You may request an extension of up to 90 days from the Guatemala Directorate General of Migration. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk. Their emergency assistance call center staffed with Spanish and English speakers may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Check if you need one below. Dengue in the Americas August 15, 2022 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The Guatemalan border with Mexico, in particular the northwestern corner of Petn, is a high-risk area due to large scale drug and alien smuggling. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. - This does not apply to: - nationals of Guatemala; - permanent residents of Guatemala. Travelers may also call the police for roadside assistance by dialing 110 or 120, or the fire department by dialing 122 or 123; however, patrols are sporadic. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. 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. 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. Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page, Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates, Emergency Information for American Citizens, Health Alert Updated COVID-19-Related Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala. Travelers exempt from receiving the vaccine must show medical certification proving theyre exempt. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 (two doses for all except for Johnson & Johnson, which requires one dose). Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. 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. The Latest Covid-19 Travel Requirements For Central America - Forbes Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking. Since September 2020, Guatemala is receiving international travelers. 70% of all people living with HIV/AIDS live in Guatemala City and the metropolitan region. Criminals have attacked drivers, fare collectors and passengers. In case of emergency, dial: Guatemalan authorities provide information and assistance to tourists via their ASISTUR and DISETUR programs. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime . While there is no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships or marriages, private same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults is legal. If you fail to leave Guatemala with your vehicle by the expiry date, you will be subject to a fine for the extra days. For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low. 6 years later, I have taken a, Join me and the@photopillsteam tomorr, New 2023 OREGON COAST ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WORKS, Our 2023 Milky Way Calendars are ready! Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. However, outside urban areas, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Can I travel to Guatemala? Travel Restrictions & Entry - KAYAK Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. Guatemala - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Crime:Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens. Closely supervise children, as theyre more likely to come in contact with animals. On 6 October. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Some volcanoes are at high altitude, with sub-zero temperatures at night. Secondary and rural roads have little to no illumination. A common crime against foreign citizens in Guatemala is robbery of cell phones. 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. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Testing and vaccines are now a recommendation rather than a rule. There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving. PASSPORT VALIDITY: Passport must have six months validity. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated. Most of the time, they are recycled school buses mechanically unreliable. Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know. Common scams include: Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. ), Patricia Trigueros takes you toRead More A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador. Is it safe to travel to Guatemala during the COVID-19 pandemic? During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. An official website of the United States government. You must take the equipment/tools with you when you depart. 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. International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBI pages for information. James Dyde is the editor of centralamerica.com. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options. Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country. Then, adding to further confusion, the U.S. Embassy also updated its page to say travelers could only enter the country if vaccinated. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. 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. . Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. ), 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. There have been incidents involving deceptive police officers who commit petty crimes, while other officers have reportedly been involved in sexual assault cases. Theres a school of thought out there that much of this is, in some way, a form of appeasing the United States. 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. However, incoming visitors must be aware of a new document they must bring before arrival, called the Health Pass. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Violent incidents involving foreigners taking photos have occurred. Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test to enter or leave the country. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Guatemala without restrictions. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. For more detailed information, please see the Guatemala Travel Advisory. Stay home if youre sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), Canadian tourists may travel freely within any of the following CA-4 countries: You can travel between these countries for up to 90 days without having to undergo entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. Dont photograph children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence. Demonstrations take place frequently. Medical staff may speak little or no English. There have also been numerous reports of violent criminal activity along Guatemalas main highways, including the Carretera a El Salvador (Inter-American Highway CA-2). Within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, the maximum score observed is 95 (Peru). Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. Can I travel to Guatemala? Travel Restrictions & Entry - KAYAK In many areas, tap water is not potable. Ridesharing services drivers are sometimes targets of taxi drivers who oppose these services. Refrain from using a cell phone on the street. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Before travelling, verify your destinations COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. 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.