Guatemala entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Guatemala. You must apply at a Guatemalan embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Tanzanian citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Guatemala visa before travel | Tanzania passport holders need a visa approved before arrival. Submit your application through the Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM) portal. Processing times vary — apply at least 4 weeks before your flight.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full length of your stay in Guatemala. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at La Aurora Airport ask for a return or onward ticket out of Guatemala. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Immigration may ask for bank statements or cash to prove you have enough for your trip. Carry at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash or a credit card. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Tanzanian passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or border. You must apply at a Guatemalan embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process at least 3–4 weeks before your trip.
Embassy locations are limited
Guatemala has few embassies in Africa. The closest one to Tanzania is in Nairobi, Kenya. If you're in another region, check if the Guatemalan embassy in your country handles visa applications.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate
Find the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Nairobi, Kenya, or Washington D.C., USA). Call or email to confirm their current visa application process, fees, and appointment requirements. Some embassies accept walk-ins, others require an appointment.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy may keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Visit the embassy or consulate during their visa submission hours. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$50 USD, but confirm with the specific embassy). Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Some embassies offer expedited service for an extra fee.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy to pick up your passport with the visa sticker, or have it mailed back if that service is offered. Check the visa validity dates and any conditions printed on it.
5
Arrive in Guatemala and go through immigration
At the airport in Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport), join the 'Foreigners' queue. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the entry stamp safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Guatemala Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 115,000 TZS)
Standard visa for tourism; must be used within validity period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 172,500 TZS)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 460,000 TZS)
Requires proof of income or investment; for extended stays.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal para Pensionados
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 460,000 TZS) initial fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 345,000 TZS) initial fee
For those with a job offer in Guatemala. Employer must sponsor and submit paperwork. Allows legal employment.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 230,000 TZS) initial fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required for Tanzanian passport holders; apply at Guatemalan embassy or consulate. | $50 USD (approx. 115,000 TZS) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD (approx. 172,500 TZS) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not available for tourist visa holders; this fee is for other visa types. | $50 USD (approx. 115,000 TZS) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 1,150,000 TZS). | $10 USD (approx. 23,000 TZS) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Tanzanian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Guatemala, even if staying airside. Apply at a Guatemalan embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsLa Aurora International Airport (GUA), Guatemala City
Health & vaccines for Guatemala
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Tanzania).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar to dengue, with joint pain.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk to pregnant women; cases have declined.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to rural 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; bring all original documents.
Antigua Guatemala
Delegación de Migración Antigua
4a Calle Poniente 30, Antigua Guatemala
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; may have limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for TZ 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. Guatemala does not offer visa on arrival for Tanzanian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Guatemalan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Some embassies offer expedited service for an additional fee. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is usually between $30 and $50 USD, but it varies by embassy. Contact the specific embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount. Fees are typically paid in local currency or USD.
If you're in Tanzania, the nearest Guatemalan embassy is in Nairobi, Kenya. If you're elsewhere, check the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the embassy or consulate covering your country of residence.
No. The visa issued is for a fixed period (usually up to 90 days) and cannot be extended. You must leave before it expires or face fines and possible entry bans.
Overstaying results in a fine of approximately $2–$3 USD per day. You'll pay it at immigration when you leave. Serious overstays can lead to deportation and a re-entry ban.
Guatemala requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Tanzania is not on that list, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently travelled to an affected country. Check with the embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.