Everything you need to know about a Guatemala Visa

British nationals are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Guatemala and can stay in the nation for up to three months without a visa. 

You can additionally extend your stay in the country by lodging an application with the Guatemalan Institute of Migration in Guatemala City.

If you are found overstaying your visa without seeking the required permission, you shall have to pay a fine prior to your departure from Guatemala. You have to pay the specified amount at the Migration office in Guatemala City. You cannot pay fines at the airport or border crossings.

The visa-free policy requires you to own a British passport which is valid for a minimum span of six months and has at least two unused pages. 

Additionally, you should also make it a point to carry necessary documents that grant you entry into the next destination on your itinerary. Border authorities may also request to see proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Guatemala.

Entry requirements for foreigners staying in the United Kingdom

Passport holders of member states of the European Union can enter Guatemala without a visa and stay here for up to 90 days. All other nationalities will have to obtain a visa through the consular section of theGuatemalan Embassy in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland -- prior to their travel dates.

Guatemalan visas are issued in the following major types:

• Tourist visa
• Business visa

Tourist visa

A Guatemalan tourist visa can be used for travel and leisure, provided you do not engage in any business or work-related activities. For lodging an application, you shall need:

• A fully completed and signed visa application form
• Two recent, passport-size photos
• An original 6-month valid passport with two blank pages and a copy
• A UK visa or UK residence permit (in original and a photocopy)
• Recent bank statements (with photocopies)
• Proof of comprehensive travel health insurance
• A reference letter from your employer in the UK or academic institute (whichever is applicable)
• Proof of accommodation in Guatemala (hotel reservations)
• Evidence of onward travel
• The required tourist visa fees

Business visa

A Guatemalan business visa grants you entry into the country if you wish to undertake short-term commercial activities, without generating any income.

For this purpose, you will need a visa application form, passport, photographs, UK visa or residence permit, financial evidence, travel insurance, accommodation and return travel proof.

The specifications of all these documents are described in the document list under the tourist visa section.

Apart from these, you will also need:

• A cover letter from your employer
• A letter of invitation from the sponsoring Guatemalan company

Other visa types

In addition to tourist and business visas, Guatemalan authorities also issue the following visas. For detailed documentation requirements, please contact the Embassy in London.

Transit visa: A transit visa allows you to air transit via Guatemala to another country and is valid for three days.

Visa on arrival: A VOA can be obtained at a Guatemalan port of entry. It is applicable only to residents of certain countries. For further information on VOA eligibility, you should contact your nearest Guatemalan diplomatic mission.

Student visa: A student visa allows you to study in a recognized academic institution of higher education in Guatemala.

Temporary worker visa: This visa is applicable if you wish to engage in income-generating employment with a Guatemalan company.

Spousal visa: Also called a partner visa, it is granted to the spouse, civil partner or de facto partner of a Guatemalan citizen or legal resident.

Marriage visa: A long-term marriage visa can be issued to the spouse of a citizen or resident of Guatemala.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted by Guatemalan authorities for entry to and exit from the nation. ETDs must, however, be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Guatemala.

Additional points

Guatemala forms a part of the Central America Border Control Agreement or CA-4, under which it allows British travelers to visit any of the CA-4 countries, comprising Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, and stay here for a total period, not exceeding 90 days.

They just need to complete the formalities at the entry port of the first nation, after which they can enter all the other nations without subsequent checks.

You cannot exceed this 90-day limit but can lodge an application for an extension of 30 days after paying a fee.

When you leave Guatemala, you need to pay an airport departure tax of US$30, normally calculated and included in your ticket price.

On land border crossings, you don’t have to pay an entry fee even though the immigration officials may ask for it.

There is an increased risk of the Zika virus and dengue fever transmission in Guatemala. So, do not forget to apply for travel medical insurance before you travel to the country.