Visa requirements

Guatemala

General visa requirements for travelling to Guatemala. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Category A Countries - Tourist Visa Free (Europe - Other))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

European countries outside EU/Schengen also enjoy visa-free access for tourism.

Eligibility

Nationality
European countries outside EU/Schengen also enjoy visa-free access for tourism.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Tourist visa (Category A Countries - Tourist Visa Free (Europe - EU/Schengen))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

EU and Schengen area countries enjoy visa-free access to Guatemala for tourism. Starting 2026, ETIAS may be required for Guatemalan citizens traveling to Europe, but this does not affect European citizens visiting Guatemala.

Eligibility

Nationality
EU and Schengen area countries enjoy visa-free access to Guatemala for tourism. Starting 2026, ETIAS may be required for Guatemalan citizens traveling to Europe, but this does not affect European citizens visiting Guatemala.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Tourist visa (Category C Countries - Tourist Visa Required (Interview Required))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 15 business days
Fee: $50 USD
Entry: Single entry

Category C countries require a visa with additional interview requirement at Guatemalan embassy. Subject to restrictions and additional processing. Processing time may be longer.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size colour photographs
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for stay; Months required: 3
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Guatemala; Minimum coverage: Coverage for duration of stay
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel reservations; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather required documents: passport, photos, flight bookings, hotel reservations, bank statements, travel insurance
Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Guatemalan embassy or consulate for interview
Interview
Attend mandatory in-person interview at Guatemalan embassy
Document submission
Submit completed visa application form with all supporting documents during interview
Fee payment
Pay visa fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing with additional security checks
Visa collection
Collect passport with visa from embassy/consulate

Tourist visa (Category A Countries - Tourist Visa Free (Africa))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

Select African countries with visa-free access to Guatemala.

Eligibility

Nationality
Select African countries with visa-free access to Guatemala.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Tourist visa (CA-4 Residence Permit Holders - Visa Exempt)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

Holders of residence permits issued by El Salvador, Honduras, or Nicaragua are exempt from visa requirements regardless of nationality.

Eligibility

Visa history
Must hold valid residence permit from El Salvador, Honduras, or Nicaragua

Required history: Resident of CA-4 country

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

Business visa (Business Visa - Visa Free Countries)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

Citizens of Category A countries can enter visa-free for business purposes including meetings, conferences, negotiations. Cannot engage in paid work or employment. Same 90-day limit as tourist entry applies.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For business purposes including meetings, conferences, negotiations. Cannot engage in paid work or employment. Same 90-day limit as tourist entry applies.
Includes
- Business meetings
- conferences
- negotiations

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Tourist visa (US/Canada Permanent Residents - Visa Exempt)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

Holders of US Green Cards or Canadian Permanent Resident cards are exempt from visa requirements regardless of nationality.

Eligibility

Visa history
Must hold valid US Green Card or Canadian Permanent Resident Card

Required history: US permanent resident or Canadian permanent resident

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Transit visa (Transit Visa Required)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 1 days
Processing time: 7 business days
Fee: $25 USD
Entry: Single entry

As of February 2024, all Category B and C passengers whose travel includes Guatemala as a connection/transit point must have a visa issued by Guatemalan government, even for transit. Transit visas are generally non-extendable.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, confirmed flight itinerary showing transit, visa for final destination
Appointment booking
Apply for transit visa at Guatemalan embassy before travel
Document submission
Submit transit visa application with flight bookings and onward visa
Fee payment
Pay transit visa fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with transit visa

Diplomatic visa (Official/Service Passport Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: Variable - through official channels
Fee: $50 USD (may be waived for bilateral agreements)
Entry: Single entry

For holders of official/service passports on government business but not full diplomatic status. Requires approval from Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must hold official/service passport and be on official government business

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

How to apply

Document submission
Submit official note through government channels to Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Processing wait
Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews application
Fee payment
Pay visa fee if applicable (may be waived for some bilateral agreements)
Visa collection
Official visa issued

Business visa (Business Visa - Visa Required Countries)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 180 days
Processing time: 10 business days
Fee: $150 USD
Entry: Multiple entry

Business visas valid for 180 days from date of issue. Can be single or multiple entry. For business meetings, conferences, trade activities. Cannot engage in paid employment.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must provide letter from Guatemalan business partner or invitation to business event/conference

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size colour photographs
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for business trip; Months required: 3
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from Guatemalan business partner or invitation to business event/conference

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, business invitation from Guatemala, employer letter, company registration, bank statements
Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Guatemalan embassy or consulate
Document submission
Submit business visa application with all supporting documents
Fee payment
Pay business visa fee (multiple-entry business visa)
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with business visa (valid for 180 days)

Tourist visa (Category A Countries - Tourist Visa Free (Asia-Pacific))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

Major Asian, Middle Eastern, and Pacific countries with visa-free access for tourism.

Eligibility

Nationality
Major Asian, Middle Eastern, and Pacific countries with visa-free access for tourism.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Tourist visa (Category A Countries - Tourist Visa Free (Americas))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

Category A countries are exempt from visa requirements. Valid for tourism purposes for 90 days within any 180-day period.

