Travel advice for Guatemala

Reconsider travel to Guatemala because of crime and terrorism, particularly gang-related violence, robbery, carjacking, assault, murder, scams, and extortion. Do not travel to San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, or Villa Nueva because cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations pose serious safety risks.

Avoid nonessential travel to the Mexican border area and Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz and Petén due to high security risk. Elsewhere, armed criminal groups carry out violent attacks, and tourist centres face robberies and burglaries. Use registered hotel taxis, avoid street taxis, night driving, solo travel without knowledgeable company and hitchhiking, especially for women, and avoid crowds and demonstrations. Visit Tikal's Maya ruins by air where possible.

Avoid non-essential travel to Izchiguan, Tahumulco, Nava, Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán, El Estor and surrounding areas because armed clashes and violence may occur amid unresolved local conflicts, including disputes over mining development. Travelers could be caught up in these incidents. Elsewhere in Guatemala, take sufficient care, as murder, robbery and theft occur nationwide, and avoid conspicuous behaviour.

Avoid all but essential travel to parts of Guatemala; no affected areas or reasons are specified. British citizens must meet entry requirements for passports, visas or permits, yellow fever vaccination where required, and children travelling alone or with one parent. Overstaying can cause fines and delays. Refuse illegal entry fees at land borders, beware of overcharging helpers, and seek immigration help in Guatemala City if the passport is not stamped.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Guatemala.

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Guatemala because crime, roadblocks and demonstrations occur nationwide. Avoid non-essential travel to specified Guatemala City zones, municipalities and border crossings because violent crime is very high. Violent and petty crime, kidnappings and fraud occur, with drug-related armed attacks especially affecting San Marcos near Mexico and the Belize border.

Use increased caution in Guatemala: hurricanes can bring destructive winds, flooding and landslides, while crime and drug gangs pose risks. Avoid Guatemala City Zone 18 and parts of Villa Nueva; take extra care in San Marcos and Huehuetenango near Mexico. At borders with Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador, use official crossings in daylight; avoid some Lake Atitlán roads and postpone travel to some places until conditions improve. Follow warnings.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala because violent crime is prevalent and organised crime and gang activity have led to localised states of prevention in the affected departments. Earthquakes can be severe and cause landslides, road blockages and temporary disruption, so travellers should know how to respond. At land border crossings, disruption and closures are common. Avoid crossing at night and take extra care at walking crossings.

Travel to Guatemala with caution because gang violence, armed robbery and theft occur. Avoid public transport and street taxis; use luxury intercity buses, hotel taxis or online-reserved taxis. Take care in Guatemala City, Alta Verapaz, Petén, Tikal, Lake Atitlán and border areas, using official crossings; use recognised transport in Petén and organised transport to Tikal. Women should avoid isolated travel alone; demonstrations can turn violent and block roads.

Travel with increased caution because violent crime is high, kidnappings are rising in Guatemala City, where there are no safe zones. Armed attacks occur on routes to Antigua, Tikal and Petén and around Lake Atitlán; avoid the Mexican border and do not climb Tajumulco volcano or visit nearby areas. Expect increased security presence and restricted assembly. Guard against dengue, chikungunya, Zika, unsafe lake water, earthquakes and volcanic activity near Fuego.

No advice against travel is given, but caution is needed, particularly in Guatemala City and outside tourist destinations. Ensure you have sufficient emergency funds, travel insurance and international healthcare coverage, including repatriation. Eruptions of Fuego and Santiaguito have caused ashfall in Escuintla, Sacatepéquez and Chimaltenango; climbing is prohibited, access to La Meseta and El Camellón is temporarily barred, and travel to affected zones should be avoided.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Guatemala. As Estonia has no embassy there, consult other countries’ travel information and seek consular assistance from the nearest EU member state representation. Tourists need a valid Estonian driving licence and an international driving permit, and Estonian citizens may visit for tourism visa free for up to 90 days at a time.

Germany advises normal precautions for Guatemala.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Guatemala.

Singapore issues no advisory for Guatemala, so normal precautions apply. Be alert to crime, avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing jewellery, use official taxis and reputable guides, and do not resist robbery. Avoid large public gatherings because protests can occur at short notice, carry identification, and be prepared for earthquakes and the hurricane season.