1. What is the current visa policy for traveling to Guatemala?

The current visa policy for traveling to Guatemala varies depending on the traveler’s nationality.

1. Nationals of the United States, Canada, and most European countries:
– Tourist visa not required for stays up to 90 days
– Business visa not required for stays up to 90 days
– Entry may be refused if passport has less than 6 months validity remaining

2. Nationals of some South American and Caribbean countries:
– Tourist visa not required for stays up to 90 days
– Business visa not required for stays up to 90 days
– Some countries may require a transit or tourist card fee upon entry

3. Nationals of other countries, including Africa and Asia:
– Tourist visa required for all visits
– Business visa required for all visits
– Entry may be refused if passport has less than 6 months validity remaining

It is recommended to check with the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information regarding specific requirements and fees.

Additionally, all travelers must have a valid passport and onwards/return ticket. Some travelers may also need proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Guatemala.

2. Is there an eVisa option available?
Yes, there is an eVisa option available through the Government of Guatemala’s official website. This option is currently available for nationals of some Asian and African countries who wish to travel to Guatemala as tourists or business visitors. However, this does not exempt travelers from other entry requirements such as having a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds.

3. Are there any additional entry requirements?
In addition to having a valid passport and sufficient funds, some travelers may also need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination if they are coming from a country where yellow fever is present.

Travelers should also consult with their local health department or healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations before traveling to Guatemala.

4. Can I extend my stay in Guatemala?
Yes, visitors can extend their stay in Guatemala for an additional 90 days by visiting the Immigration Office (Dirección General de Migración) in Guatemala City. An extension fee will be required.

5. Can I work while on a tourist or business visa?
No, it is not permissible to work while on a tourist or business visa in Guatemala. Those intending to work should apply for a work visa before entering the country.

Additionally, tourists and business travelers are prohibited from engaging in any activities that generate income or profit while in the country. This includes performing at concerts or other events, selling goods or services, and providing consulting services.

6. Are there any restrictions for dual citizens?
Guatemala recognizes dual citizenship, so dual citizens can enter with their Guatemalan passport without needing a visa. However, they may be subject to additional requirements such as military service obligations if they have not completed it in the past.

7. Are there any COVID-19 related entry requirements?
Yes, all travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 96 hours before arrival in Guatemala. This requirement does not apply to children under 10 years old.

2. Do I need a visa to enter Guatemala as a tourist?

Yes, citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Guatemala. However, visas are not required for citizens of some countries for visits up to 90 days. To find out if you need a visa, you can check the list of countries on the website of the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contact your nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate.

3. How can I apply for a tourist visa to Guatemala?
To apply for a tourist visa to Guatemala, you will need to submit an application at your nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate. The specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your country of citizenship, so it is best to contact the embassy or consulate directly for more information.

4. How long is the tourist visa valid for?
The tourist visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of entry into Guatemala. However, this may vary depending on your country of citizenship and specific circumstances. It is important to check with the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your country for more accurate and up-to-date information.

5. Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days in Guatemala as a tourist?
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay beyond 90 days in Guatemala as a tourist. However, you will need to apply for an extension at the Immigration Office (Dirección General de Migración) at least one week before your current visa expires.

6. What documents do I need to provide when applying for a tourist visa?
The specific documents required may vary based on your country of citizenship and individual circumstances, but generally you will need:

– A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
– Completed visa application form
– Letter stating purpose of travel
– Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay in Guatemala
– Return ticket or proof of onward travel
– Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from certain countries)
– Visa fee

7. How long does it take to process a tourist visa?
The processing time for a tourist visa may vary depending on your country of citizenship and individual circumstances. It is best to check with the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your country for more information. Generally, it can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks.

8. Can I apply for the tourist visa upon arrival in Guatemala?
No, you cannot apply for a tourist visa upon arrival in Guatemala. You must obtain a visa before arriving in the country by submitting an application at your nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate.

9. Are there any additional requirements for minors traveling to Guatemala?
If you are traveling to Guatemala with a minor, you will need additional documentation, including:

– A notarized letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians
– Copy of birth certificate
– Copies of parents’ passports or IDs

It is recommended to check with the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements and procedures.

10. What happens if my passport expires while I am in Guatemala?
If your passport expires while you are in Guatemala, you will need to contact your embassy or consulate immediately to renew your passport. Traveling on an expired passport may result in difficulties when leaving the country and could lead to fines or penalties.

