Planning to visit Guatemala for tourism, sightseeing, vacation, or a short visit? Whether you want to explore Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Guatemala City, Semuc Champey, Flores, or the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, you should first check whether your nationality requires a Guatemalan tourist visa.
Guatemala does not use the Schengen visa system. Instead, Guatemalan immigration rules classify foreign nationals into different visa categories depending on their nationality and applicable international agreements.
The current Guatemalan system uses three principal classifications: Category A, Category B, and Category C.
Visa requirements depend primarily on the nationality and passport you will use to enter Guatemala. Some travelers are completely visa-exempt, while others must obtain a consular visa or go through a prior consultation process.
Always verify your nationality against the current official visa classification before purchasing non-refundable travel arrangements.
Not everyone needs a visa to visit Guatemala. The Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an official classification showing which nationalities are exempt from visas and which require a visa.
Travelers whose nationality is classified as Category A are generally exempt from obtaining a Guatemalan visa before traveling.
The current official list includes many nationalities from Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania and other regions.
Examples of countries currently listed as Category A include:
This is only a selection. The official MINEX classification should be checked for the complete and current list.
Travelers whose nationality falls under Category B generally need to apply for a Guatemalan consular visa through a Guatemalan diplomatic or consular mission.
The current IGM regulations specify documentation such as a visa application form, valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of income or recent bank statements, and an international credit card.
The consular officer may also request an interview.
Category C applies to nationalities for which Guatemala requires a prior consultation before the visa can be issued.
The application is submitted through the appropriate Guatemalan diplomatic or consular mission, but the visa issuance requires consultation with the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM).
This means Category C applications can involve a more extensive process than an ordinary consular visa.
The current Guatemalan visa regulations contain an important exception for certain Category B nationals.
According to MINEX, nationals of Category B countries who possess a valid visa from the United States, Mexico, Canada, or a Schengen country may be treated as visa-exempt under the applicable rules.
If your nationality normally falls into Category B but you hold a qualifying valid visa from the United States, Mexico, Canada, or the Schengen area, you may not need to obtain a separate Guatemalan consular visa.
Always verify that your particular visa and nationality qualify under the current Guatemalan rules before traveling.
If your nationality requires a Guatemalan tourist or visitor visa, the exact documentation can vary according to your visa category and the Guatemalan diplomatic mission handling the application.
The current IGM regulation specifically identifies several requirements for Category B tourist or visitor visa applications.
A consular officer may also conduct an interview if considered necessary.
Category C applications can require considerably more documentation because the application is subject to prior consultation with Guatemalan immigration authorities.
The current IGM documentation for Category C tourist/visitor visas includes requirements such as:
Because Category C cases are subject to consultation, travelers should begin the application process well before their intended departure date.
The current Ministry of Foreign Affairs fee information lists the following fees for tourist or traveler visas:
| Visa Type | Current Published Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry Tourist / Traveler Visa | US$50 |
| Multiple-entry Tourist / Traveler Visa | US$150 |
Consular missions may have their own payment procedures, and applicants should confirm the accepted payment method with the embassy or consulate processing the application.
The length of stay permitted in Guatemala depends on the immigration status granted at entry and the applicable rules for your nationality.
For ordinary tourist entry, Guatemala generally operates under a 90-day tourism period, subject to the applicable immigration rules and any regional arrangements.
Travelers should check the entry stamp or immigration authorization granted upon arrival and should not assume that a visa's validity automatically equals the number of days permitted inside the country.
First determine whether your passport is classified as Category A, B, or C.
This is the most important step because it determines whether you need a visa and what type of application may be required.
Some travelers who would otherwise fall under Category B may qualify for visa exemption if they hold a qualifying valid visa from the United States, Mexico, Canada, or a Schengen country.
If a visa is required, contact the Guatemalan embassy or consulate responsible for your country or place of legal residence.
The exact application procedure, appointment system and payment method can vary between diplomatic missions.
Complete the official application form carefully and make sure your passport information, travel dates and personal details are accurate.
Prepare your passport, travel itinerary, proof of financial means and any additional documents required for your category.
The consular officer may request an interview. Be prepared to explain your travel purpose, itinerary, accommodation and financial circumstances.
Pay the applicable visa fee according to the instructions of the Guatemalan diplomatic mission.
Processing time depends on your visa category and application circumstances. Category C applications may take longer because they involve consultation with Guatemalan immigration authorities.
