Travel Summary
- We continue to advise against all but essential travel to neighbouring Honduras, with the exception of the Bay Islands, due to the ongoing political crisis. Neighbouring countries (El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua) may close land borders and stop air links at short notice. Anyone intending to travel to or through Honduras should contact his or her travel operator for further advice and to keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media, the FCO’s Travel Advice on Honduras and by checking our Embassy’s website at www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.u k.
- On 4 November a foreign tourist was shot whilst taking a taxi tour of Puerto Barrios after disembarking from a Cruise Ship. Passengers and visitors from Cruise Ships are advised to only take recognised tours from the Cruise Ships and that they confirm their tour itinerary with the boat, port authority or with the Guatemalan Tourist representatives (INGUAT and ASISTUR).
- There has been a reported threat of possible kidnappings of foreign tourists in the Department of Izabal, especially in and around the towns of Puerto Barrios and Livingston, by local indigenous groups who are intent on using this as an ongoing method to draw attention to local grievances. In March 2008 4 Belgian Tourists were kidnapped in Rio Dulce for this reason.
- Since October there has been a slow build up of bacteria and algae in Lake Atitlan, which has resulted in a colour change in the water in some areas from clear to green/brown. Local scientific and media studies have declared that the water in the lake is no longer safe for bathing or drinking. Most local restaurants have stopped serving fish. Should you fall ill during a trip to the lake, or immediately after, you are advised to seek medical advice..
- We advise against climbing the Tajumulco volcano in San Marcos or visiting the surrounding area due to unrest in local communities involved in land use disputes. There have also been several armed attacks on tourists climbing Pacaya, Agua and Acatenango volcanoes. We recommend you only climb these, and Fuego, Santiaguito, and Tacana as part of a group with a professional guide and in daylight hours.
- Since 4 April 2009, there have been a series of earth tremors throughout the country measuring above 4 on the Richter scale. Please continue to monitor our travel advice before travelling to Guatemala.
- Since March 2009 there has been an increase in violence with co-ordinated attacks on buses, which has left over a hundred dead. While foreigners and tourists are not directly targeted, you should remain vigilant at all times in urban centres and crowded public areas.
- We advise against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US school buses) for security reasons. There have been reports of violent muggings, including rape and assault against foreigners on these buses. Private inter-city coach services are not included in this restriction and are generally a safer alternative. See the Local Travel (Public buses and coaches services) section of this advice for more details.
- There continue to be armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from and around major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. The most recent involving a British National was assaulted on 3 November on the road to Tikal. You are advised to avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. You should use the Pan American Highway to Solola instead. The road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) should also be avoided where possible. Tourists have also been attacked on minor roads around Lake Atitlan, and in particular the road between Santiago Atitlan and San Pedro. There are frequent boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.
- There has been an increase of "express kidnappings" at ATM machines, petrol station forecourts, and shopping centres and of robberies in and around the area of the airport, zone 10 and Los Proceres Boulevard. These attacks usually involve the use of firearms and are also conducted an coordinated my motor cycle riders. We advise caution in these areas; and keep cash and valuable items out of sight. Please see the Crime Section.
- Large demonstrations occur throughout Guatemala, often with little or no notice, and can cause serious traffic and other disruptions. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. The most recent demonstrations over the weekend of 5 and 6 December lead to the destruction of four police vehicles and disruption on roads in and out of Panajachel on Lake Atitilan. See the Political Situation section of this advice.
- The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Seethe Natural Disasters (Rainy Season/Landslides) section of this advice and our Tropical Cyclones page.
- 12 British nationals required consular assistance in Guatemala in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (3 cases); hospitalisations (2 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (2 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (29 cases). The risk of violent crime, such as armed robbery and mugging, is real and there have been armed attacks in daylight hours at tourist sites. Travelling at night or visiting remote places on your own greatly increases the risk of you becoming a victim of crime. See the Crime section of this advice.
- There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and our Travel insurance page.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism in Guatemala and there has been no history of domestic terrorism since the end of the 36-year civil war in 1996. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see our Terrorism abroad page.
