Get Your Guatemala Visa Online
Fast, secure visa processing for tourism, business, and cultural exploration in Central America
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Guatemala Visa
Simple 4-step process - most applications approved within 24-72 hours
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, checking for common errors and ensuring your application meets Guatemala's visa requirements.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation. Our visa specialists review every document against Guatemala Immigration standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
3
We submit to Guatemala Immigration
Your verified application is transmitted directly to Guatemala's official immigration portal. We monitor processing status in real-time and proactively communicate any updates, requests for additional documentation, or status changes via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa by email
Your approved Guatemala visa arrives as a PDF document. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at Guatemalan immigration along with your passport. Welcome to Guatemala - the heart of the Mayan world awaits!
Guatemala Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Single or multiple entry for tourism, Mayan ruins, and volcano exploration
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial activities, meetings, and investment opportunities
Transit Visa
Up to 72 hours
For travelers passing through to other Central American destinations
Student Visa
Duration of study
For academic programs at Guatemalan educational institutions
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Passport photo 35x45mm, white background
- Hotel booking or invitation letter from host
- Return flight or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Completed visa application form
Visa Policy
Guatemala maintains a welcoming visa policy for international travelers, with many nationalities enjoying visa-free access for short stays. The country is part of the CA-4 agreement with Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, allowing free movement between these nations.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Canada, Australia, and many other nations can enter Guatemala without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free privilege is part of the CA-4 agreement, meaning the 90 days are shared across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua combined.
Visa Required Countries
Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Guatemala visa before arrival. The visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online or through a Guatemalan embassy or consulate. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
Visa Requirements
Essential Documents for All Applications
All Guatemala visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements:
Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation, resort reservation, or invitation letter if staying with friends or family.
Travel itinerary: Flight bookings showing entry and exit from Guatemala or the CA-4 region.
Financial evidence: Bank statements showing approximately $50 USD per day of stay, or credit card statements demonstrating sufficient funds.
Additional Business Visa Requirements
Business travelers must provide an invitation letter from a Guatemalan company, employer support letter, and details of business activities planned during the visit.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
The Guatemala visa application process is designed to be straightforward and efficient:
Step 1: Gather Documents - Collect all required documents including passport scans, photographs, travel bookings, and financial proof before starting your application.
Step 2: Complete Application Form - Fill out the visa application with accurate personal information, travel dates, and accommodation details. Double-check all information for accuracy.
Step 3: Submit and Pay - Upload all documents and pay the visa fee through secure payment processing. Keep your payment confirmation for reference.
Step 4: Track and Receive - Monitor your application status through our tracking system. Once approved, your visa will be emailed as a printable PDF document.
Processing Times
Standard processing takes 5-10 business days. Express processing may be available for urgent travel needs. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure date.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Guatemala has a subtropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season from November to April offers the best weather for exploring ruins and hiking volcanoes. The wet season from May to October brings afternoon rain showers but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.
Currency and Payments
The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the official currency. US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments, but carry cash for markets, small restaurants, and rural areas. ATMs are available in cities and towns.
Health and Safety
No vaccinations are required for entry, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. Drink bottled water and avoid ice from unknown sources. Guatemala is generally safe for tourists in popular areas, but standard travel precautions apply.
Getting Around
Domestic flights connect Guatemala City to Flores (for Tikal). Chicken buses are affordable but adventurous. Tourist shuttles connect major destinations safely. Rental cars are available but mountain roads require caution.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
2,200+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"Incredible service for my Guatemala adventure! Visited Tikal and Lake Atitlan. The visa process through DoVisa was smooth and the team answered all my questions about CA-4 travel."
"Family trip to Antigua was amazing. DoVisa handled our applications efficiently and we had no issues at immigration. Highly recommend!"
"Good experience overall. Processing took about a week as expected. The document checklist was helpful and customer service was responsive."
"Business visa for meetings in Guatemala City processed without any problems. Professional service from start to finish. Will use again."
"Third time using DoVisa for Central American travel. Consistently excellent service. Guatemala was absolutely stunning!"
"Straightforward process and helpful support team. Got my visa in time for my hiking trip to Pacaya volcano. Great experience."
"Visited Guatemala for the first time. DoVisa made the visa process stress-free. The Mayan ruins exceeded all expectations!"
"Solo traveler exploring Semuc Champey and Flores. Visa arrived quickly and immigration was smooth. Thank you DoVisa!"
