Guatemala entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making it easy to travel for tourism or business without any prior visa arrangements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire time you plan to stay in Guatemala. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 90 days, you may be denied entry. | 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. A bus ticket to a neighboring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Guatemala does not publish a fixed minimum, but carrying around $500 USD in cash or having a bank statement showing available funds avoids problems. ATMs are widely available in Guatemala City and Antigua. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is straightforward
No prior visa, no application, no fee. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. This is one of the easiest destinations for Saudi passport holders.
Overstay penalties are real
Staying beyond 90 days can lead to fines of about 10 GTQ per day over and potential entry bans. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Most travellers fly into Guatemala City. After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Queues can be long during peak hours (midday and evening). Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation details. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a quick walk-through. If you have nothing to declare, just walk out.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
CostApprox. $50 USD (estimated)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay. Apply at Guatemalan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostApprox. $100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
Approx. $250 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a permanent pension income of at least $1,000 USD/month. Allows residency and multiple entries.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
Approx. $500 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Guatemala. Includes business and residency benefits.
work visa
Work Visa (Trabajador)
1 year, renewable
Approx. $300 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines may apply; exact amount varies. Avoid overstaying. | Approx. $2 USD/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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Guatemala do not need a transit visa if 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; higher risk in remote lowland regions.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food/water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for remote lowland regions (e.g., Petén).
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 immigration matters.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Smaller office; may handle extensions but limited services.
Practical information for SA 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 entry is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines of about 10 GTQ per day over and potential entry bans.
If you're transiting through Guatemala and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need to enter visa-free as described.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, visa on arrival is not available. You rely on the visa-free agreement. No prior application needed.
No, visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Working requires a proper work visa.
Your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and first night hotel booking. That's usually enough. Some officers may ask for proof of funds — a credit card or cash works.
Typically 15-30 minutes, but can be longer during peak hours (10am-2pm and 5pm-8pm). Have your documents ready to speed things up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.