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6 ways to enter

Guatemala visas

Guatemala tourist visa

Your nationality and any qualifying visas or residence documents determine whether you need a visa.

Ways to get a Guatemala tourist visa

  1. Visa-free entry by nationality

    No visa needed

    Citizens of all European Union member states and the other listed countries and territories can enter with an ordinary passport without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days. May be extended for another 90 days.

    Passports that qualify (85)

  2. Visa-free entry with another country's visa or US Green Card

    No visa needed

    Travellers who normally need a visa may qualify if they hold a valid visa from Canada, Mexico, the United States or a Schengen Area member state, or a US permanent residence card. The nationality exclusions below apply.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days. May be extended for another 90 days.

  3. Visa-free entry through residence abroad

    No visa needed

    Holders of a residence permit from one of the listed visa-exempt countries can enter without a visa if they have lived in the issuing country for three consecutive years.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days. May be extended for another 90 days.

  4. Guatemalan visa

    Other permit

    Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa.

  5. Entry with a visa issued by another Central America-4 country

    Other permit

    Travellers holding a visa issued by El Salvador, Honduras or Nicaragua can use it in Guatemala under the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement.

    Stay
    The visa's allowed stay covers the total time spent in the four member countries without leaving the area.

Who needs it

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries and territories can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Some travellers qualify through another country's visa or residence document.

What to bring

  • An ordinary passport from a visa-exempt country or territory.

Good to know

  • Under the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement, a visa's allowed stay covers the total time spent in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua without leaving that area.
  • Visa fees, application steps and processing times are not specified.
  • The ordinary-passport exemption agreement signed with Serbia has not yet taken effect.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Guatemala?

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa. Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries and territories can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Some travellers qualify through another country's visa or residence document.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Guatemala?

There are 6 options: Visa-free entry by nationality (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with another country's visa or US Green Card (no visa at all); Visa-free entry through residence abroad (no visa at all); Guatemalan visa (a special permit); Entry with a visa issued by another Central America-4 country (a special permit); Visa-free entry with a diplomatic or official passport (no visa at all).

Who can go to Guatemala without a tourist visa?

Citizens of all European Union member states and the other listed countries and territories can enter with an ordinary passport without a visa. Travellers who normally need a visa may qualify if they hold a valid visa from Canada, Mexico, the United States or a Schengen Area member state, or a US permanent residence card. The nationality exclusions below apply. Holders of a residence permit from one of the listed visa-exempt countries can enter without a visa if they have lived in the issuing country for three consecutive years. In addition to citizens already exempt by nationality, holders of diplomatic or official/service passports from the listed countries can enter without a visa.

How long can I stay on a Guatemala tourist visa?

Up to 90 days without a visa, with a possible extension of another 90 days.

What documents do I need for a Guatemala tourist visa?

An ordinary passport from a visa-exempt country or territory..

What rules do I have to follow on a Guatemala tourist visa?

Under the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement, a visa's allowed stay covers the total time spent in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua without leaving that area.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Guatemala?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Guatemala visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Guatemala be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Guatemala tourist visa rules?

On Guatemala's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in Guatemala?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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