Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Guatemala.
Guatemala Status
WATCH
Travel to Guatemala is operating overall, with international flights, airports and immigration services functioning. Travellers should nevertheless be aware of significant security warnings in some parts of the country and localized road disruption caused by heavy rain and landslides.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Security warnings
Guatemala currently has significant security warnings because of crime and other security risks. Conditions vary considerably by location, so travellers should check advice for their exact destination rather than treating the entire country as having the same risk level.
Higher-risk areas
Strong official warnings apply to several specific areas. Current U.S. guidance advises against travel to San Marcos and Huehuetenango departments, Zone 18 of Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva.
Mexican border
Current UK guidance advises against all but essential travel within 5 kilometres of part of the Mexican border, from the Pacific coast up to and including the Gracias a Dios crossing, as well as several towns in Huehuetenango.
Road travel
Guatemala experienced widespread road blockades earlier in September. Authorities subsequently reported that all of the affected routes had been reopened. Travellers should still check road conditions before long-distance journeys because demonstrations and blockades can develop quickly.
Heavy rain and landslides
Seasonal rain is currently causing localized landslides, fallen rocks and trees and other road problems. Travellers should check their route before travelling through mountainous areas or after periods of heavy rain.
Immigration declaration
Travellers must complete Guatemala’s online immigration declaration when entering and leaving the country. Keep the confirmation or QR code available for immigration officials.
Passport stamp
Make sure your passport is correctly stamped when entering Guatemala. Travellers who leave without having received the proper entry stamp can face a fine and delays.
CA-4 travel
Guatemala participates in the Central America-4 border agreement with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. For eligible travellers, the permitted stay is shared across the participating countries rather than restarting each time an internal CA-4 border is crossed.
Yellow fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required when arriving from a country classified as having a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Latest Travel Changes
Nationwide road blockades cleared
Guatemala experienced widespread demonstrations and road blockades earlier in September. Authorities reported that 34 affected points had been cleared and nationwide road circulation restored.
Rain continues to affect roads
Recent heavy rainfall has caused landslides, rockfalls and fallen trees on roads in several departments. Road crews continue responding to localized incidents.
CA-9 North repair work
A provisional crossing remains open at the damaged Güijo bridge area on the CA-9 North highway in Zacapa. Traffic is moving in both directions while work continues on a temporary modular bridge.
Current security advisory
The current U.S. travel advisory places Guatemala at Level 3 because of crime and terrorism, with stronger Do Not Travel warnings applying to specific locations.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, passport and visa requirements before departure.
Complete Guatemala’s online immigration declaration and keep the confirmation or QR code available.
Make sure immigration officials stamp your passport correctly when you enter the country.
If travelling overland, check your route shortly before departure. Demonstrations, heavy rain, landslides and road damage can cause localized delays or closures.
Pay particular attention to current security advice if travelling near the Mexican border or through areas subject to stronger official travel warnings.
If travelling between Guatemala and another CA-4 country, remember that the permitted immigration period can apply across the participating countries rather than restarting at each border.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.