"Good value for the service provided. Application form was easy to complete and tracking kept me informed throughout."
Guatemala Visa FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Guatemala?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union countries, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Guatemala visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Visitors from other countries may need to apply for a visa before travel. Check the Guatemala Immigration website or contact DoVisa support to confirm requirements for your specific nationality.
What is the CA-4 agreement and how does it affect my stay?
The CA-4 agreement allows free movement between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Your 90-day visa-free allowance is shared across all four countries. For example, if you spend 30 days in Guatemala and 30 days in Honduras, you have 30 days remaining for El Salvador and Nicaragua combined. The 90-day period starts when you enter any CA-4 country.
How long can I stay in Guatemala with a tourist visa?
The initial tourist visa or visa-free entry permits stays of up to 90 days within the CA-4 region. Extensions can be requested at the Guatemala Immigration Department (DIGM) in Guatemala City. Each extension grants an additional 90 days and costs approximately $20 USD. You can request up to two extensions for a maximum stay of 270 days.
What documents are required for a Guatemala visa application?
Essential documents include: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages; recent passport photo (35x45mm, white background); completed application form; proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter); return flight itinerary; and proof of sufficient funds ($50 USD per day recommended). Business visas require additional documents including an invitation letter from a Guatemalan company.
How long does Guatemala visa processing take?
Standard visa processing takes 5-10 business days. Processing times may vary depending on your nationality, the completeness of your application, and current processing volumes. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to allow adequate time for processing and any potential requests for additional documentation.
Can I extend my stay in Guatemala?
Yes, you can extend your stay at the Guatemala Immigration Department (DIGM) in Guatemala City. Extensions cost approximately $20 USD and grant an additional 90 days. You can request up to two extensions. Apply before your current authorization expires to avoid overstay penalties. Required documents include your passport, proof of funds, and accommodation details.
What vaccinations are required for Guatemala?
Guatemala does not require any mandatory vaccinations for entry from most countries. However, yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and routine immunizations. Consult your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice.
Is Guatemala safe for tourists?
Guatemala is generally safe for tourists in popular destinations like Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal, and Flores. Exercise standard travel precautions: avoid displaying expensive jewelry, stay in well-lit areas at night, and use authorized transportation. Some areas of Guatemala City have higher crime rates. Most visitors enjoy safe, memorable trips with proper awareness.
What currency is used in Guatemala?
The official currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments. ATMs are available in cities and towns but may be limited in rural areas. Carry cash for markets and small vendors.
What is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The dry season from November to April offers the best weather for exploring Mayan ruins, hiking volcanoes, and visiting Lake Atitlan. The wet season from May to October brings afternoon rain showers but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Semana Santa (Easter Week) in Antigua is spectacular but very crowded.
Can I work in Guatemala with a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas do not permit employment in Guatemala. Working without proper authorization is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans. If you wish to work in Guatemala, you must obtain a work permit through a Guatemalan employer. Business visas allow attendance at meetings and conferences but not paid employment.
Do children need their own visa for Guatemala?
Yes, every traveler including children requires their own valid travel document and visa (if applicable). Children must have their own passport. When traveling with minors, especially if only one parent is present, carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent to avoid potential issues at immigration.
What are the main entry points into Guatemala?
The main entry point is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, with flights from the US, Mexico, and Central America. Land borders include crossings from Mexico at La Mesilla and Tecun Uman, and from Belize at Melchor de Mencos. Flores airport serves travelers visiting Tikal directly.
Can I travel from Guatemala to other CA-4 countries?
Yes, the CA-4 agreement allows free movement between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua without additional visas. Border crossings within the CA-4 region are simple - just show your passport with the original entry stamp. Remember that your 90-day allowance is shared across all four countries.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Guatemala?
Overstaying your visa in Guatemala results in fines of approximately $1 USD per day of overstay. Extended overstays may lead to detention, deportation, and future entry bans. If you need more time, apply for an extension at Immigration before your current authorization expires. Always keep track of your permitted stay duration.
How do I visit Tikal from Guatemala City?
The easiest way to visit Tikal is by flying from Guatemala City to Flores (1 hour flight), then taking a shuttle bus to the ruins (1.5 hours). Alternatively, tourist shuttles and buses connect Guatemala City to Flores overland (8-10 hours). Many visitors stay overnight in Flores or at hotels near the park to see sunrise at Tikal.
Still have questions?
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