Guatemala entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Great news: starting in 2026, Madagascar passport holders can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. Just bring your passport and a return ticket — no visa application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Guatemala. Airlines at departure check this before you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Airlines enforce this before boarding — without one, you may be denied check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for at least your first few nights. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and a booking shows you have a plan. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers can ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have enough money. A credit card and a few hundred dollars in cash usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines often refuse boarding if your passport has less than 6 months validity left — even if Guatemala would let you in. Check your passport's expiry date before booking anything.
No visa needed — but keep your return ticket handy
Immigration at La Aurora Airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel. A printed or digital copy of your return flight is enough.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Most travellers fly into Guatemala City. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Queues can be 20–60 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly — tourism is fine.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and writes '90 days' or 'ESTADÍA 90 DÍAS'. Check it's correct before stepping away.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green/red light system — if you get green, walk straight out.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost~$50 USD (exact fee may vary)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy; requires passport, photos, itinerary, proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (plus fees)
Requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor. Consult embassy.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application) + annual fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income, background check, and local address.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD
For remote workers with stable income. Requirements include proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (plus investment)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and legal status.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa-free period; maximum cap may apply. | Approx. Q100/day (~$13 USD) |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Guatemala do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk in rural areas, especially Petén region; prophylaxis recommended for travellers to 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 permits; bring passport, photos, and payment.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; limited services, best for simple queries.
Practical information for MG 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
Not if you're arriving directly from Madagascar. The vaccine is only required if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Colombia). Check with your airline.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket. Land crossings can be slower — expect 30–60 minutes at immigration.
No pre-arrival declaration is required. You'll just get a standard entry stamp at the airport.
Guatemala uses the quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are common in cities.
Generally yes, but exercise normal caution. Avoid walking alone at night in Guatemala City, use registered taxis or Uber, and keep valuables out of sight. Tourist areas like Antigua and Lake Atitlán are very safe.
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.