Guatemala entry requirements for Russia 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

Russian passport holders can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making entry straightforward for tourism or business. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 check-in will verify this before you board.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Guatemala
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Guatemala ready to show.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. Immigration may ask to see it, especially if you arrive without a return ticket.Recommended
No visa needed — but be prepared
You don't need a visa, but immigration can still deny entry if you can't show a return ticket or your passport is too short. Have everything ready.
Overstaying is costly
The 90-day stay is not extendable. Overstaying means fines and potential trouble re-entering Guatemala later. Set a reminder to leave on time.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at immigration counter
At La Aurora International Airport (GUA) or any land border, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport. The officer will check validity, ask your purpose and length of stay. They'll stamp you in — usually for 90 days. No fee.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from baggage claim, then walk through customs. No arrival declaration form needed for Russian passport holders.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

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

Apply at Guatemalan embassy in Moscow or nearest consulate. Requires passport, photos, itinerary, proof of funds.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$75 USD

Same requirements as single entry; allows multiple visits.

Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (application + fees)

Requires proof of income, clean criminal record, and local sponsor. Processed by Guatemalan immigration (IGM).

retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD initial fee + annual renewal ~$100 USD
For retirees with a monthly pension or passive income of at least $1,000 USD. Requires criminal record check and local bank account. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
work visa
Residencia Temporal por Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan company. Requires work contract, employer registration, and proof of qualifications. Leads to permanent residency.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD + investment of at least $50,000 USD
For investors in real estate, business, or other approved sectors. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast-track to permanent residency.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; no official cap but may be negotiated at departure.~$2 USD (approx. 15 GTQ) per day
Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Guatemalan embassy.~$50 USD (approx. 390 GTQ)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; same application process.~$75 USD (approx. 585 GTQ)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
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

Russian passport holders transiting through Guatemala (e.g., La Aurora International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.

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., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderYellow Fever (if not required)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; common in lowland areas and during rainy season (May–October).

MalariaModerate risk

Present in rural areas, especially Petén and Izabal; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.

Chikungunya and ZikaModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; same prevention as dengue.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is highest in rural areas of Petén, Izabal, and along the Caribbean coast. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline) recommended for those regions. No risk in Guatemala City or Antigua.

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 (IGM)
6a Avenida 3-11, Zona 4, Guatemala City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, entry stamp, and proof of funds.

Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Smaller office; may handle extensions but limited services. Arrive early.

Practical information for RU 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
updated May 22
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
Police110
Medical128
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, Russian passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport and onward ticket.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, entry is free. No visa fee, no arrival tax. Just walk through immigration.
Yes, same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Have your passport and onward ticket ready. Border crossings can be slower than airports.
No, Guatemala does not require an arrival declaration for Russian passport holders. Just go through immigration.
You'll face a fine (around 10-20 GTQ per day overstayed) and possible entry restrictions. Best to leave on time or apply for an extension before your stay ends — though extensions are not available for visa-free visitors.

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.