Guatemala entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at immigration 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 for the entire time you're in Guatemala. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required by Guatemalan law, but airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month 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 the border. 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 | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have access to at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, cards, or bank statements. Officers rarely check, but the law requires you to prove sufficient funds if asked. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Guatemala, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before you go.
No extensions — plan your exit
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Guatemala (even just for a day) and re-enter. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At La Aurora International Airport (GUA) or any land border, join the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with up to 90 days.
3
Collect your passport and proceed
Once stamped, take your passport and move to baggage claim. No additional forms or fees for Swedish citizens.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 (approx. 390 GTQ)
Apply at Guatemalan embassy in Sweden or nearest consulate. Requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 780 GTQ)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (residency)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 1,560 GTQ) plus processing fees
Requires proof of income, criminal record check, and local sponsor. For extended stays beyond 90 days.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Rentas (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD application fee + ~$100 USD annual renewal
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income, criminal record, and local address. Allows indefinite renewal.
digital nomad visa
Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos (Digital Nomad Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For remote workers with income from abroad. Requires proof of employment, minimum $1,500 USD monthly income, and health insurance. Allows tax benefits.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment of at least $50,000 USD
For investors in Guatemalan businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Can lead to permanent residency.
work visa
Residencia Temporal por Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Guatemalan employer. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and proof of qualifications.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayFines are calculated per day overstayed, with no official cap. Pay at immigration before departure. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 15 GTQ) |
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
Swedish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Guatemalan airports, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA) – Guatemala City · Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) – Flores
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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in lowland areas, especially Petén and Izabal. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with symptoms similar to dengue. No specific treatment.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk is low in highland areas (Guatemala City, Antigua) but moderate in lowland regions like Petén and Izabal. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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, overstay fines, and residency applications. Bring passport and completed forms.
Antigua Guatemala
Oficina de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office for basic inquiries and overstay payments. Limited services; major issues may require Guatemala City.
Practical information for SE 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 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Guatemala (e.g., to Belize or Mexico) and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
You'll be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before traveling.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa). Coming directly from Sweden, no vaccine is required.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all land borders. You'll go through immigration just like at the airport. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No. Swedish citizens do not pay any entry fee or tourist card. Just walk through immigration with your passport.
Denial is rare for Swedish citizens with valid passports and return tickets. Common reasons: insufficient funds, no return ticket, or previous overstay. If denied, you'll be sent back on the next flight at your expense.
No. The entry stamp is sufficient. No additional registration is required for stays under 90 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.