Visa requirements
MINEX classifies ordinary passports from El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and the United States as visa-exempt.
Source: minex.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Arriving in Guatemala
Entry requirements and practical information for staying connected, getting around and paying.
Information from official sources, checked on the dates shown. It may change; confirm each detail with its source before travelling.
Names and logos identify their owners and do not imply sponsorship.
Before arrival
Visa requirements
The initial tourist stay may not exceed 90 days. One extension may be requested, up to a total maximum of 180 days.
Source: igm.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Passport and documents
Immigration requires a passport in good condition and checks its authenticity and validity. Carry a valid visa if your nationality requires one.
Source: controlmigratorio.igm.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Departure and accommodation
Immigration may ask for a return or onward ticket, lodging or contact details in Guatemala, and proof of financial means.
Source: controlmigratorio.igm.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Entry requirement
Customs rules treat personal-use items in travel-appropriate quantities as baggage; restricted goods may require authorisation and declaration.
Source: portal.sat.gob.gten.portal.sat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Mobile service
Claro
SIM cardClaro offers prepaid service and eSIM. We did not find an official price for a physical SIM or a page confirming sign-up for a tourist with a passport.
Source: www.claro.com.gtwww.sit.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Tigo
SIM cardTigo lists a prepaid SIM with an assigned number for 10 quetzales. The SIM must be bought at a registered sales point and identification is required; we couldn't find a starter package on the source page checked.
Source: ayuda.tigo.com.gtwww.sit.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Claro
eSIMClaro offers a prepaid eSIM activated with a QR code. We couldn't find whether tourists can sign up with a passport on the source page checked.
Source: www.claro.com.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Tigo
eSIMTigo offers eSIM for prepaid and postpaid service. It lists a price of 50 quetzales and says to request it at a Tigo store; we couldn't find information about tourist eligibility on the source page checked.
Source: ayuda.tigo.com.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Main airports
La Aurora International AirportGUA
Guatemala City
Bus service
Municipal route 402 stops at La Aurora International Airport. The municipal map says to pay with Tarjeta Ciudadana, Visa or Mastercard; we couldn't find the fare on the source page checked.
Source: www.muniguate.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Authorized taxi
INGUAT says taxis can be hired inside the airport without leaving the terminal. Its information gives no fare amount.
Source: asistur.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Ride-hailing pickup
Uber provides pickup instructions for rides from La Aurora Airport; the fare depends on the destination and appears in the app.
Source: www.uber.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Money in Guatemala
Currency and cash
The national currency is the quetzal. Banco de Guatemala lists banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 quetzales.
Source: banguat.gob.gtwww.banguat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Exchange rate
Banco de Guatemala publishes reference exchange rates for the quetzal against the US dollar. Check the official series on the day you exchange money.
Source: www.banguat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Taxes
The tax authority lists a general VAT rate of 12% and says it is included in prices.
Source: en.portal.sat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Exchange rate
Exchange houses must be authorised by the Monetary Board. Check Banco de Guatemala publications before using an exchange provider.
Source: banguat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
ATMs and fees
The municipal tourism guide describes currency exchange at banks and exchange houses and card use in the city. No single bank fee for visitors was found.
Source: turismo.muniguate.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Transport in Guatemala City
Guatemala City
Transmetro uses the regular fare; the express fare is 2 quetzales. The Municipality lists where to buy and top up the Tarjeta Ciudadana.
Source: www.muniguate.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Emergency help
National emergencies, CONRED
Source: conred.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
National Civil Police
Source: conred.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Municipal Fire Department
Source: conred.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Guatemalan Red Cross
Source: conred.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
ASISTUR tourist assistance
Source: asistur.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
DIACO consumer assistance
Source: diaco.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Fire service
Source: conred.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Tourist Police
Source: asistur.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Places to visit from Guatemala City
Antigua Guatemala
From Guatemala City · 45 km
INGUAT's tourism guide marks 45 km from the capital and shows road access. Check bus times and fares with the operator.
Source: inguat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Panajachel, lago de Atitlán
From Guatemala City · 145 km
INGUAT lists 145 km and three hours from the capital; its Panajachel map marks a bus stop for Guatemala City.
Source: biblioteca.inguat.gob.gtinguat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Chichicastenango
From Guatemala City · 145 km
INGUAT lists 145 km from the capital. The distance is by road; we couldn't find an official bus schedule in the sources checked.
Source: inguat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Río Dulce
From Guatemala City · 276 km
INGUAT places Río Dulce 276 km from the capital, on the Atlantic-bound CA-9 North route. Check bus service before travelling.
Source: inguat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov
Tikal
From Guatemala City · 495 km
INGUAT lists 495 km from Guatemala City and 64 km from Flores. Avianca lists flights between Guatemala City and Flores; the final leg is by road.
Source: biblioteca.inguat.gob.gtwww.avianca.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Cobán
From Guatemala City · 214 km
INGUAT places Cobán 214 km north of the capital. Access is by road; we couldn't find an official bus schedule in the sources checked.
Source: inguat.gob.gt · Checked on 11 Nov