Guatemala tourist visa and visa-free entry

The IGM's country classification has three groups. Category A countries are visa-exempt; Category C countries need a visa approved in advance, which requires a Guatemalan guarantor, a criminal record certificate, a passport valid for six months and proof of the reason for the trip. Category A includes countries such as Spain, Germany, Japan, the United States and Türkiye.

Visa-free entry covers tourism and lawful short visits. Foreign professionals required by Guatemalan institutions for paid consultancy use a separate tourist or traveller visa for consultancy, which can be granted for the length of the contract.

Article 74 of the Migration Code (Decree 44-2016) defines tourists or travellers as foreigners who entered regularly for lawful purposes without intending to obtain residence, for a period of no more than 90 days, extendable only once. Article 4 of the residence regulation adds that filing a temporary or permanent residence application authorises you to stay while it is processed, so you do not overstay during that period.

Tourists can apply for temporary or permanent residence from inside Guatemala at the IGM Foreigners' Office (Subdirección de Extranjería). While a residence file is pending, a visa for a residence file in process lets you leave and re-enter: USD 25 for a single exit and entry or USD 100 for multiple entries.

The extension (prórroga de visa de turista o viajero) is requested at the IGM without an appointment, using a Ticket B at the information desk, before the authorised stay expires; otherwise a fine for irregular stay applies. The filing fee is USD 25, paid in quetzales at the Bank of Guatemala's official rate on the day.

Bring the signed application form, your valid passport with the stamp of your last entry to Guatemala, the payment receipt and one proof of means: an exit ticket by air, land or sea, a valid international credit card or an updated Guatemalan guarantor certificate. The passport must be valid for at least six months. If the entry stamp is missing, add a certificate of migration movements for an extra USD 10.