Guatemala entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, you simply arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and get a stamp in your passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Guatemala — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines at Sofia and connecting hubs may still check for at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date, so verify with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. A bus ticket to Mexico or a flight to Belize works — just have something ready before you reach the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from a host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you arrive without a clear plan, they may pull you aside for extra questions. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least $500 USD available. Immigration rarely checks this for Bulgarian passport holders, but having it on your phone avoids hassle if asked. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before you board. If it's less than 6 months from your entry date, you won't be allowed to fly. Double-check your passport's expiry date well before your trip.
Keep a copy of your passport
Make a photocopy or take a photo of your passport's main page and the entry stamp. If your passport gets lost or stolen, this makes replacement at the Bulgarian embassy much easier.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are usually two queues: one for Guatemalan citizens and one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will check your passport validity, ask the purpose of your visit, and stamp your passport with a 90-day entry.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then walk through customs. You may be asked to press a button for a random baggage check — if it turns red, your bags get inspected.
4
Exit the airport
Once through customs, you're free to leave. Taxis and ride-shares are available outside the arrivals hall. Keep your passport and entry stamp safe for your departure.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of income or investment; for extended stays.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee + proof of monthly income ~$1,000 USD
For retirees with stable income. Requires proof of pension or investments. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Visado de Nómada Digital
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD application fee
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income. Allows stay and work remotely.
investor visa
Residencia por Inversión
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + minimum investment ~$50,000 USD
For investors in real estate or business. Requires proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayFines may apply for overstaying; exact amount varies. | ~$10 USD per day (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
Bulgaria passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Guatemala's airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies.
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA) · Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS)
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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in 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 visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Antigua Guatemala
Oficina de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; may have limited services.
Practical information for BG 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 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Guatemala before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not if you're arriving directly from Bulgaria or Europe. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you may need proof of vaccination.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and may be asked for a return ticket. Land crossings can be slower — expect queues.
No, there is no separate tourist card fee for Bulgarian passport holders. The entry is free and the stamp is included.
You'll be fined approximately 10 GTQ (about 1.30 USD) per day overstayed, payable at immigration when you leave. Serious overstays can lead to deportation or a ban.
No, there is no arrival declaration form required for Bulgarian passport holders. Just present your passport and any requested documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.