Guatemala entry requirements for Finland 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

Finnish passport holders can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa application is needed — just show up at immigration with a valid passport and a return ticket. This policy is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least the full 90 days you plan to stay in Guatemala. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Guatemala
Immigration officers routinely ask for a flight out of Guatemala within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free limit.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation for at least your first few nights. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a booking ready avoids delays.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 if they do, showing a balance of around $500 USD or more is usually sufficient.Recommended
Overstaying is expensive
The 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. Overstaying even by a day can result in a fine of around 50–100 USD and a note in your immigration record. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
Land border fees
At some land borders (e.g., from Mexico), you may be asked to pay a small 'tourist card' fee of 10–20 USD. Have cash in quetzales or US dollars ready.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at immigration counter
At La Aurora International Airport (GUA) or any land border, join the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the number of days granted (usually 90). Check the stamp before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods to declare.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

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
CostFree (visa-free already applies)

Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need for this visa.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free already applies)

Visa-free entry allows multiple entries; no separate visa needed.

Long-stay visa (residency)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$50 USD (application fee)

Requires proof of income or investment; apply at Guatemalan embassy in Finland.

retirement visa
Residencia Temporal (Pensionado)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD application fee + $250 USD annual fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension, background check, and application at Guatemalan embassy.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal (Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD application fee + $250 USD annual fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Residencia Temporal (Trabajador)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD application fee + $250 USD annual fee
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan employer. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Residencia Temporal (Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD application fee + $250 USD annual fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Guatemalan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers single entry; no separate visa needed.Free (not applicable for visa-free)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90 days per entry.Free (not applicable for visa-free)
Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days.Not available
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future bans.~$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

Finland passport holders transiting through Guatemala do not need a transit visa for stays under 12 hours in the international transit area.

Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying over 12 hours, a visa-free entry applies (up to 90 days).
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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderYellow FeverRecommended
Health risks
DengueHigh risk

Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.

MalariaModerate risk

Present in lowland areas, especially Petén; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain; prevention same as dengue.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk in lowland areas (Petén, Izabal); prophylaxis recommended for rural travel. No risk in Guatemala City or Antigua.

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 residency applications; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.

Antigua Guatemala
Oficina de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Oriente 14, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and permits; less crowded than Guatemala City.

Practical information for FI 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
updated May 19
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
Police110
Medical128
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Guatemala before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to catch a connecting flight the next day), you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all land borders. Have your passport and return ticket ready. Some land crossings may have additional fees (e.g., a small 'tourist card' fee of around 10–20 USD).
No. There is no arrival declaration required for Finnish passport holders. Just show up with your passport and ticket.
Report the loss to the local police immediately, then contact the Finnish embassy in Mexico City (which covers Guatemala) or the nearest honorary consulate. They can issue an emergency travel document.
No. Entry is free for Finnish passport holders. However, some land borders may charge a small administrative fee (around 10–20 USD) — bring cash in quetzales or US dollars.

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.