Guatemala entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Canadians don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days in Guatemala. Just arrive with your valid passport and you'll get a tourist entry stamp at immigration. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay in Guatemala. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your booking ready at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. There is no set minimum amount, but showing access to at least $500 USD covers most scenarios. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Guatemala enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will be denied entry. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew it before booking flights.
No visa, no fee
There is no visa fee, no application, and no appointment needed. You simply arrive and get a free tourist stamp. The only cost is your flight and accommodation.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At La Aurora International Airport (GUA) or any land border, join the line for 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners). Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Hand over your passport
The officer will check your passport validity and may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer honestly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
You'll receive a tourist entry stamp valid for up to 90 days. The officer may write the number of days granted (often 90). Check it before you walk away.
4
Keep the stamped card (if issued)
Sometimes you'll get a small paper card stapled into your passport. Don't lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave Guatemala.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 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, extendable up to 180 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy/consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Good for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (processing fee)
Requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor. For extended stays.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD initial fee + annual renewal ~$100 USD
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income, background check, and local address. Allows indefinite renewal.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed, not yet active)
N/A
N/A
Guatemala has discussed a digital nomad visa but it is not yet implemented. Currently, remote workers use tourist visa or residence options.
work visa
Residencia Temporal por Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan company. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship. Can lead to permanent residency.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (plus proof of investment of at least $50,000 USD)
For investors in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast-track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport upon departure. Avoid overstaying. | Approx. $2 USD per day (no official cap, but typically up to $100 USD) |
| Stay extension (not available for visa-free entry)Visa-free stays are not extendable; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | N/A |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Guatemala. You can stay airside for up to 12 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport (e.g., overnight layover), you must clear immigration under visa-free entry (90 days).
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA) – Guatemala City
Health & vaccines for Guatemala
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in lowland areas. Use repellent and sleep under nets.
MalariaLow risk
Risk in rural lowlands (e.g., Petén). Prophylaxis recommended for remote travel.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food/water contamination. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Antigua, Lake Atitlán). Prophylaxis recommended for travel to remote lowland regions like Petén or the Caribbean coast.
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, Ciudad de Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions, overstay fines, and residency applications. Arrive early.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; can handle basic procedures but may refer complex cases to Guatemala City.
Practical information for CA 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 = 7.63 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 tourist entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Guatemala (even just to a neighbouring country like Belize or Honduras) and re-enter to get a new 90-day stamp. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, renew it before you travel. No exceptions at the border.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for Canadian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and ticket.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all land borders. You'll get a 90-day tourist stamp. Keep your passport handy and expect a short queue. Some land borders close at night, so plan to arrive during daylight hours.
Denial is rare for Canadians with valid passports and a return ticket. If it happens, you'll be sent back on the next flight at your own expense. Common reasons: no onward ticket, passport too close to expiry, or previous overstay in Guatemala.
No. Business visits (meetings, conferences, site inspections) are covered under the same 90-day visa-free entry. You cannot work for a Guatemalan employer or get paid locally without a work visa.
The local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you'll get better rates using quetzals. ATMs are common in cities. Credit cards work at hotels and larger restaurants.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.