Guatemala entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business visits in 2026. 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 only for the time you plan to stay in Guatemala. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Guatemala City airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card handy. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip — a quick glance at your phone banking app usually suffices. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If you have less than 6 months remaining, they can refuse to let you board — even if Guatemala would let you in. Double-check your expiry date before booking.
Keep your immigration stub
When you enter Guatemala, the officer will give you a small paper stub. Don't lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave. Replacement can be a hassle.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Guatemala City Airport (La Aurora)
After landing at La Aurora International Airport (GUA), follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are usually two queues: one for Guatemalan citizens and one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
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, stamp it, and return it. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes per person.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You may be asked to put your bags through an X-ray scanner. Green light means go; red light means a bag search. Then you're free to exit.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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
CostFree (visa-free already available)
Not needed for New Zealand holders; listed for reference.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostFree (visa-free already available)
Not needed for New Zealand holders; listed for reference.
digital nomad visa
Guatemala Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
Not yet finalized (estimated ~$300 USD)
A proposed visa for remote workers with proof of income. Not yet officially launched; check official sources for updates.
retirement visa
Guatemala Pensionado Visa
1 year, renewable
Approximately $250 USD in fees
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension and background check.
work visa
Guatemala Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Approximately $200 USD
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are applied at departure; maximum cap may apply. | Approximately $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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Guatemala, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent 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); prophylaxis recommended for those visiting remote regions.
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-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; may handle extensions and permits for tourists.
Practical information for NZ 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 visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Guatemala before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
If you're connecting flights and not leaving the international transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you'll need to meet the same visa-free requirements.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Guatemalan immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket. Land crossings can be slower — expect queues of 30–60 minutes.
No, there's no online arrival declaration required. You'll fill out a paper immigration form on the plane or at the airport. Keep the stub — you'll need it when you leave.
It's not mandatory for entry, but medical costs in Guatemala can be steep. A basic policy costs around $30–50 for a week and covers hospital stays, evacuation, and theft. Worth it.
The Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you'll get better rates using quetzals. ATMs are common in cities.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.