Welcome
to Guatemala!
From its dense jungles, geology, and vibrant indigenous traditions to its culture rooted in Central America, Guatemala, or the “Land of Eternal Spring” has quite a lot to offer. Before your trip to Guatemala, take a look at this list of tips and entry requirements so you can be best prepared.
- Travel insurance is not a requirement for Guatemala, though it is highly recommended, as foreign domestic health insurance will not be accepted.
- Travel medical insurance is recommended for travelers outside of the US, and can offer protection if you run into any unexpected medical emergencies.
- Visas are not mandatory for U.S. travelers, but a passport and proof of onward travel is required.
- Travel insurance can cover trip-related situations or medical emergencies during your time in Guatemala.
Is Travel Insurance Required for Guatemala?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Guatemala, but it is highly recommended. Medical emergencies can happen while you’re abroad, and domestic health insurance is generally not accepted in Guatemala, so having a policy with strong medical coverage is very important.
What Can Travel Insurance Cover for Guatemala?
Whether you are exploring Antigua Guatemala, trekking up the dormant Acatenango Volcano, or visiting Tikal National Park, travel insurance can offer crucial protection for your journey to Guatemala.
There are two types of travel insurance: travel insurance and travel medical insurance.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Guatemala can offer coverage for your trip expenses, like flights or hotels, while also covering medical expenses. For U.S. citizens taking a trip to Guatemala, travel insurance is recommended. Travel insurance can cover:
Trip Delay: If your flight to Guatemala is delayed, travel insurance can offer reimbursement for any meals or accommodations you need as you wait.
Trip Interruption: If you need to end your trip early due to an emergency, trip interruption can provide coverage for expenses that you did not use from your trip, as well as your flight back home.
Trip Cancellation: Travel insurance offers a trip cancellation benefit, which can provide reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable costs from your trip if you need to cancel your trip to Guatemala for a covered reason.
Lost Baggage: Guatemala is generally safe for travelers, but this can depend on where you go within the country. Popular tourist areas like Antigua, Flores/Tikal, and parts of Lake Atitlán are generally safer, though pickpocketing may still occur. If your items are lost or stolen, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of your items.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: If you become extremely injured or ill and require evacuation in Guatemala, travel insurance can cover the costs of transportation to the closest medical facility, or back home if medically necessary.
Adventure Sports Coverage: Whether you are surfing, white-water rafting, or participating in other outdoor activities in Guatemala, consider a travel insurance plan with an adventure sports coverage add-on. While most travel insurance plans will exclude adventure activities, this benefit can cover activity-related accidents that may occur during your trip.
Best Travel Insurance for U.S. Travelers to Guatemala
Best Travel Insurance with High Medical Coverage: iTravelInsured Travel LX
Best Travel Insurance For Seniors with Pre-Existing Conditions: Pathway Premium
Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Guatemala: Trip Protection Basic
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance’s main purpose is to offer protection for any medical situations or emergencies that may occur while you are in Guatemala. For non-US residents, travel medical insurance plans are recommended, and should provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage for medical expenses and at least $250,000 for medical evacuation. Travel medical insurance for Guatemala may cover the following:
Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation: If you become severely injured or ill while in Guatemala, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation can cover the cost of transportation to the closest adequate medical facility (whether it be an ambulance, helicopter or flight), or back home if needed.
Repatriation of Remains: In the most serious case, travel medical insurance can cover the cost of repatriation of remains in the event of death during your time in Guatemala.
Hospitalization: If you are injured or ill and require hospitalization during your trip to Guatemala, travel medical insurance can cover the cost of treatments, emergency room stays, surgeries, consultations, etc.
Required Medication: If you are prescribed medication during your stay in Guatemala, travel medical insurance can provide reimbursement for these expenses.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Guatemala Cost?
Travel Insurance
The quotes below show averages for a 14-day trip, with $3,000 in trip costs insured per person. Averages calculated across 7 plans on VisitorsCoverage.
| Traveler Profile | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, 30s | ~$117 | $88-$196 |
| Solo traveler, 50s | ~$169 | $115-$271 |
| Senior solo (65+) | ~$366 | $227-$548 |
Travel Medical Insurance
Quoted for a 14-day trip, with a $250 deductible, with the minimum of $50,000 in coverage. Averages calculated across 6 plans on VisitorsCoverage.
| Traveler Profile | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, 30s | ~$15 | $10-$30 |
| Solo traveler, 50s | ~$39 | $23-$82 |
| Senior solo (65+) | ~$76 | $38-$195 |
While travel medical insurance costs less than travel insurance, travel medical insurance’s main purpose is to provide coverage for health related situations or emergencies, and will typically not provide coverage for trip-related issues like delays, cancellations, baggage loss, rental car damage, or adventure sports.
While most travelers select the standard option of $50,000 for medical coverage, it is recommended to purchase a plan that offers at least $100,000 in coverage.
Why Should Travelers Buy Travel Insurance for Guatemala?
Here are a few scenarios to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing travel insurance for a trip to Guatemala:
High Emergency Evacuation Costs
Most of Guatemala’s hotspots are in isolated areas, with Tikal being within the northern jungle, Semuc Champey in a remote mountain valley, and Lake Atitlán hours away from proper medical centers. If you do require medical evacuation during your time in Guatemala, you may require a helicopter or flight back home, which can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket. With travel insurance, such transportation and medical costs can be covered, giving you a peace of mind abroad.
Adventure Sports Coverage
With Guatemala offering a collection of outdoor sports from surfing and kayaking to ziplining and rock climbing, coverage for injuries is extremely important. Though most travel insurance plans do not cover high-risk activities, policies with an Adventure Sports add-on can offer coverage for activity-related injuries.
