Guatemala customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Travelers arriving in Guatemala may bring personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 duty-free, plus 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, and 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco (choose one). Cash amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics, certain agricultural products, and other items are prohibited or restricted. These rules apply for 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of alcoholic beverages (spirits over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveler must be 18 or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (Form DUA).

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (or equivalent in GTQ) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to duties and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with medical prescription and prior authorization)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Ministry of Defense
Pornographic materials
Endangered species and products thereof (CITES-listed)
Counterfeit goods and pirated items
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products without phytosanitary certification

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use: must be in original packaging with a prescription (in Spanish or English) for quantities exceeding 3 months' supply
Plants and plant products: require a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture
Pets (dogs and cats): require a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination (valid at least 30 days before travel)
Drones: require prior authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) for import or use
Satellite phones: require a permit from the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SIT)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Allowance Per Person

The USD 800 duty-free allowance is per adult traveler. Minors (under 18) have a reduced allowance of USD 400. Family groups cannot combine allowances.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Vehicles entering Guatemala for tourism can stay up to 90 days without a bond. A vehicle import permit (TIP) is required at the border, and the vehicle must leave the country within the allowed period.

Agricultural Inspection at Entry

All luggage is subject to inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA) for prohibited plant and animal products. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Currency Declaration Form

Cash or monetary instruments (checks, money orders) exceeding USD 10,000 must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (DUA). Failure to declare can lead to seizure and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

You may bring 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer, plus 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco. You must be 18 or older.

You can bring up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) without declaring. Any amount over that must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form.

Yes, but you need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and proof of rabies vaccination (valid at least 30 days before arrival). The certificate must be in Spanish or translated by a certified translator.

Drones are restricted. You must obtain prior authorization from the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) for import and use. Unauthorized drones may be confiscated.

Goods valued over USD 800 are subject to import duties (typically 10-20% of the value) plus 12% VAT (IVA). You must declare them on the customs form and pay at the customs office.

Yes, for personal use. Carry medicines in original packaging with a prescription (in Spanish or English). For quantities exceeding a 3-month supply, you need prior authorization from the Ministry of Health.

Official source

Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria (SAT) - Customs Directorate