After receiving your visa, carefully check:
Having a visa does not necessarily guarantee admission into Guatemala. Final admission is determined by immigration authorities at the border or airport.
Travelers should carry:
Passport requirements can depend on your nationality and the applicable entry rules. The Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently advises travelers applying through its consular information that passports should have sufficient validity.
As a practical precaution, travelers should ensure their passport has substantial remaining validity before traveling to Guatemala.
Always confirm the exact passport-validity requirement with the Guatemalan embassy or consulate responsible for your application.
A travel itinerary and accommodation information may be requested during the visa application process, particularly for travelers who require a visa.
If you are staying in a hotel, keep your reservation confirmation available. If you are staying with friends or family, you may need to provide information about your host depending on your visa category and the consular mission's requirements.
Visa applicants may be asked to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Depending on your visa category, this can include:
Do not submit altered or misleading financial documents. Immigration and consular authorities can verify information provided in an application.
Families traveling to Guatemala should make sure every child has the appropriate travel document and satisfies the applicable entry requirements.
United States citizens are currently listed by Guatemala's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Category A, visa exempt.
This means U.S. passport holders generally do not need to obtain a Guatemalan tourist visa before traveling for a short tourist visit, subject to Guatemala's entry requirements.
U.S. permanent residents or foreign nationals living in the United States should check the requirements for their nationality, rather than assuming that U.S. residence automatically determines their Guatemalan visa status.
Canadian passport holders are currently listed as Category A, visa exempt by Guatemala's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Other foreign nationals who live in Canada should check their own nationality and passport classification.
Many European nationalities are currently listed as Category A and therefore do not require a Guatemalan tourist visa for ordinary short visits.
However, travelers should check the current MINEX classification because visa requirements can change through bilateral agreements or Guatemalan immigration policy.
Mexican passport holders are currently listed as Category A, visa exempt.
Mexico is also one of the countries whose valid visas can be relevant to the Category B exemption described in Guatemala's current visa regulations.
Guatemala participates in the regional Central American arrangements commonly associated with the CA-4 region, together with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Travelers moving between these countries should pay attention to regional immigration procedures and the period of authorized stay.
Entry requirements can differ depending on nationality, so travelers should not assume that entry into one Central American country automatically provides unrestricted entry or stay in another.
Once your travel documents are ready, Guatemala offers a wide variety of destinations.
It depends on your nationality. Guatemala classifies nationalities into Category A, B and C for visa-exemption and visa requirements.
No. Guatemala is not part of the Schengen Area and does not issue Schengen visas. Guatemala has its own national visa system.
The current MINEX fee information lists US$50 for a single-entry Tourist/Traveler Visa and US$150 for a multiple-entry Tourist/Traveler Visa.
Ordinary tourist entry is generally granted for up to 90 days, subject to the applicable immigration rules and the authorization granted at entry.
Some Category B nationals can benefit from Guatemala's visa exemption if they hold a qualifying valid visa from the United States, Mexico, Canada or a Schengen country. Eligibility depends on the current rules and the traveler's nationality.
U.S. passport holders are currently listed by MINEX as Category A, meaning they are visa-exempt for ordinary entry subject to Guatemala's immigration requirements.
Canadian passport holders are currently listed as Category A, visa exempt.
Many European nationalities are currently Category A and do not need a tourist visa for ordinary short visits. Travelers should verify their specific nationality against the current MINEX list.
A tourist status is intended for tourism and other permitted visitor activities. You should not assume that tourist status authorizes employment in Guatemala. If you intend to work, investigate the appropriate immigration and work authorization before beginning employment.
Tourist status is not the same as residency. If you intend to live in Guatemala long term, investigate the appropriate temporary or permanent residence category.
The possibilities depend on your immigration status and the applicable Guatemalan rules. Do not overstay the period authorized by immigration authorities. Contact the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración for the current procedure applicable to your circumstances.
If your trip to Guatemala is not simply a vacation and you are considering moving to the country, you should research the residence system before entering.
Guatemala has temporary and permanent residence categories for workers, students, investors, pensioners, rentiers, family members and other qualifying foreigners.
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Visa classifications, fees, entry requirements and immigration procedures can change. The information on this page is intended as a general travel guide and should not replace confirmation from the Guatemalan authorities.
Before traveling, check the latest information from the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINEX), the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM), or the Guatemalan embassy/consulate responsible for your nationality.