Guatemala entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan 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. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Guatemala. Apply at the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in Sri Lanka — there is no eVisa system for Sri Lankan passport holders. Processing takes 5–10 business days; expect to submit a passport-sized photo, flight itinerary, and hotel booking with your application.Guatemala Migration Institute | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Guatemala. Airlines at Colombo (CMB) may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at La Aurora (GUA) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Airlines in Sri Lanka also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel reservation or host's address ready. Officers sometimes ask for it during secondary inspection, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or border. You must apply at a Guatemalan embassy or consulate before departure. Start the process at least 4 weeks in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Guatemala, not from when you apply or book flights. Check your passport's expiry date now.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate
Find the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in New Delhi, Tokyo, or London). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, fees, and appointment requirements — procedures vary by location.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, photos, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and any other requested items. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Attend your appointment at the embassy/consulate with all original documents and copies. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$50 USD, but confirm with your specific office). Processing takes 5–15 business days.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the visa validity dates and any conditions (e.g., single or multiple entry). If applying by mail, include a prepaid return envelope.
5
Arrive in Guatemala and go through immigration
At the airport (La Aurora in Guatemala City), join the 'Foreigners' queue. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and hotel booking. Immigration may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You'll receive a stamp allowing up to 90 days.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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
Cost$30 USD (approx. 8,000 LKR)
Standard visa for tourism; non-extendable beyond 90 days.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 13,500 LKR)
Ideal for multiple visits; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. 27,000 LKR) plus processing
Requires proof of income or investment; apply at Guatemalan embassy.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 27,000 LKR) initial fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
Not yet established
Currently under discussion; would allow remote workers to stay long-term. Check official sources for updates.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 54,000 LKR) plus investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD in a Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires business plan and legal documentation.
work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 40,500 LKR)
Requires a job offer from a Guatemalan company and work permit approval. Employer must sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required for Sri Lanka passport holders; apply at Guatemalan embassy. | $30 USD (approx. 8,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $50 USD (approx. 13,500 LKR) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible up to 30 days at immigration office. | $25 USD (approx. 6,750 LKR) per month |
| Overstay finePay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. 2,700 LKR), max $200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Guatemala (La Aurora International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Health & vaccines for Guatemala
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Also mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Zika virusModerate risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito-borne.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Petén and lowland regions; 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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and fee.
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 LK 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 Sri Lankan nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Guatemalan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 business days, but can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is usually between $30 and $50 USD, but it varies by embassy. Contact the specific embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Extensions are not generally available for tourist visa holders. The visa is typically valid for a single entry and a specific period (often 90 days). Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You can apply at the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate in a neighboring country, or at a Guatemalan embassy in a major regional hub. Check the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a list of all diplomatic missions.
Yes. A confirmed return or onward flight booking is required as part of the visa application. It also helps at immigration when you arrive.
It's not always required, but some embassies may ask for it. Even if not mandatory, it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Guatemala can be high for uninsured travelers.
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.