Guatemala
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Guatemala’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
The final round of Guatemala’s Presidential Elections were held on 20 August. However,The the electoral process has been contested by Guatemala’s Public Ministry, leading to public protests and roadblocks across the country including some zones of Guatemala City (zones 1, 2 & 4), Sololá (Lake Atitlan), Totonicapán, Alta Verapaz, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Sacatepéquez (close to Antigua), Quiché and the north of Petén. Guatemalan authorities have increased the presence of police officers in key locations, such as the airport, to limit the impact that the protests may have on services.services, but events continue to be fast moving and the situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and with no warning.
Whilst a majority of protests have been peaceful, there have been incidents of clashes between protestors and police, with the use of tear gas. You should avoid all political demonstrations and roadblocks and check with local authorities as well as media outlets for the latest information. The following link provides an up to date list of protests and road blocks (bloqueados) PROVIAL.
It is currently unclear when the demonstrations and roadblocks will cease, and they may prevent your ability to travel throughout Guatemala. If they continue, you may need to postpone in-country travel or reschedule your flight. We recommend that you remain in a safe place and do not seek to travel toward or through the roadblocks.
Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) provides a 24 hours emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. The call centre is staff with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling +502 2290 2800 or 1500.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.
15,133 British nationals visited Guatemala in 2022. Most visits are trouble free.
Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. You should carry personal ID when travelling (certified copies are fine). See Crime
Avoid travelling on public buses (repainted US school buses). Private inter-city coach services are safer, but not immune from attack. See Local travel
The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. See Rainy season. You should plan any travel carefully. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Natural disasters.
Guatemala has active volcanoes, some prone to heightened activity. See Volcanoes and Local travel.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Guatemala, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
You can contact the emergency services by calling 120 (police) or 122/123 (ambulance and fire).
If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.