Guatemala entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
US passport holders don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days in Guatemala. As of 2026, you can enter with just your passport and a return ticket. No advance application or fee is required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Guatemala. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Guatemala City look for it too. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers sometimes ask how you'll fund your trip. A credit card, bank statement, or cash (around $500 USD equivalent) works fine. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Guatemala. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.
No arrival card needed
US citizens do not need to fill out any arrival or departure card. Just your passport and return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At La Aurora International Airport (GUA) or any land border, join the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents and receive stamp
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, ask your purpose of visit, and stamp you in. This usually takes 1–2 minutes.
3
Collect your baggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. There's no arrival card to fill out for US citizens.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 (approx. $50 USD)
For those who need a visa; US citizens can enter visa-free, but this option allows a longer stay if needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD (approx. $250 USD)
Requires proof of income or investment; for those wanting to stay longer than 90 days.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal (Pensionado)
1 year, renewable
$250 USD application fee + $50 USD annual renewal
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Allows indefinite stay with annual renewals. Requires proof of pension and background check.
digital nomad visa
Residencia Temporal (Rentista)
1 year, renewable
$250 USD application fee + $50 USD annual renewal
For remote workers with a monthly income of at least $1,500 USD from abroad. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal (Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD application fee + $100 USD annual renewal
For investors who invest at least $50,000 USD in a Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Residencia Temporal (Trabajador)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD application fee + $50 USD annual renewal
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan company. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required only if visa-free entry is not used; not needed for standard tourist visits. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For those who need multiple entries; not commonly used by US citizens. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines accumulate daily. Avoid overstaying. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. $2 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history15%
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
US 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 yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19 (updated booster)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in lowland areas.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural lowland areas (e.g., Petén, Izabal). Prophylaxis recommended for travellers visiting these regions.
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. Arrive early to avoid long lines.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; limited services. Best for simple inquiries.
Practical information for US 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 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, you can exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Belize or El Salvador) and re-enter to get a new 90-day stamp.
No. US citizens transiting through Guatemala (e.g., connecting flights at GUA) do not need a visa as long as you stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. You won't pass immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, there is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. However, if asked, having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is sufficient.
Yes. US citizens can cross at any official land border (e.g., El Ceibo from Mexico, Melchor de Mencos from Belize). The same visa-free rules apply — just your passport and return ticket. Expect a short queue and a stamp.
No separate arrival tax. A departure tax of about $30–$35 is usually included in your airline ticket. If flying out, check your ticket — if not included, you pay at the airport (cash or card).
Overstays are fined at immigration when you leave. The fine is approximately $2–$3 per day over 90 days, paid in cash (quetzals or USD). Overstays over 30 days may trigger a ban. Avoid it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.