Crime
On 4 November a foreign tourist was shot whilst taking a taxi tour or Purto Barrios after disembarking from a Cruise Ship. Passengers and visitors from Cruise Ships are advised to only take recognised tours from Cruise Ships and that they confirm their tour itinerary with the boat, port authority or with the Guatemalan Tourist representatives (INGUAT and ASISTUR).
Two British tourists were attacked in May 2009 at the Cerro de la Cruz lookout point in Antigua. The local tourist authority ASISTUR and local police offer escorted trips to the view point. Tourists are advised not to climb the steps or use the road to this vantage point without first seeking an escort. It is also advisable to avoid visiting Cerro de la Cruz at lunchtimes between 12:00 and 14:00 when there is no police presence.
There continue to be armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from and around major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. The most recent involving a British National was on 3 November on the road to Tikal. You are advised to avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. You should use the Pan American Highway to Solola instead. The road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) should also be avoided where possible. Tourists have also been attacked on minor roads around Lake Atitlan, and in particular the road between Santiago Atitlan and San Pedro. There are frequent boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.
Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America with around 40 murders a week in Guatemala City alone and a total of 98 per week in the whole country. Although the majority of serious crime involves local gangs and does not occur in tourist areas, violent attacks on tourists, including carjackings, assault, armed robbery, murder and rape have increased in the past few years and can happen anywhere. Guns are commonly used, and there is a low arrest and conviction rate for perpetrators. You should take your personal security seriously and be aware of your surroundings at all times. For more general information see our Rape and sexual assault abroad page.
Despite the high levels of crime most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free. Around 25,000 British citizens visited Guatemala in 2008 and the overwhelming majority of visitors were unaffected by crime. In recent years, the Guatemalan Government has taken steps to address the issue of crime against tourists, in particular by expanding the Tourist Police. This has helped reduce crime against foreigners in some tourist areas.
There has been an increase of “express kidnappings” at ATM machines, petrol station forecourts, and shopping centres. There has also been a reported increase of robberies that occur in and around the area of the airport, zone 10 and Los Proceres Boulevard. These attacks usually involve the use of firearms and are also conducted and coordinated by motor cycle riders. We advise caution in circulating in these areas and not to display wealth or valuable items.
When travelling in Guatemala you should be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them. The following advice may help:
- Assailants generally carry guns and are prepared to use them. Victims have been killed and injured resisting attack.
- You should avoid displaying items of value such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones. You are advised not to wear jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash.
- Consider your transport options carefully when travelling between cities or tourist sites. There have been several armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from places such as Coban, Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. We advise against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US school buses) for security reasons. Private inter-city buses are generally safer, although attacks can also occur on these. Some routes between popular tourist sites should be avoided. See the Local Travel Section for more information.
- For shorter trips within towns and cities the safest option is to take radio or hotel taxis. You should avoid walking in unfamiliar areas or catching local city buses or unofficial taxis. When arriving at the airport you can buy pre-paid taxi vouchers from the INGUAT Tourist Office (in the arrivals terminal).
- You should keep valuables out of sight on arrival at Guatemala City. Carjackings and armed robberies on travellers arriving at the airport have increased. Victims have been followed and attacked some distance from the airport. Visibly carrying a laptop bag on arrival at the airport may increase your likelihood of being targeted.
- It is safer to change money at hotels and use ATMs in shopping centres or department stores. It is wise not to withdraw too much money at one time. There have been several armed attacks on foreigners, including a British tourist in April, after they have withdrawn money from ATMs. You should avoid withdrawing money at night.
- Avoid travelling on your own or at night especially at border crossings or areas where there are few other people around. The risk of attack increases at night, so you are advised to travel during the day.
- You should take particular care when travelling around Guatemala City, especially in Zone 1 where many cheaper hotels are situated and several bus routes terminate. Zones 9, 10 (Zona Viva) and 14 are considered the safest areas of Guatemala City. However, the risk of violent crime exists in all zones of the city.
- You should avoid approaching or taking pictures of Guatemalan children without permission from the child’s parent or guardian. This is particularly important advice to follow in more remote areas such as Quiche, Peten, San Marcos and Chiqimula provinces. There has been an increase in the number of lynchings and attempted lynchings related to accusations and fears of child kidnapping for adoption or theft of vital organs. Foreigners have become caught up in these violent reactions.
