Guatemala entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Polish passport holders can visit Guatemala without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. This policy applies in 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 plan to stay in Guatemala. Airlines at Warsaw Chopin Airport will check this before boarding. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Guatemalan law. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guatemala | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Airlines also enforce this before you board in Europe. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have access to at least 500 GTQ (around $65 USD) per day of your stay, or a credit card. Immigration may ask to see bank statements or cash, but this is rare for Polish passport holders. | Recommended |
6-month passport rule strictly enforced
Immigration officers will check your passport validity from your entry date. If you have less than 6 months left, you'll be refused boarding by the airline or denied entry at the border. No exceptions.
No visa, but have proof of onward travel
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration may ask to see a return or onward ticket. Keep a screenshot or printed copy handy. Airlines sometimes check this before boarding too.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Guatemala City Airport (La Aurora)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and usually grant 90 days. The process takes 10–20 minutes.
2
Prepare documents before the queue
While waiting in line, open your passport to the photo page and have your return ticket and hotel booking visible on your phone. This speeds things up and shows you're organized.
3
Exit customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to customs. There's a red/green channel system. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel. Random bag checks happen occasionally.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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
For longer stays or if visa-free is not suitable; apply at Guatemalan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (residency)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
Requires proof of income or investment; renewable.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD initial fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income and background check. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Guatemalan business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
work visa
Residencia Temporal por Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD initial fee
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa-free period; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day |
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
Polish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Guatemalan airports, provided they remain 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use repellent.
MalariaLow risk
Risk in lowland areas (e.g., Petén); prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas but present in rural lowlands (e.g., Petén). Consider prophylaxis if visiting those 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, Ciudad de Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications; arrive early.
Antigua Guatemala
Oficina de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles basic immigration services; limited capacity.
Practical information for PL 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 stay is strictly 90 days. Extensions are not available for Polish passport holders. If you overstay, you'll face fines (around 10 GTQ per day) and potential issues when leaving.
No, there is no yellow fever requirement for travelers arriving from Poland or most European countries. It's only required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket. Border crossings can be slower than airports — expect 30–60 minutes.
No, there is no online pre-registration or arrival declaration required. You'll fill out a simple paper form on the plane or at immigration upon arrival.
The local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you'll get change in quetzals. ATMs are common in cities. Avoid exchanging money at the airport — rates are poor.
Guatemala has areas with high crime rates, especially in Guatemala City and certain rural regions. Stick to tourist zones like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal. Avoid traveling alone at night and use registered taxis or Uber. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.