Guatemala entry requirements for Laos 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
Laotian 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 Lao citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter Guatemala. Apply at the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your country of residence before travel. The official migration authority is the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM).Visit IGM website | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Guatemala. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Guatemala. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or invitation letter with an address in Guatemala speeds up the immigration process. Print it or save it on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask to see you have enough money for your stay. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing available funds. No set minimum amount is published, but around $500 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Laos passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Guatemala. You must apply at a Guatemalan embassy before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Guatemalan embassy
Find the Guatemalan embassy or consulate responsible for your country (e.g., in Bangkok, Tokyo, or Washington D.C.). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, fees, and whether you need to apply in person.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and any other requested documents. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Send or deliver your application to the embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$50 USD, but varies by embassy). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
4
Wait for approval
The embassy will process your visa. You may be asked for an interview. Once approved, your passport will be stamped or you'll receive a visa sticker.
5
Travel to Guatemala
At immigration in Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport), present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD
Standard tourist visa for Laos passport holders. Must apply at Guatemalan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity5 years from issue date
Cost$50 USD
Multiple-entry visa for frequent travellers. Valid for multiple stays up to 90 days each.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Guatemalan embassy or consulate. | $30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 5 years. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fine charged per day, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Laos passport holders transiting through Guatemala do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
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, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in lowland areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with similar prevention measures as dengue.
Zika virusModerate risk
Pregnant women should take extra precautions; avoid mosquito bites.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural lowland areas, especially Petén region. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers visiting these 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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Oriente 14, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for tourist visa matters. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for LA 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. Guatemala does not offer visa on arrival for Lao citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Guatemalan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
The visa fee is usually between $30 and $50 USD, but it depends on the embassy. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Some embassies require in-person submission, others accept applications by mail. Contact the embassy handling your region to confirm.
You can apply at the nearest Guatemalan embassy in a neighboring country or a regional hub (e.g., Bangkok, Tokyo, or Washington D.C.). You may need to mail your documents or travel there in person.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Guatemala does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry, but it's recommended if you're coming from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor.
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.