3. Are there any exemptions for certain nationalities in regards to visa requirements in Guatemala?

Yes, some nationalities may be exempt from visa requirements in Guatemala. These include citizens of certain countries who are only staying for tourism purposes or on a layover, and citizens of Central American countries who hold a valid residence permit. Additionally, citizens of the United States, Canada, and many European countries can enter Guatemala with just a valid passport for stays of up to 90 days.

4. How long does it typically take to obtain a visa for Guatemala?

The average processing time for a visa for Guatemala is approximately two weeks. However, it can take longer depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for sufficient processing time.

5. Is there an option for expedited processing of visa applications for Guatemala?

Yes, the Guatemalan government does offer an expedited processing option for visa applications. Applicants can pay an additional fee for the expedited service and their visa application will be processed within a shorter time frame. The exact length of time for expedited processing may vary depending on the type of visa being applied for and the workload of the embassy or consulate handling the application. It is recommended to contact the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate for specific information on expedited processing times and fees.

6. Are vaccinations required for entry into Guatemala?

It depends on the traveler’s country of origin. According to Guatemala’s Ministry of Health, travelers from countries with a risk of yellow fever (including several countries in Africa and South America) are required to show proof of vaccination upon entry. Additionally, travelers coming from countries where there is an outbreak of measles must also show proof of vaccination. It is recommended to check with the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on required vaccinations for your specific situation.

7. Is there a limit on how long I am allowed to stay in Guatemala on a tourist visa?

Yes, tourists are typically allowed to stay in Guatemala for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. However, if you wish to extend your stay, you can do so by applying for an extension at a immigration office before your initial 90 days expire. The maximum length of an extended tourist visa is six months.

8. Can I work or volunteer while on a tourist visa in Guatemala?

Yes, you can work or volunteer while on a tourist visa in Guatemala as long as the work or volunteering is unpaid and does not involve any income-generating activities. If you wish to engage in paid work or long-term volunteering, you will need to obtain a work visa from the Guatemalan immigration authorities before beginning your activities. It is important to follow all laws and regulations regarding employment and volunteering while in Guatemala.

9. Is it possible to extend my tourist visa once I am already in Guatemala?

Yes, you can extend your tourist visa while in Guatemala. You will need to go to the Immigration Office in Guatemala City and present your current passport, proof of financial support (such as bank statements), proof of onward travel, and pay the extension fee. The extension process usually takes a few days and it is best to start the process before your current visa expires. It is also recommended to contact the Immigration Office in advance for specific requirements and fees.

10. What are the necessary documents and fees required for a visa application to Guatemala?

The necessary documents and fees required for a visa application to Guatemala may vary depending on the purpose of travel and the applicant’s nationality. However, some common requirements and fees may include:

1. Completed visa application form: This can be obtained from the nearest embassy or consulate of Guatemala.

2. Valid passport: The passport must have at least six months validity remaining and should have two blank pages for visa stamps.

3. Passport-sized photographs: Usually two recent color photographs are required, but it is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate for their specific requirements.

4. Proof of travel arrangements: This may include a round-trip airline ticket reservation or itinerary.

5. Proof of accommodation: Such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Guatemala.

6. Financial documentation: This could be bank statements, pay slips, or proof of sponsorship, to show that the applicant can financially support themselves during their stay in Guatemala.

7. Letter of employment or study enrollment (if applicable).

8. Vaccination certificate (if required).

9. Visa fee: The cost of visa varies depending on the type and duration of stay and is payable upon submission of the application. It is non-refundable even if the visa is not granted.

10. Any additional documents requested by the embassy or consulate based on the purpose of travel or individual circumstances.

It is important to note that these requirements are subject to change and may differ based on individual cases, so it is recommended to consult with the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate for up-to-date information before submitting an application.

11. Are there any specific requirements or restrictions for business travelers entering Guatemala?

Yes, business travelers entering Guatemala must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity. They may also need to obtain a business visa depending on their nationality and the purpose of their trip.

If the business traveler is conducting paid work in Guatemala, they will need to obtain a work permit before entering the country.

There may also be specific entry requirements or restrictions in place due to COVID-19. It is important for business travelers to check with their embassy or consulate for the latest information and guidelines before traveling.

