Guatemala entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Just show up 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 for the entire time you're in Guatemala. Airlines check this at check-in. No minimum 6-month validity requirement for South Korean passport holders. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 90 days. Airlines also verify this before boarding. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | 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. Keep a copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Guatemala doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but having a credit card or bank statement showing a few hundred dollars is enough. I've never been asked, but it's smart to have it. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Guatemala, not from your departure date. If your passport expires in 5 months, you'll be turned away.
Overstaying is not extendable
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must leave Guatemala before day 90 and re-enter (though re-entry may be questioned if done repeatedly). Overstays result in fines and potential entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Most visitors fly into Guatemala City. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are usually two queues: one for Guatemalans and one for foreigners. Join the foreigners line.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation booking) if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page. They may ask a few questions like 'How long are you staying?' or 'Where are you staying?'.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check the stamp before walking away. If it says fewer days than you expected, ask politely for clarification.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then go through customs (usually a green/red channel system). If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 235 GTQ)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy in Seoul or online. Requires passport, photo, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 390 GTQ)
For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry but allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (residency)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD (approx. 1,950 GTQ) plus processing fees
Requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor. Not for short-term tourism.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$250 USD (approx. 1,950 GTQ) initial fee + annual renewal
For retirees with a permanent monthly income of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension or investment income, background check, and local address. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Temporal Stay for Remote Workers)
1 year, renewable once
$200 USD (approx. 1,560 GTQ) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of at least $2,000 USD/month. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows work for foreign employers only.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD (approx. 3,900 GTQ) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires business plan and legal documentation. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Trabajador Temporal)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 2,340 GTQ) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan company. Requires employer to file paperwork and prove need for foreign worker. Valid for specific employer and role.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; exact amount varies. Avoid overstaying. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 15 GTQ) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Guatemala, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA) – 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus causing fever and joint pain; same prevention as dengue.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take extra precautions due to risk of birth defects.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural lowland areas (e.g., Petén region). Prophylaxis recommended for extended rural stays; not needed for most tourist destinations.
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 all original documents and copies.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación 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 or document submissions.
Practical information for KR 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 is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential trouble at the border. Plan your trip to fit within 90 days.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa). South Korea is not a risk country, so you don't need it for direct travel. But if you've been in a risk area within 6 days before arrival, you'll need proof of vaccination.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Common crossings include El Ceibo (from Mexico) and Melchor de Mencos (from Belize). Expect similar document checks — passport, return ticket, and sometimes proof of accommodation.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions are made for short trips.
No. There is no tourist card fee for South Korean passport holders. Entry is completely free.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism only. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you need a specific visa from a Guatemalan embassy before you travel.
You'll be fined approximately 10 GTQ (about $1.30 USD) per day overstayed, payable at the airport or border when you leave. Overstays can also complicate future travel to Guatemala or other Central American countries.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.