This advice has been revised and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Crime (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Strikes and large demonstrations often occur with little notice and have resulted in travellers being forcibly detained at roadblocks, the closure of border-crossing points and disruption of traffic and essential services.

You should avoid all protests and demonstrations because they may turn violent.

Crime

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala because of the risk of serious criminal activity and incidents of local civil unrest (see Civil Unrest/Political Tension section). Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Guatemala has one of the highest crime rates in Central America. Violent crime, often involving the use of firearms, including murder, kidnapping, assault, rape and robbery continues to increase, including in the Tikal National Park, Antigua, Cerro de la Crus (outside Antigua), Volcan de Pacaya, at Biotopo Cerro Cahui and in Izabal Province. Victims have been injured when resisting perpetrators. Gangs are a growing concern throughout Guatemala. To minimise risks, you should avoid public transport or walking alone, especially after dark. Use of a reputable tour company or tour organiser may reduce risks associated with travel in remote areas.

Izabal Department: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the tourist destinations Rio Dulce and Livingstone in Izabal Department, in the central west of Guatemala, at this time, following the kidnapping, and subsequent release, of four foreign tourists on 14 March 2008. The kidnapping was part of a long running dispute between local indigenous people and the Guatemalan authorities. In February 2008, 30 police officers were kidnapped in the same Department. Local tensions persist.

Criminals have targeted tourists arriving at the international airport and travelling to hotels in Guatemala City. For safety reasons, you should schedule arrival at La Aurora Airport (Guatemala City) during the day or early evening. Avoid displaying valuable items such as cameras and mobile phones. Laptops are frequently targeted, so carry them inconspicuously in a backpack or other carry-on luggage.

Violent carjackings continue to occur, particularly on poorly maintained roads and on parts of the Pan-American Highway. Inter-city buses, including luxury coaches, have been forced to stop by criminal gangs who then rob and/or sexually assault passengers. Highway robberies occur frequently, particularly in the Peten region of northern Guatemala and areas near the El Salvador and Honduras borders. Robberies may be accompanied by violence.

Sexual assault, extortion and robbery have been committed by persons posing as police officers, sometimes driving automobiles resembling police vehicles.

Petty crime including pick-pocketing and bag-snatching is common in major cities and tourist areas, including airports and bus terminals. You should take particular care in and around the Central Markets and in Zone 1 in Guatemala City and in the city of Antigua. You should avoid travelling in Zone 1 in Guatemala City after dark. Scams target tourists to steal money and other possessions. You should be vigilant at all times.

Cross land borders to Guatemala with care. Violent armed robberies have occurred when travellers entering Guatemala have changed large amounts of cash at a land border crossing. Allow time for border crossing formalities in order to arrive in a major town before dark. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk.

Using ATMs on the street puts you at high risk of robbery. Changing money at hotels or using ATMs in shopping centres or department stores may reduce this risk. Do not withdraw too much at any one time and avoid withdrawing money at night.

Theft has been reported at budget accommodation in Guatemala.

Local Travel

Travel by road, particularly when using public transport, may be dangerous due to aggressive driving practices and poorly maintained vehicles and roads. Traffic laws are routinely ignored. Rural roads lack adequate signage and lighting and are often shared with pedestrians and farm animals. You should avoid all non-essential travel at night, particularly on your own.

Avoid travel on public buses or "chicken buses" and use inter-city coaches where possible.

If planning travel to Tikal National Park, including to the ruins, or any of the major tourist sites, the use of an official tour guide or official tour groups may reduce the risk of robbery or other serious crime.

Travellers should avoid using the route between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) and take particular care on the road between Panajachel and San Lucas Toliman. The roads from the El Salvador border to Cuilapa and from the Belize border to El Cruce are major danger spots for busjacking. In addition, there have been similar occurrences on the main Pan-American highway near Solola. The Godinez road to Panajachel is also considered a high risk road and is rarely patrolled by police.

