Guatemala entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Icelandic passport holders can enter Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. Bring your passport and a return ticket. This policy applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Guatemala. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have a copy ready showing your departure within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Immigration may ask to see you have enough funds — roughly $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly. Renew early.
No visa, but have a return ticket ready
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A screenshot of your return flight on your phone is fine. If you don't have one, you may be asked to buy a ticket on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are usually two queues: one for Guatemalan citizens, one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check the stamp before walking away — if it says fewer days, ask for correction immediately.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You may be asked to put bags through an X-ray scanner. Green light means go, red light means a bag check.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (estimated)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer, but visa-free already covers 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (residency)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of income or investment. For long-term stays.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD application fee + income proof
For retirees with a stable monthly income (e.g., pension). Requires proof of income and background check. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Residencia Temporal (Digital Nomad)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD application fee
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income. Allows stay and work remotely.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal (Investor)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee + investment proof
For investors in Guatemalan businesses or real estate. Minimum investment required. Leads to permanent residency.
student visa
Residencia Temporal (Student)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD application fee
For enrolled students in recognized Guatemalan institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers up to 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers up to 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Stay extension costExtension not available for visa-free stays. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines may apply; exact amount varies. | ~$2 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Iceland passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Guatemala, as long as 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk for pregnant women; mosquito-borne.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural lowland areas (e.g., Petén). Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 and residency matters.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
For extension inquiries and permits.
Practical information for IS 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 visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Guatemala (e.g., to Belize or Mexico) and re-enter, which resets the 90-day clock. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
No. Guatemala does not require an online arrival declaration for Icelandic passport holders. You just fill out a simple paper form on the plane or at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. The same 90-day visa-free policy applies at all land borders. Have your passport and return ticket ready. Land crossings can be slower — expect queues of 30 minutes to 2 hours.
No. Guatemala does not require proof of funds for Icelandic passport holders. But if you look like you might overstay, an officer could ask — having a credit card or cash (around $500) helps.
The official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). Many tourist businesses accept US dollars, but you'll get a poor exchange rate. Use ATMs for quetzales — they're widely available in cities.
Guatemala has areas with high crime rates, especially in Guatemala City and on public buses. Stick to tourist zones (Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal), use registered taxis or Uber, and avoid walking alone at night. Petty theft is common — keep valuables out of sight.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.