Is a visa required for traveling to Guatemala?

Once primarily a destination for volunteers, aid workers, and budget backpackers, Guatemala has now captured the attention of trendsetters and Hollywood celebrities.

Thanks to direct flights from numerous locations in the United States and Europe, Guatemala is easily accessible, and many travelers do not need to apply for a visa in advance to enter the country.

This makes Guatemala’s volcanoes, jungles, and Maya ruins wonderfully accessible. However, visa requirements can change, so it’s best to consult the latest information from Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Relations before making travel plans.

It’s also important to verify current health requirements regarding necessary vaccinations. If you’ve traveled from a country in South America or Africa, a yellow fever vaccine may be required, regardless of your nationality.

Which nationalities can enter Guatemala visa-free?

Citizens from 83 'Category A' countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, and most European nations, can visit Guatemala without needing a visa. If you're traveling with a passport from one of these countries, ensure it’s valid for at least six months and has at least one blank page. Additionally, you'll need proof of onward travel, such as a round-trip ticket.

If you fulfill these entry requirements, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport upon arrival that serves as a visa for Guatemala. This stamp is valid for 90 days, allowing you to travel freely to all CA-4 countries during this time. You can explore Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua over the course of about three months.

Who is required to obtain a visa to enter Guatemala?

Which nationalities need a visa for Guatemala? Over 100 nationalities fall into this category, divided into Category B and Category C countries. Regardless of whether you’re from a Category B or C country, you will need to pay a visa fee: US$25 for a 90-day single-entry visa and US$50 for a 90-day multiple-entry visa.

Visa requirements for Category B nations

If you're from a Category B country such as India, Moldova, or Jamaica, you'll need to obtain a visa through a Guatemalan mission in your home country. Reach out to your nearest Guatemalan embassy to learn the specific requirements and schedule an appointment. While you can't apply for a Guatemalan visa online, you can download and complete the visa application form before your visit to the embassy.

You'll also need to compile the necessary supporting documents. The embassy will specify what is required, but typically, you'll need passport photos, proof of a round-trip ticket, accommodation bookings in Guatemala, bank statements to demonstrate you have enough funds for your stay, and health insurance. Make sure to bring all these documents along with your passport to your appointment.

Visa requirements for Category C nations

If you're from a Category C country, like China, you will need to attend an interview at the closest Guatemalan embassy. The documentation needed for your application is similar to that required for Category B countries, but you’ll also need to complete the interview—check with the embassy for specific details on what to bring.

Is it possible to extend a Guatemalan visa?

If you wish to remain in Guatemala—or any of the CA-4 countries—for longer than the 90 days allowed by your visa, you can request an extension for an additional 90 days. To do this, visit the Departamento de Extranjería offices located on 6a Avenida in Zone 4 of Guatemala City. The office operates from 7 am to 3 pm, but be prepared for long wait times.

Download the application form online before your visit. You'll need to present your passport with the latest entry stamp and provide either an onward travel ticket, an international credit card, or proof of a Guatemalan guarantor. Additionally, you must show that you’ve paid the US$15 extension fee, which can be paid at a local bank (they will issue a receipt upon payment).

In practice, it may be simpler to briefly cross into a country outside the CA-4 area (like Belize or Mexico) for a few days and then re-enter Guatemala. However, this option is only available for visa-exempt travelers; those who needed to apply for a visa in advance must extend their visa in Guatemala City.

Does Guatemala offer a work visa?

If you intend to work in Guatemala, a work visa is necessary, and your prospective employer must apply for it on your behalf through the Guatemalan Ministry of Labor. You’ll need to provide your employer with a recent passport photo, your valid passport, a copy of your passport, a criminal background check, and certification from your home country confirming the validity of your passport. The initial step is securing an employer willing to hire you, who can then guide you through the process.