Eligibility

Nationality
Category A countries are exempt from visa requirements. Valid for tourism purposes for 90 days within any 180-day period.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Student visa (Student Visa - All Countries)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 60 business days
Fee: $50 USD
Validity: 1 year (renewable annually)
Entry: Single entry

Student visas for elementary school, high school, and/or university students are valid for one year. Can be extended annually. All foreign students must apply regardless of nationality.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must have acceptance letter from recognized Guatemalan educational institution
Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for duration of study

Minimum funds: Sufficient for tuition and living expenses

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size colour photographs
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses; Months required: 3
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Guatemala; Minimum coverage: Coverage for duration of study
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, acceptance letter from Guatemalan institution, academic transcripts, financial proof, passport photos
Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Guatemalan embassy or consulate
Document submission
Submit student visa application with all supporting documents
Fee payment
Pay student visa fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with student visa (valid for 1 year)

Tourist visa (CA-4 Countries - Visa Free)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 180 days
Entry: Single entry

CA-4 Agreement allows free movement between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Citizens of these countries can move freely without visa restrictions or border checks.

Eligibility

Nationality
CA-4 Agreement allows free movement between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Citizens of these countries can move freely without visa restrictions or border checks.

Eligible countries: El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa - All Countries)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: Variable - through diplomatic channels
Fee: Free (diplomatic courtesy)
Entry: Single entry

For holders of diplomatic passports on official government business. Must be issued by Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Different procedures apply for diplomatic missions.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must hold diplomatic passport and be on official government assignment

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

How to apply

Document submission
Sending country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs submits diplomatic note to Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Processing wait
Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews application
Visa collection
Diplomatic visa issued through diplomatic channels (fee waived for diplomatic passport holders)

Journalist visa (Journalist/Media Visa - All Countries)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 10 business days
Fee: $50 USD
Entry: Single entry

Required for foreign journalists, reporters, film crews, and media professionals working in Guatemala. Must apply regardless of nationality, even if from visa-free countries. Cannot work on tourist visa.

Eligibility

Visa history
Must provide proof of employment with recognized media organization or freelance contract
Employment
For staff journalists: letter from employer. For freelancers: contract with media organization. For production company: credential from professional journalistic association

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size colour photographs
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, press credentials, employer letter or freelance contract, assignment details, passport photos
Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Guatemalan embassy or consulate
Document submission
Submit journalist visa application with press credentials and assignment documentation
Fee payment
Pay visa fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing and approval
Visa collection
Collect passport with journalist visa

Transit visa (Transit Visa - Exempt Countries (Same Day))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 1 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Entry: Single entry

Transit without visa is allowed for travelers who normally require a visa if transiting on the same calendar day. Must remain in international transit area.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Transit must be completed within the same calendar day
Includes
- Transit to onward destination

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

Tourist visa (Category B Countries - Tourist Visa Required (Easy Process))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 10 business days
Fee: $50 USD
Entry: Single entry

Category B countries require a visa but the process is straightforward without interview requirement. Application through Guatemalan embassy or consulate.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size colour photographs
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for stay; Months required: 3
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Guatemala; Minimum coverage: Coverage for duration of stay
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel reservations; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather required documents: passport, photos, flight bookings, hotel reservations, bank statements, travel insurance
Appointment booking
Schedule and attend appointment at Guatemalan embassy or consulate
Document submission
Submit completed visa application form with all supporting documents
Fee payment
Pay visa fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with visa from embassy/consulate

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - Temporary Residence)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 35 business days (15 for residence, 20 for work permit)
Fee: $200-500 USD plus $25 application fee
Validity: 1-5 years based on employment contract
Entry: Single entry

Work permits require first obtaining temporary residence permit. Temporary residence is valid for 1-5 years based on employment contract. Must be sponsored by legally registered Guatemalan employer. As of April 2026, stricter background checks required including police clearance certificates.

Eligibility

Employment
Must have job offer from legally registered company in Guatemala

Required status: Employment contract with registered Guatemalan company
Criminal record
As of April 2026, must obtain police clearance certificate and criminal clearance certificate from each country of legal residence for past 5 years, apostilled or legalized

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size colour photographs
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
Police clearance
Validity months: 6

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, employment contract, employer letter, police clearance and criminal background check from all countries of residence in past 5 years
Document submission
Employer or employee submits temporary residence permit application to Ministry of Interior. Proof of application is required for work permit.
Fee payment
Pay residence permit fee based on duration (1 year: $200, 2 years: $300, 3-5 years: $500, plus $25 application fee)
Processing wait
Wait for temporary residence approval

Medical visa (Medical Treatment Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 15 business days
Fee: $50 USD
Entry: Single entry

For foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in Guatemala. Duration tied to length of treatment and recovery. Guatemala City offers full range of medical care; options limited outside capital.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must provide medical appointment confirmation, treatment plan, and medical records from healthcare provider
Financial
Must demonstrate ability to pay for medical treatment. Most hospitals require payment before treatment. Payment plans generally not offered.

Minimum funds: Sufficient for medical treatment costs

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size colour photographs
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Guatemala; Minimum coverage: Medical treatment and evacuation
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, medical appointment confirmation, treatment plan, medical records, financial proof, insurance documents
Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Guatemalan embassy or consulate
Document submission
Submit medical visa application with all medical and financial documentation
Fee payment
Pay medical visa fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with medical visa (duration based on treatment length)

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.