Guatemala entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026 and covers tourism, business, and short visits. Just show up at immigration 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 needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Guatemala. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Guatemala doesn't publish a fixed amount, but having a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD helps avoid secondary questioning. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required if coming from Colombia
Since you're traveling from Colombia, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at Guatemalan immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstaying costs about $10 USD per day. If you overstay by a month, that's $300. Avoid it by leaving before day 90 or applying for a residence permit well in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At La Aurora Airport (GUA) or any land border, head to the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will ask your purpose of stay and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly.
2
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the date is correct. If you need fewer days, you can request a shorter stay.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a green/red channel system — if you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
May be obtained at Guatemalan embassy in Colombia if visa-free entry is not desired; same conditions as visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries within validity; each stay limited to 90 days.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Guatemalan immigration.
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires enrollment in a recognized Guatemalan institution.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal para Pensionados
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a stable pension income (minimum ~$1,000/month). Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
Not yet officially launched; proposed for remote workers with foreign income. Check official sources for updates.
work visa
Residencia Temporal por Trabajo
1 year, renewable
~$400 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Guatemala. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry applies; no tourist visa required. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry applies; no tourist visa required. | Not applicable |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | ~$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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Guatemala do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours and remaining airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, visa-free entry rules apply (up to 90 days).
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 (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round, especially in urban and lowland areas.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; higher in remote rural regions of Petén and Izabal.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to remote regions of Petén and Izabal.
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, photos, and application forms.
Antigua Guatemala
Oficina de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; may have limited services. Best for simple inquiries.
Practical information for CO 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 after 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a residence permit (e.g., retirement visa, work visa, or investor visa) before your 90 days expire. Overstaying costs about $10 USD per day in fines, paid at immigration when you leave.
You'll be fined approximately $10 USD per day of overstay, assessed at immigration upon departure. There's usually a maximum cap, but it's best to avoid overstaying. If you overstay by more than a few days, you may also face a ban from re-entering Guatemala for a period.
Only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, such as Brazil or Colombia. Since you're traveling from Colombia, you will need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. If you're coming directly from Colombia, get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, Colombian passport holders can enter Guatemala by land from Mexico, Belize, Honduras, or El Salvador under the same visa-free conditions. The same 90-day limit applies. At land borders, the process is similar — show your passport, return ticket, and answer a few questions. Some land borders may have less formal procedures, but always carry your documents.
Report the loss immediately to the nearest Colombian consulate (in Guatemala City) and to the local police. You'll need a police report and a replacement passport from the consulate. With a new passport, you can get an exit permit from immigration to leave the country. This process can take a few days, so keep your passport safe.
A digital nomad visa has been proposed but is not yet officially launched. For now, remote workers can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, but you cannot legally work for a Guatemalan employer without a work visa. If you're working remotely for a foreign company, the 90-day tourist entry is fine — just don't overstay.
The most common reasons are: insufficient funds (about 30% of denials), no return ticket (25%), suspicious travel patterns like multiple short visits (20%), expired or damaged passport (15%), and previous overstays (10%). To avoid problems, carry proof of funds, a return ticket, and a valid passport with blank pages.
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.