- You should be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers. There have been reports of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by people dressed in police uniforms.
- We advise against climbing the Tajumulco volcano in San Marcos or visiting the surrounding area due to unrest amongst local communities involved in land use disputes. When climbing volcanoes or walking in remote areas, it is safer to go with others and hire a guide or take part in a tour with a reputable company and only conduct this activity in daylight hours. There have been several armed attacks on tourists climbing Pacaya, Agua and Acatenango volcanoes.
- You should consider purchasing the local Asistur card on arrival at the international airport (INGUAT booth, 2nd floor). The card can provide you with emergency assistance and guidance during your stay. You can also contact INGUAT (service available in English), the Guatemalan Tourist Institute on their 24 hour number (502) 2421 2810 (or 1550 in country) for security information and advice.
Petty crime is widespread in urban areas and at tourist sites. You should be particularly careful of your belongings at bus stations, airports and crowded tourist places. Theft is common in Antigua and Zone 1 in Guatemala City. You should keep your valuables locked away in a safe or keep them on your person when travelling. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes.
For more general information see our Victims of crime abroad page.
Guatemala Country Profile
You should exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala, as incidents of political violence, roadblocks, strikes and large demonstrations can occur, often with little or no notice. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. The use of roadblocks and/or blocking of public facilities, including the international airport, has increased and these may affect your travel plans. You should be aware that some demonstrations in the capital and at strategic points on the country's main highways have turned violent.
For more general information see our Victims of crime abroad page.
Political Situation
Guatemala Country Profile
You should exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala, as incidents of political violence, roadblocks, strikes and large demonstrations can occur, often with little or no notice. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. The use of roadblocks and/or blocking of public facilities, including the international airport, has increased and these may affect your travel plans. You should be aware that some demonstrations in the capital and at strategic points on the country's main highways have turned violent.
The most recent demonstrations over the weekend of 5 and 6 December lead to the destruction of four police vehicles and disruption on roads in and out of Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. Tourists were forced to take refuge in the local fire station and many businesses closed their doors.
Local Travel
You can obtain up-to-date security information through INGUAT (service available in English), the Guatemalan Tourist Institute. INGUAT’s tourist assistance service, ASISTER, can be reached on (502) 2421 2810 and (502) 5578 9836. You may also dial 1500 in Guatemala.
On 4 November a foreign tourist was shot whilst taking a taxi tour of Puerto Barrios after disembarking from a Cruise Ship. Passengers and visitors from Cruise Ships are advised to only take recognised tours from Cruise Ships and that they confirm their tour itinerary with the boat, port authority or with the Guatemalan Tourist representatives (INGUAT and ASISTUR).
There has been a reported threat of possible kidnappings of foreign tourists in the Department of Izabal, especially in and around the towns of Puerto Barrios and Livingston, by local indigenous groups who are intent on using this as an ongoing method to draw attention to local grievances. In March 2008 four Belgian Tourists were kidnapped in Rio Dulce for this reason.
Two British tourists were attacked in May 2009 at the Cerro de la Cruz lookout point in Antigua. The local tourist authority ASISTUR and local police offer escorted trips to the view point. Tourists are advised not to climb the steps or use the road to this vantage point without first seeking an escort. it is also advisable to avoid visiting Cerro de la Cruz at lunchtimes between 12:00 and 14:00 when there is no police presence.
Tourists should be aware that there has been a spate of attacks on tourists on motorised and sailing boats in the Livingstone/Rio Dulce area. Assailants have boarded boats armed with machetes and robbed tourists of valuables and money. One such attack led to the death of an American tourist on 10 August 2008.
There continue to be armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. The most recent involving a British National was on 3 November on the road to Tikal. You are advised to avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. You should use the Pan American Highway to Solola instead. The road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) should also be avoided where possible. Armed attacks on tourists have also taken place on minor roads around Lake Atitlan , and in particular, the road between Santiago Atitlan and San Pedro. There are frequent boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.
Car-jackings and armed hold-ups are increasingly common on the main road 'carretera Salvador' leading from Guatemala City to the border with El Salvador. The crossroads at Fraijanes, San Jose Punula an Las Luces are also focal points for express kidnappings.
