Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Guatemala due to crime.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Guatemala due to COVID-19.
Guatemala has lifted stay at home orders, and resumed some transportation options and business operations. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Guatemala.
Reconsider travel to:
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Read the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Guatemala:
Guatemala Department– Reconsider Travel
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
The following zones are of particular concern in Guatemala City due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 21, and 24. Guatemala International Airport is located in Zone 13. Take appropriate security measures when traveling to and from the airport.
Do not hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand from the airport or hotel taxis.
Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways in the Guatemala Department and listed zones in Guatemala City.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Escuintla Department – Reconsider Travel
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Chiquimula Department– Reconsider Travel
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Quetzaltenango Department – Reconsider Travel
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Izabal Department – Reconsider Travel
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Petén Department – Reconsider Travel
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Tikal is located in Peten Department. Fly directly into Flores airport if possible.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.