Natural Disasters
Guatemala’s wet season, which runs from the months of May to November, can bring heavy rains and storms, while volcanic ash from Volcán de Fuego or Pacaya can delay flights. If your flight is affected by a natural disaster, travel insurance can reimburse your non-refundable costs (hotels, activities). Keep in mind that travel insurance must be purchased prior to any natural disaster occurring to provide coverage. Once a storm or natural disaster has been announced, it becomes foreseen, and will be excluded from travel insurance protection.
What Are the Requirements for Traveling to Guatemala in 2026?
Passport Requirements:
Travelers to Guatemala must have a passport that is valid for at least six months past their scheduled date of departure, with at least one blank page for an entry and exit stamp. U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a visa for Guatemala.
Proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and accommodation in Guatemala may be requested upon arrival.
Immigration Form:
All travelers to Guatemala must fill out an online immigration and customs declaration form prior to entering the country. Certain airlines may require that this form be completed prior to check-in.
Visa Requirements:
While travelers from countries like the US, Canada, UK, Australia and Mexico do not require a visa for Guatemala. However, visitors from countries like India, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica must complete a visa application at a Guatemala embassy prior to traveling.
If you have a passport from countries requiring a visa but you possess a visa or residency from the US, Canada, Mexico, or a Schengen country, you may enter Guatemala without a visa.
Citizens from countries like China, Iraq, and Syria are not exempt from a visa, and must apply for one before traveling. Once the visa is approved by immigration officials, travelers may enter the country.
What To Know Before Your Trip to Guatemala:
Here are some things to keep in mind prior to your trip to Guatemala:
- Money: The official currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). Be sure to keep some Queztales on you during your trip, as smaller markets and shops may not accept credit cards. While tipping is not a requirement, it is customary to tip 10% in restaurants. For tours or shuttles, it is also customary to tip tour guides or drivers $3-$5.
- Weather: Guatemala has a dry season from November to April, and a wet season from May to October. Travelers should pack accordingly, with layers for rainy months and lighter, breathable clothing for sunnier, dryer times of the year.
- Culture: The people in Guatemala are family-oriented, warm, and friendly. Guatemalans are quite multicultural, celebrating various traditions, festivals, and a culture rooted in Indigenous influence.
- Language: While most people in Guatemala speak Spanish, English is spoken in tourist regions of the country (ex: Antigua, Guatemala City).
- Crime: While areas like Antigua, Tikal, and Lake Atitlán are popular tourist spots, pickpocketing can still occur. Be especially cautious in parts of Guatemala City, and avoid San Marcos and Huehuetenango entirely, as gang violence and cartels are prominent here.
- Public transportation: Common options for transportation in Guatemala include chicken buses, shuttles, taxis, and a bus rapid transit system in Guatemala City.
Final Pre-Check Before Your Trip to Guatemala
Prior to your trip to Guatemala, look through checklist below to ensure that you have everything you need:
- Passport valid for entire stay (recommended for 6+ months after scheduled return date)
- Immigration and Customs declaration form
- Visa for entry if you require a visa
- Proof of accommodations, flight bookings, return tickets, and sufficient funds
- Travel insurance with adventure sports add-on for high-risk activities
- Credit card and some cash on hand
- Required medications
Travel Resources for Guatemala
For more information on travel advisories, updates, and further support on travel to Guatemala, visit the US Embassy in Guatemala City.
U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City
Address:
Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Phone:
+502-2354-0000
Official Government Resources for Guatemala
- CDC Travel Health for Guatemala
- Official Guatemala Tourism Site
- Guatemala Travel Information for US Travelers
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Guatemala
Is travel insurance required for Guatemala?
While travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Guatemala, it is strongly recommended. With Guatemala’s unpredictable weather conditions, collection of adventure activities, and high evacuation costs, travel insurance can be a crucial safety net.
Is a passport required for travel to Guatemala?
A passport is required for all travelers to Guatemala, and must be valid for at least six months beyond their scheduled date of departure from the country. The passport must also have one empty page for an entry and exit stamp to and from Guatemala.
Do I need a visa for Guatemala?
If you are from the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Mexico, a visa is not required for entry to Guatemala. However, travelers from India or the Dominican Republic must obtain a visa for their trip. If your passport is from countries requiring a visa but you have a visa or residency from countries like the US, Canada, Mexico, or a Schengen country, you may enter Guatemala without a visa.
Can travel insurance cover trip delays to Guatemala?
If your flight to Guatemala is delayed due to a covered reason (weather, mechanical issues), travel insurance can offer reimbursement for expenses you may need, like meals, accommodations or transportation.
Will my US health insurance work in Guatemala?
Standard domestic health insurance plans (including Medicare) will typically not work during your time in Guatemala. If you require treatment in Guatemala, you will be required to pay upfront, leaving you with high medical bills. With travel insurance, such medical expenses (doctors visits, evacuation, emergency room stays, surgeries) can be covered.
Can travel insurance cover adventure activities in Guatemala?
Most travel insurance policies will not offer coverage for high-risk activities (ex: mountain climbing, scuba diving). For a trip to Guatemala, be sure your travel insurance plan offers an Adventure Sports benefit, which can cover any injuries that occur during such activities.
Is travel medical insurance required for Guatemala?
Travel medical insurance is not a requirement for Guatemala, but is highly recommended, especially for travelers outside the US. Travel medical insurance can offer coverage for emergencies like medical evacuation, treatment, surgeries, and more. Medical expenses in Guatemala can be quite expensive, making travel medical insurance a key component.
Do I need an immigration form for Guatemala?
Yes, all travelers to Guatemala are required to fill out an online immigration and customs declaration form before their trip.
