Guatemala entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Belgian passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Simply present your passport and a few supporting documents at immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Guatemala. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Guatemalan immigration, but airlines may ask for at least 6 months validity before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they check this at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked where you're staying during the entry interview. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from your host with their address is enough — keep it accessible on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers occasionally ask for evidence of sufficient funds. A recent bank statement or a credit card showing available credit works — no set minimum amount is published, but having around $500 USD equivalent is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Overstaying is expensive
If you stay beyond 90 days, you'll be fined approximately 50 GTQ (about €6) per day overstayed. Pay at immigration before leaving. Overstays can also lead to a ban from re-entering Guatemala for up to 5 years.
Land border entry tips
At busy land borders like El Carmen or Pedro de Alvarado, expect queues of 30–60 minutes. Have small bills in quetzales (or US dollars) for any unofficial fees. Keep your passport and entry stamp safe — you'll need it to exit.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At La Aurora International Airport (GUA) or any land border, join the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Have your passport ready.
2
Hand over your passport
The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket. Answer clearly: 'Tourism, 90 days.'
3
Receive entry stamp
You'll get a stamp in your passport with the date of entry and the number of days granted (usually 90). Check it before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). Done.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Guatemalan embassy in Brussels. Requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD
Allows multiple entries. Same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visa (residency)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (application fee)
Requires proof of income, criminal record check, and local sponsor. Processed in Guatemala.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD application fee + annual renewal fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income, criminal record check, and local address. Allows indefinite renewal.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
Currently under discussion. Would allow remote workers to stay long-term with proof of income. Check official sources for updates.
work visa
Residencia Temporal por Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Can lead to permanent residency.
student visa
Residencia Temporal por Estudios (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Guatemalan institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave and re-enter. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for overstaying the 90-day limit. Maximum cap may apply. | Approximately $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Guatemala
No transit visa needed
Belgian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Guatemalan airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Health & vaccines for Guatemala
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito prevention recommended.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in rural lowlands (e.g., Petén region). Prophylaxis recommended for extended rural stays.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Guatemala City
Dirección General de Migración
6a Avenida 3-11, Zona 4, Guatemala City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Antigua Guatemala
Oficina de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office, limited services. Best for simple inquiries or document submissions.
Practical information for BE travellers
Country basics
CapitalGuatemala City
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyGuatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 7.62 GTQ
Time zone
Local timeUTC-6
vs New York-1h
vs Los Angeles+2h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BSame as US: two flat pins (Type A) or with grounding (Type B)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. To stay longer, you must leave Guatemala (even to a neighboring country like El Salvador or Honduras) and re-enter. Immigration may grant another 90 days at their discretion, but it's not guaranteed. Overstaying results in a fine of about 50 GTQ (€6) per day and can lead to a re-entry ban of up to 5 years.
Yes, you still need proof of onward travel. A bus ticket to Mexico, Belize, Honduras, or El Salvador counts. Immigration officers at land borders may ask for it, so have a printed or digital copy ready.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Technically, the tourist visa is for tourism only. However, many digital nomads work remotely without issues. There is no specific 'digital nomad visa' yet. For short-term remote work, keep a low profile and don't tell immigration you're working.
If you're transiting through Guatemala (e.g., flying from Europe to Central America with a stop in GUA) and don't leave the airport transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country, even for a few hours, the same visa-free rules apply — just show your passport.
Same as by air: passport with 6+ months validity, blank page, and proof of onward travel. Land borders can be less strict, but it's better to have everything ready. Some borders (like El Carmen or Pedro de Alvarado) may ask for a small fee (around 10 GTQ) for a 'tourist card' — keep small cash in quetzales.
No, Belgian passport holders do not need to pay a tourist card fee. Entry is free. Some land borders may try to charge a small 'processing fee' — this is not official. Politely refuse or ask for a receipt.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.