Safety and Security

Hurricane season

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from July to October. You should pay close attention to local and international weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel,or the US National Hurricane Centre website.

Volcanoes

Irish citizens should check and follow the advice of local authorities before undertaking activities on volcanoes eg: climbing. Reputable government sources for information on access, restrictions and recommendations include the Guatemalan Meteorological Office (INSIVUMEH) and the CONRED Disaster Agency. Some volcanoes are at high altitude with sub-zero temperatures and there is no mountain rescue service. Visitors should appropriately vet any local volcano tour providers, and be ensure that they are appropriately assessing risk and providing suitable gear.

Crime

Crime and violence are prevalent throughout Guatemala, and the security situation poses a risk for foreigners. You should therefore make sure you research your destination thoroughly, and take all the necessary precautions in all parts of Guatemala. Some precautions - include:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• Leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.
• Avoid travelling alone, particularly in remote areas.

While most incidents involve local gangs, crime can be indiscriminate and can occur in tourist areas. Tourists may be directly targeted, or may be affected as a bystander or passer-by. You should exercise caution when travelling in all areas of the country and avoid travelling on your own at night. Beware of scams.

There have been armed attacks on tourists travelling by road to/from major tourist sites like Antigua, Tikal, Petén and Lake Atitlan. Boat services between towns on the shore of Lake Atitlan may be a safer alternative.

You should only use radio or hotel taxis. You should remain vigilant and aware, including when using ATMs. Petty theft of passports and other personal belongings is common. You should be particularly aware when travelling on public transport as bags left in overhead compartments can be stolen. Avoid displaying valuable items, and carry small amounts of cash.

Up to date security information is available in English through the Guatemalan Tourist Institute (INGUAT) and their PROATUR Arm who offers escort services for tourists. You can contact them on +502 2290 2810, or by dialling 1500 in Guatemala.

PROATUR issues advice on which routes to take when travelling in and around Sololá, Panajachel and Lake Atitlan. Avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. Use the Pan American Highway to Sololá instead. You should also avoid the road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) if possible.

Road travel

For security reasons you should avoid travel on public buses, giving preference to private coach services which are generally safer. Visitors should prioritise travelling during the day on main roads.

You should drive carefully and with caution. Adequate car insurance is essential. If you are involved in an accident, contact the National Police by calling 120 or the fire brigade by dialling 122 or 123 and wait for them to arrive.

PROVIAL, a roadside assistance force, patrols most of the major roads in the country. However, patrols are sporadic. PROVIAL can be contacted by calling 2419-2121.

It is generally safer to travel on main roads. There is a greater risk of attack on quieter routes. Travel in convoy if possible. In more isolated locations, roads are unpaved and you may need a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Border areas

There have been numerous reports of customs/immigration officials charging an “entry fee”. This is illegal. By asking for an official receipt for your money you may find that the “fee” is dropped.

Pay attention to your security in the border areas with Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. There have been reports of disruptions and tensions at the Mexico-Guatemala border. Take particular care in the Belize/Guatemala border area because of the ongoing dispute between the two countries. Only use the officially recognised border crossings.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Carry Photo ID with you at all times.

Do not get involved with drugs of any kind in any way. Penalties for drug offences are severe, and convictions carry very long sentences – 8-15 years.

Public displays of affection by same-sex couples may draw unwanted attention, particularly outside of the capital, and travellers should exercise caution in this regard.

Health

Vaccinations

Take all relevant precautions in relation to COVID-19. Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country and consult them on any other health related concerns.

Guatemalan medical service providers can be reluctant to offer care/treatment if you cannot prove you have comprehensive medical insurance. It is therefore essential that you carry evidence of your insurance cover at all times. In the event you need medical care, you should contact your insurance provider as a matter of urgency. Make sure you get confirmation from the hospital administration that your insurance coverage is accepted, as some hospitals may ask you to pay upfront and you may have to claim on your insurance later.

Zika Virus

There may be a risk of Zika virus in Guatemala. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Dengue fever

Dengue fever , a mosquito-borne illness, is common in Guatemala. Visitors to the country are advised to take appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellents, covering up and using mosquito nets, and to seek early medical advice if they experience symptoms of the virus. Please consult your doctor or the WHO for further information.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If you are visiting Guatemala, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter Guatemala, and may for stay up to 90 days.

If you wish to extend your visa, you must submit an application to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration in Guatemala City. You can find more information on the website of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (in Spanish).

Guatemala is party to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4) signed between Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. Upon arriving in any of the CA-4 countries, visitors may travel to the other three member states, and stay for up to 90 days within the CA-4 region, without undergoing any entry and exit formalities. This period begins at the first point of entry in to any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90-day limit, though a request for a 30-day extension can be made before the 90 days limit expires.

Departure tax

There is a US$30 (or Quetzal equivalent) airport departure tax, which is normally included in the price of a flight ticket. If you have any doubts about this tax, please contact your airline directly.