Guatemala entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Guatemala. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Guatemalan law, but airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month rule — check 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 return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they won't let you through without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host covers you — keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Guatemala doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but having access to around $500 USD or a credit card with a reasonable limit is a safe bet. I've never been asked, but a bank statement or cash in hand avoids surprises. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If you have less than 6 months left, you won't be allowed on the plane. No exceptions.
Keep a copy of your passport
Take a photo of your passport info page and entry stamp. If you lose your passport, this makes replacement at the Swiss embassy much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night's booking. Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM at the airport.
2
Fill out the immigration form (if required)
Some airlines hand out a paper form on the plane. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Queue at immigration in Guatemala City (La Aurora)
At La Aurora International Airport (GUA), follow signs to 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners). The queue moves quickly. Have your passport, completed form, and return ticket ready.
4
Present documents and receive entry stamp
Hand over your passport and form. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with up to 90 days. No fee.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over $500 or restricted items.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 (approx. 50 CHF)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy before travel; requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 CHF)
Ideal for frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 CHF) plus processing
Requires proof of income, criminal record check, and local sponsor. Allows work.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 200 CHF) initial fee
For retirees with a permanent income of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension, criminal record, and local address. Allows residency and work authorization.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
TBD (estimated $100–200 USD)
Currently under discussion; would allow remote workers to stay long-term with proof of income. Check official sources for updates.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 500 CHF) plus investment
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires business plan and legal documentation.
work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 200 CHF) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Guatemalan company and work permit approval. Employer must sponsor and handle paperwork.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at departure; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | Approximately $2 USD per day (no official cap) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for visa-free entry, but available for longer stays if needed. | $50 USD (approx. 50 CHF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; apply at Guatemalan embassy. | $100 USD (approx. 100 CHF) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Guatemala, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural lowland areas (e.g., Petén). Prophylaxis recommended for extended rural stays.
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, photos, and fee payment.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Smaller office; may have limited services. Best for simple inquiries.
Practical information for CH 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. Swiss passport holders get visa-free access for up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport.
No. The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Guatemala (e.g., to Belize or Mexico) and re-enter, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. There is no separate arrival or departure tax for tourists. Everything is included in your airline ticket.
Yes. Immigration wants proof you'll leave Guatemala within 90 days. A bus ticket to Mexico or a flight to Costa Rica works fine.
Technically no — the visa-free entry is for tourism only. In practice, many digital nomads do it quietly. There's no specific digital nomad visa yet. If you're caught working for a Guatemalan employer, you could be fined or deported.
You'll be fined when you leave. The fine is roughly 10 quetzals per day overstayed (about $1.30 USD). Payable at the airport immigration office before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.