Travellers have been robbed and assaulted when using unofficial taxis. The use of radio-dispatched taxis or those from hotels may reduce risks. For travel from the airport, prepaid taxi vouchers can be purchased from the Tourist Office at the airport.

Travellers should exercise particular caution when travelling in the Belize/Guatemala border area because of the ongoing border dispute between the two countries. You should use only recognised border crossings.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur. In the case of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. You can check the latest hurricane information at the National Hurricane Center website.

In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. Passport, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

The wet season is from May to November. Heavy rainfalls can cause landslides and mudslides, often with devastating effect on people, property, local infrastructure and essential services. Information on severe weather conditions can be obtained from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency and the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Guatemala is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are four active volcanos in Guatemala-Pacaya, Volcan de Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacana. Since late 2006, there has been increased volcanic activity at Pacaya, with increased lava flow and ash. The alert status for Pacaya, Fuego and Santiaguito has been raised to level Yellow. Advice regarding current volcanic activity can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. Follow the advice of local authorities if you choose to climb any of the volcanoes and only do so with a group and a professional guide.

The strong currents and tides on Guatemala's Pacific coastal beaches pose a serious threat to swimmers. Beach patrols, lifeguards and warning or advisory signs are rarely present.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Guatemala has relatively low daily withdrawal limits from ATMs.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Guatemala, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.

Penalties for some serious crimes, including mass murder and treason, include the death penalty.

It is illegal to photograph official buildings, military installations and establishments or sites of strategic importance such as the Presidential Palace and airports.

Homosexual acts in Guatemala are illegal.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

Photographing children and women may be met with suspicion and violence. Permission should be sought from an adult before taking photographs of, or talking to, children.

Information for Dual Nationals

Australian/Guatemalan dual national males between 18 and 50 years of age may be required to complete compulsory military service obligations if they visit Guatemala. For further information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Guatemala before you travel.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Entry and Exit Requirements

In June 2006 Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador signed the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the agreement travellers may travel between signature countries without completing exit and entry formalities for periods up to 90 days.

An airport tax of 20 Quetzales (approximately $US2.50) must be paid in cash at the airport on departure. An exit tax of $US30 is also payable on departure if it has not already been included in your ticket at the time of purchase.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Guatemala for the most up to date information.

If you are travelling to Guatemala through the United States of America (USA), including if you are transiting Honolulu or other American cities, you will need to meet USA entry/transit requirements. You should contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel. See also our travel advice for the United States of America.

If you are entering Guatemala from a country in which yellow fever is endemic, you may be required to provide evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a list of countries in which yellow fever is endemic.

Central American airlines will not accept passengers travelling to destinations in the United States without proof of an onward or return ticket, even if the travellers may be eligible to enter the USA under the visa waiver program.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities in Guatemala City is adequate but limited outside of the capital. Doctors and hospitals may require cash payment prior to providing services, including emergency care. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a location with suitable facilities, usually the United States, would be necessary. Costs would be considerable (in the tens of thousands of dollars).

Malaria is a risk throughout the year in rural areas below 1500 metres elevation. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, Chagas' disease, river blindness and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to discuss your vaccination requirements with your doctor before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. If there is a Red Tide alert, follow local warnings and avoid shellfish and seafood as it may be contaminated. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Guatemala. By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the local Canadian Embassy provides consular assistance to Australians in Guatemala. This service does not include the issue of Australian passports. The address is:

Canadian Embassy
Edyma Plaza 8 nivel
13 calle 8-44 zona 10
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Telephone (502) 2363 4348
Facsimile (502) 2365 1210

You can also obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Mexico:

Australian Embassy
Ruben Dario 55
Col. Polanco, C.P. 11560
Mexico DF Mexico
Telephone (52 55) 1101 2200
Facsimile (52 55) 1101 2201
Email embaustmex@yahoo.com.mx.

If you are travelling to Guatemala, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.