We specifically recommend the use of the main Inter-American road highway between Panajachel and Solola. To visit other tourist destinations around Lake Atitlan use the water route from Panajachel. On 5 September 2008, the local tourist support unit Asistur issued recommendations for routes to be taken when travelling in and around Solola, Panajachel and Lake Atitlan. Please contact them for further details.
Asistur also offer an escort service for tourists groups or individuals travelling locally in the region. Please contact them on the number above for more information regarding this service.
Tourists have been injured exploring caves in Guatemala particularly during the rainy season between June and November. You should ensure that you use registered and licensed operators before undertaking caving activities.
Public buses and coach services
When travelling in Guatemala you should carefully consider your route and transport options in advance.
We advise against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US School buses) for security reasons. There have been reports of violent muggings, including rape and assault against foreigners on these buses. You should be aware that UK based members of the British Embassy, their dependants and official British visitors are instructed not to use these buses because of the risk of violent robbery and accidents.
Private inter-city coach services are not included in this restriction and are generally a safer alternative. However, there have been armed attacks, including rape, on cars and buses (including tourist buses) during daylight hours on well-used, main roads.
Guatemala City Council no longer permits some inter-city buses to enter the city centre. Passengers are dropped at various points on the outskirts. You should take this into account when planning your journeys.
Border areas
You should pay particular attention to your security at the border areas with Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. You should avoid openly changing large amounts of money and make sure valuables are kept out of sight. It is often better to cross borders in the morning as borders often close in the early evening and it also allows time for you to reach your destination before dark. You should exercise particular care when travelling in the Belize/Guatemala border area because of the ongoing dispute between the two countries. You are advised to use only the officially recognised border crossings.
We continue to advise against all but essential travel to neighbouring Honduras, with the exception of the Bay Islands, due to the ongoing political crisis. Although elections took place on 29 November as scheduled work on political and national reconciliation is still ongoing. As a result of these events the situation, particularly the capital Tegucigalpa, remains unpredictable and may cahnge very quickly. Equally neighbouring countries (El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua) may close land borders and stop air links at short notice. The curfew previously in place in Honduras has been lifted, but could be reintroduced at any time should there be a change in the situation in Honduras. Anyone intending to travel to or through Honduras should contact his or her travel operator for further advice and to keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media, the FCO’s Travel Advice on Honduras and by checking our Embassy’s website at www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.u k.
We continue to advise against all but essential travel to neighbouring Honduras, with the exception of the Bay Islands, due to the ongoing political crisis. Although elections took place on 29 November as scheduled work on political and national reconciliation is still ongoing. As a result of these events the situation, particularly the capital Tegucigalpa, remains unpredictable and may cahnge very quickly. Equally neighbouring countries (El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua) may close land borders and stop air links at short notice. The curfew previously in place in Honduras has been lifted, but could be reintroduced at any time should there be a change in the situation in Honduras. Anyone intending to travel to or through Honduras should contact his or her travel operator for further advice and to keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media, the FCO’s Travel Advice on Honduras and by checking our Embassy’s website at www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.u k.
Road Travel
You can use your UK Driving License to drive in Guatemala for visits under three months. However, you are recommended to hold an International Driving Permit.
When travelling by car, it is generally safer to travel on main roads between major cities and tourist destinations. Quieter routes and poor road conditions increase the risk of attack. Travelling in a convoy of more than one car may be safer.
Roads between the main tourist locations in Guatemala are of an acceptable standard. In more isolated locations, roads are unpaved and four-wheel drive vehicles are advisable. Driving standards are variable compared with the UK. You should drive carefully and expect the unexpected. Adequate car insurance is essential.
If you are involved in an accident you should contact the National Police by calling 120 or the fire brigade by dialling 122 or 123. If you are involved in an accident you should normally wait for the police to arrive.
It is illegal in the Department of Guatemala to have more than one person riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists throughout the country are also required to wear a black vest and helmet with the registration number. Motorcyclists violating the law are required to pay a fine of Q1000 (around £80).