12. Do minors require a separate visa when traveling with their parents or legal guardians to Guatemala?

No, minors traveling with their parents or legal guardians to Guatemala do not require a separate visa. They can enter the country with their parents’ or legal guardians’ visa. However, minors must have a valid passport and other required documents. It is recommended to check with the Guatemalan embassy/consulate in your country for any additional requirements for minors traveling to Guatemala.

13. What is the duration of validity for a tourist visa to enter Guatemala?

A tourist visa for Guatemala is valid for 90 days.

14. Can I enter and exit multiple times with one single-entry tourist visa for travels within Guatemala?

No, a single-entry tourist visa only allows you to enter Guatemala once. If you plan on leaving and re-entering Guatemala multiple times during your travels, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry visa.

15. Can I apply for a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Guatemala?

No, you cannot apply for a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Guatemala. Visitors must obtain a tourist visa before arriving in the country by applying at a Guatemalan consulate or embassy in their home country.

16. Does my passport need to have a minimum number of months remaining before expiration in order to apply for a visa to enter Guatemala?

Yes, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Guatemala. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you will not be allowed to enter the country and should renew your passport before applying for a visa.

17. Will my criminal record affect my eligibility for obtaining a visa to enter Guatemala?

Yes, your criminal record may affect your eligibility for obtaining a visa to enter Guatemala. Each individual case is evaluated on its own merits and decisions are made at the discretion of the Guatemalan immigration authorities. It is important to disclose any past criminal convictions or charges on your visa application and be prepared to provide additional documentation or information if requested. Your ability to obtain a visa may also depend on the severity and nature of the offense and whether it poses a potential risk to public safety in Guatemala.

18. What are the consequences if I overstay my tourist visa period in Guatemala?

If you overstay your tourist visa period in Guatemala, you may face the following consequences:

1. Fines and penalties: If you overstay your visa for more than 90 days, you will be required to pay a fine before leaving the country. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the duration of your overstay.

2. Entry restrictions: Overstaying your tourist visa may result in being barred from re-entering Guatemala in the future. This may impact any future travel plans you have to the country.

3. Legal action: In serious cases of overstaying, you may be subject to legal action which could result in deportation and/or imprisonment.

4. Difficulty obtaining a new visa: Overstaying your visa may make it difficult for you to obtain a new one in the future. Immigration officials may view your previous violation as a red flag and deny your application.

5. Difficulties with employment or other activities: Overstaying your visa could impact your ability to participate in certain activities or obtain employment in Guatemala.

It is important to always follow immigration laws and regulations when traveling to ensure a safe and smooth experience.

19.Is it possible to convert from one type of temporary residency permit (such as student, work, or family) to another while remaining within country limits in Guatemala?

Yes, it is possible to convert from one type of temporary residency permit to another while staying within country limits in Guatemala. This process is known as “cambio de categoría” (change of category) and can be requested at the General Directorate of Migration. However, the approval of the change will depend on meeting the requirements and criteria for the new type of permit. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer or official authority before applying for a change of category to ensure that all necessary documents are in order and the correct procedures are followed.

20.What are the mandatory requirements regarding passport photos and sizes for visa application in Guatemala?

The following are the mandatory requirements for passport photos and sizes for visa application in Guatemala:

1. Size: The photo must be 2 inches x 2 inches (5 cm x 5 cm) in size.

2. Color: The photo must be in color, with a white or off-white background.

3. Format: The photo must be a recent, full-face frontal shot with a neutral facial expression.

4. Head size and position: The head should measure between 1 inch to 13/8 inches (25mm to 35 mm) from the chin to the crown of the head. The face should be centered in the frame, looking directly at the camera, and filling up most of the frame.

5. Quality: The photo must be clear, with good resolution and contrast. It should not have any creases or tears.

6. No glasses: You should not wear eyeglasses while taking your photo unless you have a medical condition that requires them.

7. Headwear: You are not allowed to wear hats or other head coverings except for religious purposes. However, your face must still be clearly visible in the photo.

8. No uniform or camouflage: Do not wear any uniform or camouflage attire while taking your photo.

9. Photo paper: Your photo must be printed on glossy or matte paper of high quality.

10. Date of capture and signature: The date on which you took the photo should appear on it. Additionally, if your photograph’s back bears any writing, it needs to include your signature.

11.Old photos: Do not use old photos taken more than six months ago as they may significantly change your appearance since then.

It is essential to carefully follow these requirements so that your visa application is not rejected due to incorrect photos.