Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[502] 2326-4000; US Embassy in Guatemala City, Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zona 10, Guatemala Ciudad, Guatemala;
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
502
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 123; Fire: 123; Police: 110
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guatemala: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands
Currency (Code)
Quetzales (GTQ)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Spanish, Maya languages
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Evangelical, other, atheist
Time Difference
UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Guatemala, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Mayan ruins of Tikal; Antigua Guatemala; Lake Atitlan; Chichicastenango Market; Quetzaltenango; Archaeological Park & Ruins of Quirigua
Major Sports
Soccer, futsal (type of indoor soccer on a hard court)
Cultural Practices
Guatemalans value honesty, family, honor, work, and education. Most Guatemalans are gracious and eager to find humor in most situations.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is a question of rewarding good service rather than an obligation. Restaurant bills do not include gratuities so adding 10% is customary. Bellhops and maids expect tips only in the most expensive hotels.
Souvenirs
Coffee, Mayan native textiles and jewelry, jade, wood carvings, leather goods, hammocks, baskets, ceramics
Traditional Cuisine
Pepián — a spicy stew made with chicken, beef, or pork and containing both fruit and vegetables and a mix of spices; traditionally served with rice and tortillas or Pupusas (thick corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings including refried beans, cheese, or pork and then fried)
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, June 04, 2024
