Guatemala customs rules & duty-free allowances
Guatemala's SAT runs a red/green channel system at La Aurora International Airport, and the green channel is strictly for travellers with nothing to declare — walking through it with undeclared goods triggers immediate fines and seizure. The biggest trap is cash: SAT officers do count, and undeclared amounts at or above the threshold can be seized in full. Prescription medication is the second trap — many common drugs are controlled, and without prior authorisation they can be confiscated.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, etc.)
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil
- Meat, poultry, and dairy products from countries with animal disease outbreaks
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media
- Firearms and ammunition without prior military permit
- Cultural artifacts and archaeological pieces from Guatemala
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Prescription medicines (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants) — require health ministry authorisation
- Drones — need a permit from the Directorate of Civil Aeronautics
- Satellite phones — require a licence from the Superintendency of Telecommunications
- Live animals and pets — need a veterinary import permit and health certificate
- Radio transmitters and walkie-talkies — may require spectrum licence
Arriving: red vs green channel
After immigration, collect your bags and proceed to customs. Fill out the customs declaration form (usually distributed on the plane) before reaching the hall. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel; if you have goods, cash, or food to declare, use the red channel. Random bag checks happen even in the green channel, so declare accurately.
Bringing medication
Bring prescription medication in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter. Keep to a personal supply (typically up to 90 days). Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Public Health; without it they can be seized. Some common cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are restricted.
Food, plants & animal products
All fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil are prohibited without a phytosanitary permit. Meat, dairy, and animal products from most countries are banned due to disease control. Packaged, shelf-stable foods are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use but must be declared.
Rules worth knowing
Cash declaration is strictly enforced
If you carry GTQ 78,000 (USD 10,000) or more, you must declare it on the customs form. Failure to declare can lead to seizure of the entire amount and a fine. SAT officers at La Aurora are known to question travellers about cash.
Green channel means nothing to declare
The green channel is only for travellers with no goods, cash, or food above the allowances. If you are selected for a random inspection and found with undeclared items, you face immediate fines and possible confiscation — even for small oversights.
Medication rules are tighter than in the US or Europe
Many common prescription drugs, including opioid painkillers and ADHD stimulants, are controlled in Guatemala. Without prior authorisation from the Ministry of Public Health, they can be seized and you could face legal issues. Always carry the original prescription and keep quantities to a personal supply.
Agricultural products are a major no-no
Guatemala is strict about biosecurity. Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and meat products are confiscated on arrival. If you declare them, they will be taken; if you don't, you risk a fine. Packaged snacks are usually fine but declare them anyway.