Guatemala entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Guatemala. You must apply at a Guatemalan embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Kenyan citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Guatemala visa required | Apply for a Guatemala visa at the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate before travel. The visa process requires a completed application form, passport photos, and supporting documents such as bank statements and travel itinerary. Processing takes 5–10 business days.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Guatemala. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Guatemalan law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Guatemala City airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they may deny entry without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having at least $500 USD equivalent helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Guatemalan visa processing can take up to 3 weeks. Don't wait until the last minute — start the process at least a month before your trip.
No e-visa available
Guatemala does not offer an e-visa for Kenyan passport holders. You must go through an embassy or consulate.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate
Find the Guatemalan embassy or consulate responsible for your region. For Kenya, this is typically the embassy in Nairobi or a neighbouring country. Call or email to confirm their visa application process, fees, and whether you need to apply in person or can mail documents.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, photos, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and travel insurance if you have it. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail as instructed by the embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, but confirm with the embassy). Processing can take 5–15 business days, so apply well in advance.
4
Wait for processing
The embassy will review your application. They may call you for an interview or request additional documents. Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport.
5
Travel to Guatemala
At immigration in Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport), present your passport with the visa. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your return ticket and hotel booking handy — they may ask to see them.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES)
Standard visa for tourism; non-extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Requires proof of income or investment; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD application fee + $50 USD annual renewal
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Visado de Nómada Digital (Digital Nomad Visa)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD application fee
For remote workers with income of at least $2,000 USD/month. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. Allows tax benefits.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee + investment of $50,000 USD minimum
For investors in real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required; apply at Guatemalan embassy or consulate. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 1,300 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Guatemala, even if staying airside. Apply at Guatemalan embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA) · Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS)
Health & vaccines for Guatemala
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk to pregnant women.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas, especially Petén region; 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 extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and photos.
Antigua Guatemala
Oficina de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; may have limited services for extensions.
Practical information for KE 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 = 7.63 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. There is no visa on arrival for Kenyan citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Guatemalan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 business days, but it can vary by embassy. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is usually between $50 and $100 USD, but confirm with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply. Fees may change without notice.
It depends on the embassy. Some require an in-person interview, others accept applications by mail. Contact the embassy handling your region to confirm their process.
If you're transiting and not leaving the international transit area of the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the visa. Check with your airline.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'd need to apply at the immigration office in Guatemala City. The process can be slow, so it's better to plan your trip within the visa validity.
Your passport with the visa, your return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Immigration officers may also ask about your purpose of visit and funds. Have everything ready in a folder.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.