Scam in GuatemalaAirport and border
Border-area robbery and ransom demands in Guatemala
How it works
Gangs target passing vehicles. They may rob people at gunpoint, take hostages and demand ransom. Foreign-registered vehicles stand out.
Warning signs
- Your route passes through areas close to these borders.
- You are driving a vehicle with foreign registration.
How to avoid it
- Avoid travel in these border areas.
- Review your route before leaving.
- Avoid night travel.
If it happens to you
Do not resist armed attackers. Once safe, contact police and your embassy or consulate. Seek specialist help if someone is being held.
- Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone threatens you with a weapon, do not resist.
- Check whether anyone is injured. Seek medical help if needed.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed withdrawals. Lock a stolen phone remotely and contact your mobile provider.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, vehicle details and amounts. Save receipts and screenshots without confronting the person involved.
- Report the incident to police. In Antigua, ask the Tourist Police for help. Request a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need serious assistance, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Guatemala Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian travel advice identifies borders and land crossings as locations where travellers face violent crime and robbery, especially when exchanging cash.Read on Government advice
- News1998Guatemala: Thirteen missionaries released | La NaciónLa Nación reports that thirteen missionaries were kidnapped near Guatemala’s Mexican border and that their captors demanded a $2 million ransom.Read on News
Questions
What is the border-area robbery and ransom demands scam in Guatemala?
Gangs target passing vehicles. They may rob people at gunpoint, take hostages and demand ransom. Foreign-registered vehicles stand out.
How can I spot it early?
Your route passes through areas close to these borders. You are driving a vehicle with foreign registration.
How do I avoid border-area robbery and ransom demands in Guatemala?
Avoid travel in these border areas. Review your route before leaving. Avoid night travel.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist armed attackers. Once safe, contact police and your embassy or consulate. Seek specialist help if someone is being held.
Where in Guatemala does this happen?
Areas near Guatemala's borders with Mexico, El Salvador and Belize
How common is this scam in Guatemala?
Common. The main risks in Guatemala are theft, armed robbery, unsafe taxi rides and inflated fares. Phone theft is especially common, while some cash machines in Flores have reported fee and withdrawal problems. Risk varies by place: Antigua's centre is safer in daylight, and Flores island is described as very safe.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, theft, kidnapping or fraud once you are safe. Ask your accommodation to help you reach police and request a written report or reference number. Tourist Police in Antigua: ask for help with an incident in Antigua. Your accommodation can help you find them. Card issuer or bank: use the contact details in your banking app or on your card. Freeze stolen cards and report ATM debits without cash or other disputed transactions. Taxi Amarillo / Amarillo Express: for a complaint about a booked ride, contact 1766 or servicioalcliente@amarilloexpress.com. Keep your booking and trip details. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen, someone is being held or you need serious assistance. Travel insurer: use your policy's assistance or claims contact. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses.
Reviewed by @snuck