Guatemala is famous for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. It is a destination where you can experience ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant traditional festivals.
CapitalGuatemala City
Population17,915,568
Official language(s)Spanish
CurrencyQuetzal
Time zoneUTC-6
It's advisable to negotiate the taxi fare beforehand when using cabs in the city.
For tourism, Guatemala allows relatively short visa-free stays for many nationalities, but the permitted length and whether a visa is needed depend on your passport nationality. Check the latest rules for your nationality before you travel. Also, systems such as the U.S. ESTA, Korea K-ETA, UK ETA, Canada eTA, or Australia ETA are electronic travel authorization systems for specific countries, and they are different from advance online entry/declaration systems for immigration or customs information. Guatemala generally does not use a separate paper arrival card in the way some countries do, so follow the instructions given at the airport or border crossing.
Check passport and stay eligibility
Immigration officers may ask for a valid passport, onward or return travel proof, and basic details showing the purpose of your trip. Even if your nationality is visa-exempt, the allowed length of stay differs by passport, so confirm the rule for your nationality.
Answer inspection questions
At Guatemala immigration, officers may briefly ask about your length of stay, accommodation, and travel purpose. If requested, they may take biometric data such as a facial image or fingerprints, so follow the instructions calmly.
Check customs restrictions
Meat, dairy products, plants, fruit, and seeds may be subject to quarantine or import restrictions, so check them before packing in carry-on or checked baggage. If you have any goods that may need declaration, declare them honestly; when in doubt, it is safer to declare.
Follow the procedure for your entry point
Air and land entries may have different checks, so follow the instructions at the airport or border post. Eligibility for automated e-Gate use can vary depending on local operations and your nationality.
Recheck stay conditions before departure
Before leaving Guatemala, confirm your passport validity and the entry requirements for your next destination. If you have extended your stay or traveled in certain areas, additional checks may apply, so leave time in your schedule.
Pass exit control and baggage checks
At airports, exit control and security screening may be conducted, while land exits follow border-post procedures. Check your baggage again so you do not carry out prohibited agricultural products or other restricted items.
Check tax refund rules in advance
VAT or tax refund eligibility for purchases in Guatemala can vary by store and airport, so confirm the receipt and refund conditions when you buy. If a separate refund process applies, follow the designated counter or store instructions at the airport.