23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 122.
Call 123 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 110 or visit the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Guatemala.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Violent crime is common in Guatemala, particularly in tourist destinations. This includes:
Crime often involves guns. Violent crime increases at night.
Areas at risk for violent crime, assault and robbery include:
Express kidnappings happen. These are where criminals force you to withdraw funds from ATMs. This can happen at petrol stations and shopping centres.
If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. If criminals have guns or weapons, they may injure or kill you.
To protect yourself from violent crime:
Be careful when crossing land borders. Only cross the border during daylight hours. Allow enough time to arrive in a major town before dark.
Criminals may target you when arriving at international airports or travelling to hotels in Guatemala City and Antigua.
Using an unofficial taxi increases your risk of robbery and assault. Safe options include:
Don't flag taxis or use taxi stands.
You can use an escort from the state-run tourist service PROATUR to reduce your travel risk.
To protect yourself while travelling by road:
To protect yourself if you're driving:
Theft happens at budget hotels, particularly in Antigua.
Scammers target travellers. Scams can involve tourist vehicles.
To protect yourself from scams:
The government may make state of emergency declarations without notice.
Expect an increased police presence in many areas during state of emergency declarations.
Strikes, protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings can happen suddenly and can turn violent.
To protect yourself during periods of civil unrest:
More information:
Guatemala experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:
To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for alerts.
More information:
The hurricane season is June to November, although tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months.
The wet season is May to November, when landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur.
The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.
If there's a hurricane or severe storm:
Severe weather may also affect:
To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:
If you're travelling to Guatemala during hurricane season or after a natural disaster, monitor weather reports.
More information:
Guatemala is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis might occur.
Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay in or visit.
Guatemala has 4 active volcanoes:
Volcan de Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito volcanoes are very active. Levels of activity may increase at any time.
After a volcanic eruption, falling ash can spread over a wide area. Ash, dust and toxic fumes are a significant health risk. If you have a respiratory condition, take particular care.
To protect yourself if there's a volcanic eruption:
If you go outside, wear a disposable face mask, goggles and long clothing to avoid contact with ash.
To reduce your risks if you climb a volcano:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Medications containing pseudoephedrine are banned in Guatemala.
If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Guatemala. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Guatemala.
For information on Guatemala’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health (Spanish).You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
Zika virus is widespread in Guatemala.
If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:
Malaria is a year-round risk in rural areas below 1500m elevation.
Other insect-borne diseases occur in Guatemala. These include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash, bleeding nose or gums, or severe headache.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in Guatemala.
Take steps to protect yourself if you're at risk of infection.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate. Outside the capital, facilities are limited.
Expect to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Respect local laws and regulations at all times. Follow directions from local authorities, including those relating to quarantine restrictions.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences in local jails.
More information:
Due to COVID-19, if you go outside you must wear a mask and maintain social distance of at least 1.5 metres at all times. If you don’t, you could be fined.
Guatemala has the death penalty for aggravated murder and political crimes.
It's illegal to photograph government buildings, military sites and areas like the Presidential Palace and airports. Check with local authorities before taking photos.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Guatemalan males, including dual nationals, must complete compulsory military service.
If you're a male dual citizen aged between 18 and 50 years, contact an Embassy or Consulate of Guatemala before you travel.
More information:
Get permission before photographing anyone, especially women and children.
Same-sex relationships are mostly accepted in Guatemala City. In other parts of Guatemala, this may not be the case.
More information:
You'll need to purchase a tourist card at the airport. This permits you to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days.
Guatemala is a member country to the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4), along with:
With a CA-4 tourist visa, you can travel freely by land between member countries within the 90-day period.
Your tourist card is dated from the first point of entry in any member country.
You can apply to extend the CA-4 visa before it expires at the local immigration office.
If you're not a tourist or you plan to stay longer, you'll need a visa.
Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact an embassy or consulate of Guatemala for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
La Aurora and Mundo Maya international airports have reopened. To enter Guatemala, you must present a negative COVID -19 (PCR) test taken 72 hours before you travel. Children nine years old or younger are not required to take this test.
COVID-19 restrictions are gradually easing across the country. The Guatemalan Government has introduced a ‘traffic light’ system to measure the health risks by location; business activities and local restrictions will be based on this system. Measures are changing constantly. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
You must wear a face mask and maintain social distancing outside at all times. If you do not comply with these measures you could be fined or face criminal charges.
