Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[502] 2326-4000; US Embassy in Guatemala City, Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zona 10, Guatemala Ciudad, Guatemala;
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
502
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 123; Fire: 123; Police: 110
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands
Currency (Code)
Quetzales (GTQ)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Spanish, Maya languages
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 41.7%, Evangelical 38.8%, other 2.7%, atheist 0.1%
Time Difference
UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Guatemala, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Mayan ruins of Tikal; Antigua Guatemala; Lake Atitlan; Chichicastenango Market; Quetzaltenango; Archaeological Park & Ruins of Quirigua
Major Sports
Soccer, futsal (type of indoor soccer on a hard court)
Cultural Practices
Guatemalans value honesty, family, honor, work, and education. Most Guatemalans are gracious and eager to find humor in most situations.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is a question of rewarding good service rather than an obligation. Restaurant bills do not include gratuities so adding 10% is customary. Bellhops and maids expect tips only in the most expensive hotels.
Souvenirs
Coffee, Mayan native textiles and jewelry, jade, wood carvings, leather goods, hammocks, baskets, ceramics
Traditional Cuisine
Pepián — a spicy stew made with chicken, beef, or pork and containing both fruit and vegetables and a mix of spices; traditionally served with rice and tortillas or Pupusas (thick corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings including refried beans, cheese, or pork and then fried)
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
