Guatemala entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Guatemala visa-free for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Guatemala. Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport check this carefully — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration routinely asks for a confirmed onward ticket at the border. A bus ticket to Mexico or a flight out of Guatemala City works. If you don't have one, you may be asked to buy one on the spot or face a fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation ready. If staying with friends, a simple letter of invitation with their address and phone number is usually accepted. Officers rarely ask, but it saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card statement showing available credit. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip — a bank statement from the last month works fine. ATMs are plentiful in Guatemala City but less so in rural areas. | Recommended |
No visa, no fee — just show up
UAE passport holders get a full 90 days visa-free. No application, no payment, no forms. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Overstaying is costly
There is no extension option. If you stay beyond 90 days, you'll face fines and potential entry bans. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Join the line for 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners). Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — no forms to fill, no fee to pay.
2
Baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage. You'll pass through customs — a random bag check system. If selected, just open your bag. No declaration form needed for personal items.
3
Exit and transport
Once through customs, you're in the arrivals hall. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber works) are available. ATMs are plentiful — withdraw quetzales (GTQ) for smaller purchases.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (estimated)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Guatemalan immigration.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income and background check. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
Not yet officially launched; check with embassy. Intended for remote workers with foreign income. May require proof of income and health insurance.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires legal documentation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineOverstay fines are assessed at departure; exact amount may vary. | ~$2 USD per day (estimated) |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not standard for visa-free entry; check with immigration. | ~$50 USD (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Guatemala
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not need a transit visa for Guatemala if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Health & vaccines for Guatemala
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas, especially Petén region; prophylaxis recommended for high-risk areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Guatemala City
Dirección General de Migración
6a Avenida 3-11, Zona 4, Guatemala City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; may handle basic inquiries.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalGuatemala City
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyGuatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 7.62 GTQ
Time zone
Local timeUTC-6
vs New York-1h
vs Los Angeles+2h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BSame as US: two flat pins (Type A) or with grounding (Type B)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave after 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
No. There is no arrival declaration required for UAE passport holders. Just show up with your passport and ticket.
You can't extend the visa-free stay. You'd need to leave Guatemala (e.g., to a neighboring country) and re-enter, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits. For longer stays, apply for a residence permit at the Guatemalan immigration office (Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración) before your 90 days expire.
No. Entry is completely free. No visa, no fee, no application.
Yes. The same visa-free policy applies at all land borders. Have your passport and return ticket ready. Land crossings can be slower — expect queues and bag checks.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa). UAE is not on that list, so no vaccine is required for direct travel from the UAE.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.