Guatemala entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in effect since 2024. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Guatemala. Airlines at check-in in Bahrain will verify this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have your return flight or a bus ticket out of the country ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers sometimes ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it's a legal requirement on paper. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date, you will not be allowed to fly. Renew early.
Keep your immigration stub
When you enter, you'll receive a small paper stub. Do not lose it — you must hand it back when you leave Guatemala. Replacement can be a hassle.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night's hotel booking. Also grab a local SIM or eSIM so you're connected on arrival.
2
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Most travellers fly into Guatemala City. Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are usually two queues: one for Guatemalans/residents, one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly: purpose of visit (tourism), length of stay. They'll stamp your passport with up to 90 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You'll likely walk through a green/red channel. If you have nothing to declare, go green. Then you're free to enter Guatemala.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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 single entry for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of income or investment; consult embassy for details.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee + annual renewal
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows long-term stay and eventual permanent residency.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
Currently under discussion; would allow remote workers to stay long-term. Check official sources for updates.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment of at least $50,000 USD
For investors in Guatemalan businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap unknown. | ~$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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Guatemala do not need a transit visa 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, varicella)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
ZikaModerate risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; can cause birth defects.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially Petén and lowlands. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers visiting these regions.
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 immigration procedures.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles basic immigration services; limited capacity.
Practical information for BH 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Not if you're arriving directly from Bahrain. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you'll need proof of vaccination. Check the latest CDC/WHO guidelines before travel.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before booking flights. No exceptions at immigration.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport with 6+ months validity and a return/onward ticket. Land crossings can be slower — expect queues of 30–60 minutes.
No, Guatemala does not require an online pre-declaration. You'll fill out a simple paper form on the plane or at immigration. Keep the stub — you'll need it when you leave.
The local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you'll get better rates using quetzales. ATMs are common in cities. Avoid exchanging at the airport — rates are poor.
Technically, no — the visa-free entry is for tourism only. But many digital nomads do it quietly. If you're staying longer than a few weeks, consider a proper remote work visa (Guatemala doesn't have one yet, so check with the embassy).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.