It is illegal in the Department of Guatemala to have more than one person riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists throughout the country are also required to wear a black vest and helmet with the registration number. Motorcyclists violating the law are required to pay a fine of Q1000 (around £80).
Many public buses are poorly maintained and accidents are common and occasionally fatal.
For more general information see our Driving abroad page.
For more general information see our Driving abroad page.
Local laws and customs
There are stiff penalties for drug trafficking (10-20 years) and drug use (8-15 years). Guatemalan prisons are overcrowded, violent, unsanitary, and disease is rife.
You should refrain from taking pictures without permission, especially in the case of children. See the Crime section above for details. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.
In Guatemala City, local people are largely tolerant of individual’s personal lifestyles and small displays of affection between same sex couples are accepted. A more conservative attitude prevails outside Guatemala City and public displays of affection by same-sex couples are not recommended.
You should carry a photocopy of your personal details page for identification purposes.
For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.
You should refrain from taking pictures without permission, especially in the case of children. See the Crime section above for details. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.
In Guatemala City, local people are largely tolerant of individual’s personal lifestyles and small displays of affection between same sex couples are accepted. A more conservative attitude prevails outside Guatemala City and public displays of affection by same-sex couples are not recommended.
You should carry a photocopy of your personal details page for identification purposes.
For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.
Entry requirements
Visas
Visas are not required by British citizens to enter Guatemala and can visit freely for up to 90 days. If your stay in Guatemala is longer than 90 days you should go to the General Directorate of Migration in Guatemala to apply for an extension to the 90-day rule.
If you would like to clarify any other information on entry requirements you should contact the Guatemalan Embassy in London.
Passport validity
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity before travelling to Guatemala.
Central America Border Control Agreement
Central America Border Control Agreement
Guatemala is part of the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists may travel within any of the CA-4 countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a period of up to 90 day, without completing entry and exit formalities at border Immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90-day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires. If you are expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.
Departure Tax
There is a US$30 (or Quetzal equivalent) airport departure tax which is normally included in the price of the ticket. An additional security tax of US$3 is payable at the airport. For internal flights there is a five Quetzal per person travel tax, which is also payable at airline check-in desks.
When crossing into Guatemala by land border, there have been numerous reports of customs/immigration officials charging an "entry fee". This is illegal. By asking for an official receipt for your money you may find that the "fee" is dropped.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at Guatemalan immigration, please contact the Guatemalan Embassy in London.
Health
Since October there has been a slow build up of bacteria and algae in Lake Atitlan, which has resulted in a colour change in the water in some areas from clear to green/brown. Local scientific and media studies have declared that the water in the lake and is no longer safe for bathing or drinking. Should you fall ill during a trip to the lake, or immediately after, you are advised to seek medical advice.
There is no in-country Swine Flu quarantine policy but screening equipment has been installed at airports to check incoming passengers only.
Hospitals in Guatemala are reluctant to give medical treatment unless they can be satisfied that you have medical insurance. It is therefore essential that you carry evidence of your insurance cover at all times. State-funded hospitals are on the whole under-staffed, under-funded, ill equipped, and are often unhygienic. You should use private clinics where possible.
Malaria occurs in low-lying areas outside Guatemala City.
Dengue fever occurs throughout the year. There was a reported outbreak of Dengue fever in the Department of Izabal in September 2009, especially in and around the towns of Puerto Barrios and Livingston. There were confirmed cases of Classic Dengue and Dengue Hemorragico. You are advised to take additional health precautions against mosquitoes and be advised that the Authorities are publically spraying a mixture of insecticide and diesel to combat the outbreak. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region, with an increase in the number of reported cases in the common border areas shared with El Salvador and Honduras.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 53,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guatemala were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Guatemala and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health, Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health website. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.
Natural disasters
Rainy Season/Landslides
The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see our Tropical Cyclones page.
Heavy rains cause frequent flooding, landslides and collapsed roads and bridges throughout the country. Roads may become blocked at any moment.
Volcanoes
Four of Guatemala's volcanoes are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego,Santiaguito and Tacana. A state of yellow alert is in place for Pacaya, Fuego and Santiaguito. All three volcanoes erupt intermittently, and you should exercise caution in the vicinity. There is also a lesser state of alert (green) for the Tacana volcano.
