Original document : https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guatemala

Change description : 2024-12-05 12:04:00: Removal of information about Tropical Storm Sara (‘Warnings and insurance’ page). [Guidance and regulation]

Showing diff : 2024-11-15 15:52:40.551504569 +00:00..2024-12-05 12:05:32.089188666 +00:00

Foreign travel advice

Guatemala

! Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Guatemala.

Warnings and insurance

Still current at:
515 DecemberNovember 2024
Updated:
515 DecemberNovember 2024
Latest update:
RemovalInformation of information about Tropical Storm Sara ('Warnings and insurance' page).page)
Download a more detailed map (PDF)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: 

  • within 5km of the Mexican border from the Pacific Coast up to and including the Gracias a Dios crossing
  • to the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia in the department of Huehuetenango

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these areas.

Tropical Storm Sara

Tropical Depression Nineteen has become Tropical Storm Sara which formed in the coast of Honduras. The storm is expected to track over Belize, Guatemala and southeast Mexico and may unleash catastrophic flooding and mudslides in parts of Central America throughout the weekend.   

You should monitor local media for updates, and follow instructions of local authorities. Safety and security

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Update history

2024-12-05 12:04
Removal of information about Tropical Storm Sara (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-11-15 15:52
Information about Tropical Storm Sara (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)

2024-07-01 14:40
Information on criminal kidnap (‘Safety and security’ page).

2024-03-20 11:01
FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to within 5km of the Mexican border from the Pacific Coast up to and including the Gracias a Dios crossing and to the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia in the department of Huehuetenango (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ pages).

2023-11-15 11:22
Information on protests and roadblocks (under ‘Political situation’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page).

2023-11-07 13:21
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.

2023-10-10 19:37
Further information on the political situation and protests (‘Summary’ page).

2023-10-06 15:05
Information on the requirement to complete an immigration pre-clearance form before entering or exiting Guatemala and further information on the political situation and protests (‘Summary’. ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).

2023-06-22 11:15
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.

2023-05-26 10:46
New information about getting an immigration stamp if issued an Emergency Travel Document whilst in Guatemala (‘Entry requirements’ page), and what to do in case of an Earthquake ( ‘Natural Disasters’ page).

2023-04-28 16:33
Information on travelling to municipalities of Ixchiguan and Tajumulco (‘Safety and Security’ page). Additional information about nationwide elections (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and Security’ pages).

2022-11-10 12:04
Removal of information about Tropical Storm Lisa (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages).

2022-11-02 03:33
Addition of information regarding Tropical Storm Lisa (“Summary”, Natural disasters”)

2022-10-13 10:25
Updated information that on 10th October, a “State of Public Calamity” was declared in the whole country due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Julia (‘Summary’, ‘Natural Disasters’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)

2022-08-22 10:27
State of Siege and State of Calamity ended; local authorities change measures against COVID-19 (‘ Summary’ ‘Safety and Security (Local Travel)’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)

2022-07-20 18:08
Local authorities change measures against COVID-19 (‘Travel in Guatemala’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)

2022-07-13 10:40
Updated information on the extension of the “State of Siege” in the Municipalities of Ixchiguan and Tajumulco by 30 days. Addition of information on new measures against COVID-19 (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)

2022-06-24 18:09
Addition of information about a “State of Public Calamity” declared in the whole country due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Celia (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)

2022-06-10 18:45
On 8th June 2022, a State of Siege was declared in the municipalities of Ixchiguan and Tajumulco, both in the department of San Marcos. (‘Summary’ and ‘Local Travel’ pages’)

2022-03-18 09:44
Updated information on entry requirements for entry Guatemala (‘Entry requirements page’)

2022-03-15 17:23
Removal of information on the “State of Siege” in Solola which ended on 19 February, and updated information on restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages effective from 3 March (‘Safety and security’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)