If you're remaining in Guatemala:
If you’re travelling through the US, options are quickly disappearing due to COVID-19. You'll need to meet US entry or transit requirements. This includes transit through Hawaii.
If you're travelling through Canada, you'll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. Transit arrangements through Canada due to COVID-19 are strictly enforced.
More information:
To enter the country, you'll need:
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Guatemala. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
A child travelling to Guatemala without both parents must have notarised written consent from both parents. A child travelling with at least 1 parent won't need this letter.
These documents must be in Spanish and approved by the Guatemalan mission closest to the child's home.
More information:
You'll need to pay an airport and security tax in cash on departure at the airport.
You'll also need to pay an exit tax if your ticket price doesn't include it.
Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Guatemala Quetzal (GTQ).
You can't import or export the Quetzal. You can only exchange US dollars in Guatemala.
ATMs aren't always reliable. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work.
Using ATMs on the street puts you at high risk of robbery or express kidnapping.
Guatemala has temporarily closed its air, land and sea borders (see the COVID-19 section under Travel above). You could be fined or arrested for breaking the nationwide curfew in place.
Non-essential travel by land is restricted between Mexico and Guatemala. Depart Guatemala by air.
Strict security controls are in place at Guatemalan borders due to high levels of drug-related criminal activity.
Military personnel are stationed along the border between Guatemala and Mexico. They may want to check your documents.
Only use recognised border crossings, particularly between Guatemala and Belize. There is an ongoing border dispute between the two countries.
Security at border crossings into Mexico has recently been increased by the Mexican government in response to a large number of migrants seeking to travel to the US. Take extra care when using these border crossings and follow the direction of authorities.
To drive in Guatemala, you need both:
You must get the IDP before arriving in Guatemala.
You're 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Guatemala than in Australia.
Driving in Guatemala can be dangerous. Hazards include:
In rural areas, extra road travel risks include:
Mudslides and road collapses caused by heavy rains are common. Roads may be closed at short notice.
Inter-city travel after dark anywhere in Guatemala is dangerous. Violent carjackings occur, particularly on poorly maintained roads, but also on main highways.
Dangerous roads include:
Criminals have violently attacked motorists between El Salvador and Guatemala, particularly on the Guatemalan side of the border.
Armed gangs often build roadblocks in:
Other dangerous areas for road travel include:
An alternative route to the Godinez bypass is the main Pan-American highway to Solola.
Criminals sometimes pose as police officers.
It's illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Authorities may arrest or detain you.
If you plan to drive in Guatemala:
Before you drive:
More information:
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Your policy may not cover you for accidents that occur while using these vehicles.
Always wear a helmet.
Travel by taxi can be dangerous.
Book airport taxis and regular taxis through a reputable taxi company. These are safer than taxis flagged from the street or at taxi stands.
If you use a taxi:
Public buses and chicken buses (converted school buses) are often unsafe. Armed robberies are common.
Bus travel can be dangerous. Gangs have targeted, robbed and sexually assaulted passengers on:
Gangs have also detonated bombs targeting buses. In 2016, gangs killed 5 people in a bomb blast on an inter-city bus in San Jose Pinula, near Guatemala City.
Dangerous areas for bus attacks include:
If you need to use public transport:
If you plan to travel by bus from Guatemala to southern Mexico, see our travel advice for Mexico.
Criminals may attack you on motorised boats or sailing boats in Rio Dulce and Livingston.
Check there are good security measures in place before booking any boat travel.
Strong currents and tides on Guatemala's Pacific coast are dangerous for swimmers.
You often won't find beach patrols, lifeguards or warning and advisory signs.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Guatemala's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
PROATUR, the tourist assistance unit, provides 24-hour help:
call 1500
email proatur@inguat.gob.gt
Call 122.
Call 123 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 110 or visit the nearest police station.
Emergency telephone operators may not speak English.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia has a consulate in Guatemala, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides limited consular assistance, they don't issue passports.
Avenida Las Americas 7-20
Zona 13 Real America local 24
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Email: consuladoaustralia.guate@gmail.com
The Consulate is temporarily closed to the public due to local restrictions. But it can assist with consular and passport services by email or by phone.
Ruben Dario 55, (Polanco)
Col Bosque de Chapultepec
11580 CDMX Mexico
Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Fax: +52 55 1101 2201
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @AusEmbMex
Facebook: Australia in Mexico, Central America, Cuba and the Dominican Republic
The Embassy is temporarily closed to the public due to local restrictions in place. We're still providing consular assistance to those in need by phone and email.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.