We recommend you only climb Fuego, Santiaguito, Pacaya and Tacana as part of a group with a professional guide. When climbing Fuego and Santiaguito, you should avoid the areas around the craters.
We advise against climbing the Tajumulco volcano in San Marcos or visiting the surrounding area due to unrest amongst local communities involved in land use disputes. When climbing volcanoes or walking in remote areas, it is safer to go with others and hire a guide or take part in a tour with a reputable company and only conduct this activity in daylight hours. There have been several armed attacks on tourists climbing Pacaya, Agua and Acatenango volcanoes.
For further information on volcano warnings please check with the Humanitarian Early Warning System - Volcanoes Watch.
Guatemala is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. Since 4 April 2009 there have been a series of earth tremors measuring over 4 on the Richter scale throughout the country. On 29 May an earthquake measuring 7.1 off the Atlantic coast of Honduras was felt in Guatemala City and surrounding areas but caused no injuries or major damage; a tremor of 4.8 on 14 June killed one person in Quiche.
We advise against climbing the Tajumulco volcano in San Marcos or visiting the surrounding area due to unrest amongst local communities involved in land use disputes. When climbing volcanoes or walking in remote areas, it is safer to go with others and hire a guide or take part in a tour with a reputable company and only conduct this activity in daylight hours. There have been several armed attacks on tourists climbing Pacaya, Agua and Acatenango volcanoes.
For further information on volcano warnings please check with the Humanitarian Early Warning System - Volcanoes Watch.
Earthquakes
Guatemala is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. Since 4 April 2009 there have been a series of earth tremors measuring over 4 on the Richter scale throughout the country. On 29 May an earthquake measuring 7.1 off the Atlantic coast of Honduras was felt in Guatemala City and surrounding areas but caused no injuries or major damage; a tremor of 4.8 on 14 June killed one person in Quiche.
You should ensure that you know what action to take should an earthquake occur. If staying in a hotel read their earthquake instructions. During an earthquake, you should drop to the ground and take cover under sturdy furniture, in a doorway or next to an inside wall, away from windows or objects which may fall. Cover your head with a pillow or your arms and wait for the earthquake to stop, before moving to a safe area outside.
Further advice may be found on American Red Cross - Earthquake.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel insurance page.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is our How we can help page.
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
More information about registering with LOCATE
You may also register in person by calling into the British Embassy in Guatemala City.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is our How we can help page.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
More information about registering with LOCATE
You may also register in person by calling into the British Embassy in Guatemala City.
Passports
Passports should be left in a hotel safe/deposit box, but you should carry a photocopy of your travel document for identification purposes. You should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages before you travel.
The British Embassy in Guatemala City does not issue standard passports. Applications for new passports should be sent to the UK Passport Service for the Americas and Caribbean in Washington. Details of the process can be found at their website www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/passports. The process may take up to 10 working days. If a courier is used, the cost will be borne by the applicant.
However, in emergencies and some circumstances, we are able to process emergency passports in Guatemala, but it is dependant on your situation. This document is only available if you have held a full passport previously. Please note that this passports is restrictive and only allows for one nominated journey and is not valid via the United States.
The British Embassy in Guatemala City does not issue standard passports. Applications for new passports should be sent to the UK Passport Service for the Americas and Caribbean in Washington. Details of the process can be found at their website www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/passports. The process may take up to 10 working days. If a courier is used, the cost will be borne by the applicant.
However, in emergencies and some circumstances, we are able to process emergency passports in Guatemala, but it is dependant on your situation. This document is only available if you have held a full passport previously. Please note that this passports is restrictive and only allows for one nominated journey and is not valid via the United States.
Money
You should not rely on debit cards as a means to transfer funds to Guatemala: ATMs sometimes reject them. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are more reliable. If credit cards are lost or stolen there may be difficulties obtaining a replacement as the main international courier services from the UK are refusing to accept them for delivery to Guatemala. See the Crime Section above for advice on changing and withdrawing money in Guatemala.
The US dollar is the only foreign currency that is freely exchangeable in Guatemala. It is possible to change Sterling only at the Banco del Quetzal.
