Guatemala entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy remains in effect for 2026. Just show up with your passport and you're good to go.
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 plan to be in Guatemala. Airlines at Ben Gurion may ask to see it before boarding — they rarely enforce a 6-month rule for Guatemala, but having at least 3 months left is safe. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 90 days. Budget airlines like Volaris and Avianca check this before letting you board in Tel Aviv. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host covers this. I've been asked twice at Guatemala City immigration — both times they just glanced at the booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Guatemala doesn't publish a fixed amount, but carrying around $500 USD in cash or having a bank statement showing a few thousand shekels works. I've never been asked for this, but travellers on longer stays sometimes are. | Recommended |
Keep your entry slip
When you enter Guatemala, immigration will give you a small slip (tarjeta de ingreso). Do not lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave. If you lose it, expect delays and a small fine at the border.
Cash is king at land borders
At land border crossings, the entry fee (if any) is usually cash only in Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ). Have small bills ready — 20 GTQ is plenty. ATMs are not always available at remote crossings.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Join the line for 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners). Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
2
Land border crossings
At land borders like El Carmen or Pedro de Alvarado, you'll go to the immigration window. Same requirements: passport with 6+ months validity and return ticket. Expect to pay a small entry fee (around 10–20 GTQ, cash only). Keep your entry slip — you'll need it to exit.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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, extendable up to 180 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy abroad; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (residency)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of income or investment; leads to permanent residency.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires business plan and legal documentation.
work visa
Work Visa (Trabajador)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa (Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized Guatemalan institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | ~$2 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
Israel 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 overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies.
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City
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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas, especially Petén region; 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, entry stamp, and proof of funds.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Smaller office; may handle extensions for tourists in the area.
Practical information for IL 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 entry is not extendable. You must leave after 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before your 90 days are up — contact the Guatemalan immigration office (Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración) for options.
No, there is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. However, if an officer suspects you might overstay or work illegally, they could ask. Having a credit card and a few hundred dollars in cash is smart.
You will likely be denied entry. The rule is strict: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, Israeli passport holders can enter visa-free at any land border. The process is the same as at the airport — passport, return ticket, and sometimes a small fee (10–20 GTQ, cash only). Keep your entry slip safe.
No, there is no online pre-registration or arrival declaration required. You just fill out the standard immigration card on the plane or at the border.
You'll be fined. The fine is around 50 GTQ per day overstayed (about $6.50 USD). You pay at the immigration office before leaving. Overstaying more than a few days can also get you flagged for future entries.
No, Israeli passport holders don't need any visa at all — regardless of other visas you hold. Your Israeli passport alone grants visa-free entry.
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.