Guatemala entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
British passport holders can visit Guatemala for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. You'll receive a free entry stamp upon arrival. This policy is valid through 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Guatemala. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at La Aurora Airport will deny boarding if it expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration at Guatemala City Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like Volaris and Avianca enforce this strictly at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers occasionally ask for a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Guatemala doesn't publish a fixed amount, but having a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD for a short trip covers you. I've never been asked, but a few travellers report being quizzed on this at land borders. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If you have less than 6 months left, you will not be allowed to board. Renew before you book.
Keep a digital copy of everything
Save photos of your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking on your phone and in cloud storage. If your phone is lost or stolen, you'll still have access.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At La Aurora International Airport (GUA) or any land border, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport and writes the number of days allowed (usually 90). No fee. No form to fill. Step aside and collect your bags.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (residency)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of income or investment; consult Guatemalan consulate.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD initial fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension and background check.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
Up to 1 year
~$200 USD (estimated)
Guatemala is considering a digital nomad visa; currently not officially available. Check with consulate for updates.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Guatemalan business or real estate.
work visa
Work Visa (Trabajador)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
Requires a job offer from a Guatemalan company and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not available for visa-free stays. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap unknown. | ~$2 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Guatemala do not need a transit visa for airside connections.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; higher in remote lowland regions.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice food safety.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to remote lowland regions (e.g., Petén).
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.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles basic immigration queries and extensions.
Practical information for GB 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 visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying results in fines and possible entry bans.
No. Guatemala does not require an online pre-declaration or arrival form for British passport holders. You just get a stamp at the counter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all land borders. You'll get a 90-day stamp. Keep your passport and return ticket handy.
No. There is no tourist card or fee for British passport holders. Entry is free.
You'll be fined approximately 10 GTQ per day overstayed (about £1). Pay at immigration before leaving. Serious overstays can lead to deportation.
No. Business visits (meetings, conferences, site visits) are covered under the same 90-day visa-free arrangement. You cannot take paid local employment.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.