Guatemala entry requirements for Mexico passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Mexican passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, you simply arrive at any land border or airport and receive a free entry stamp. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Mexican passport only needs to be valid for the time you plan to stay in Guatemala. Airlines at Mexico City and Cancún will check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave Guatemala, they may deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. A bus ticket to Mexico or a flight to any other country works — just show you're leaving within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers at the border sometimes ask where you're staying — a printed booking or a screenshot on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration may ask how much cash or credit you carry. Have a bank statement or credit card ready — there's no fixed minimum, but showing you have around $500 USD equivalent usually satisfies the officer. | Recommended |
No visa, no fee — just show up
Mexicans can enter Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, no payment, no appointment needed. Just a valid passport with 6+ months of validity and a blank page.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Immigration will check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew before you go — you will be turned away at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date) and ensure you have at least one blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night's accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone.
2
Arrive at the border or airport
At Guatemala City's La Aurora Airport (GUA) or any land border crossing (e.g., El Carmen, Tecún Umán), proceed to the immigration counter for foreign visitors. There is no visa application or fee — just present your passport.
3
Present your documents to the officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Have them ready on your phone or printed. Answer any questions clearly (purpose of visit, length of stay).
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day tourist entry. No payment is required. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
5
Exit immigration and collect your luggage
After the stamp, you're free to proceed to baggage claim (if flying) or continue into Guatemala. If you have a connecting flight, follow transit signs.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Guatemalan embassy in Mexico.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Guatemalan immigration.
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions; proof of enrollment required.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal (Pensionado)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a stable pension income. Requires proof of monthly income (at least $1,000 USD) and clean criminal record. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Residencia Temporal por Trabajo
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Guatemala. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from immigration. Can lead to permanent residency.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors who invest at least $50,000 USD in a Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | ~$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
Mexico passport holders transiting through Guatemala do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours and remaining airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, visa-free entry applies (up to 90 days).
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA) · Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS)
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).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; common in lowland areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaLow risk
Present in some rural areas, especially Petén. Prophylaxis recommended for high-risk regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas but present in rural lowlands (e.g., Petén). Consider prophylaxis if visiting remote areas.
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 issues and permits; bring passport and photos.
Antigua Guatemala
Oficina de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Smaller office; limited services, best for inquiries.
Practical information for MX 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. Mexican passport holders are visa-free for tourism and business stays up to 90 days. You get the entry stamp at the border or airport at no cost.
You can stay up to 90 days per entry. Extensions are not available — if you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Guatemala. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket, flight, or any reservation showing you'll leave Guatemala within 90 days. A screenshot works.
No. The 90-day tourist entry is not extendable. If you need more time, you must exit Guatemala (even just to a neighboring country like Belize or Honduras) and re-enter to get a new 90-day stamp.
No. Entry is free for Mexican passport holders. There is no visa fee, no reciprocity fee, and no arrival tax.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 10–50 GTQ per day, depending on the officer) and potential issues when leaving. It's best to leave on time or before the 90 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.