A simple process should be followed to obtain documents for travel to Guatemala. All United States citizens are required to have a U.S. passport with at least six months left to the expiration date before traveling to Guatemala. What they do need is a Guatemala visa.
If the duration of your stay is for less than ninety days, a U.S. citizen is not required to hold any other documentation besides a passport. An additional ninety-day extension can be applied for through Guatemalan Immigration, and if your original stay was for less than ninety days, then your extension will be granted for the same length of time. Travelers under the age of eighteen with a valid passport are not required to have parental or guardian permission to enter or exit the country.
Unless you reside in Central America, you must first have a valid passport to obtain a Guatemala travel visa. Guatemalan tourist visas and business visas alike can be issued based on the reason for traveling to the country. Tourist visas cover travel and sightseeing, family visits, attending lectures or classes, or unpaid athletic competition. It does not allow you to earn money or to be paid for any services while staying in Guatemala.
A business visa will allow an individual to travel with the basis that the visa holder will not provide technical assistance. Business visas are valid for thirty days and allow a maximum of three entries into the country.
The Guatemalan Embassy maintains a full listing of individuals required to have a visa based on country of citizenship. A processing time of 2-15 days can apply based on which country you live in and which Embassy office you used to apply. Fees and application requirements vary by country of residence.
You are free to travel in Guatemala as long as you have a valid Guatemalan visa. Upon entering Guatemala, your passport, visa and other important documents should be stored in a safe place. To avoid the risk of losing the original documents, you should carry copies with you at all times while inside the country. This will eliminate having to extend your stay to re-apply for entry into your country. During your stay, an official may request your passport or visa from you, and you may provide a copy of the requested document. However, you should also produce your original visa and passport as soon as possible.
Get a visa for Guatemala the quick and easy way.
If your passport or visa is lost or stolen while in Guatemala, an immediate police report should be filed with the Guatemalan Immigration Agency. You should re-apply for a replacement passport as soon as possible; other documentation should be supplied as needed to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala. A copy of the police report should be submitted with your request, and you should promptly respond to all requests for information by the Embassy or other government agencies. This is the only way of receiving permission to leave the country without a passport for your home country.
Travel to Guatemala can be a rewarding experience if you follow these simple processes.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Travel to Guatemala.
