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TRAVEL REPORT
Guatemala

1. RECENT UPDATES

The information contained in this Travel Report has been thoroughly reviewed and updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Guatemala

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Landslides and flooding associated with passing tropical storms as well as a particularly heavy rainy season have blocked many roads and washed out bridges across the country. Transport to and from popular tourist sites remains difficult, particularly Lake Atitlán, many areas of which are currently inaccessible. Many rivers and streams across the country remain at dangerous levels, and there have been alerts for flash floods, mudslides, and landslides. Travellers should monitor media reports and regional weather forecasts.

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala, as incidents of violence, roadblocks, strikes, and demonstrations occur periodically throughout the country. Roadblocks may cause major traffic disruptions and have been reported along roads leading to and from airports. Do not attempt to pass through a roadblock, even if it appears unattended. Canadians should remain vigilant, stay alert to new developments through local media reports, and amend their travel arrangements accordingly. They should also follow the advice of local authorities and avoid all demonstrations.

Tourists may obtain up-to-date security information through INGUAT (service available in English), the Guatemalan Tourism Institute. INGUAT’s telephone numbers for tourist assistance (ASISTUR) are (502) 2421-2810 and (502) 5578-9836. You may also dial 1500 within Guatemala.

The hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

It is highly recommended that Canadians inquire about local security conditions before travelling to the Department of Izabal, especially the areas of Lake Izabal, Río Dulce, Livingston, Puerto Barrios, and El Petén (including the tourist site of Tikal). Protests and civil unrest have recently occurred in these areas. Travellers to these popular tourist sites are susceptible to violent carjackings and robberies.

In south-eastern districts close to the borders with El Salvador and Honduras, and in northern districts along the border with Mexico, drug-related violence has led to a number of armed attacks. Violence related to drug trafficking has also been reported in Guatemala City as well as other major cities in the country. Foreigners and tourists are not usually targeted but should nonetheless remain vigilant at all times.

Military and police forces, deployed along the border with Mexico to combat organized crime and improve security conditions, are conducting random vehicle searches.

Crime

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of violent crime in Latin America, but a very low arrest and detention rate. Most incidents are drug and gang related and occur in and around Guatemala City and in rural areas. The border with Mexico also presents risks due to drug smuggling and illegal immigration. Small arms such as handguns are very common. Criminals often operate in groups. Foreigners are often targets of robbery, carjacking, sexual assault and rape, and armed assaults. Crime levels tend to increase during the holiday seasons.

Canadians should always be aware of their surroundings and should not display signs of affluence, especially in airports. Avoid travelling alone (especially late at night) and avoid low-cost hotels with poor security. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and sufficient funds for the day, and exercise extreme caution when using automated banking machines (ABMs). If you are robbed, stay calm and do not resist. Injuries or death have occurred when victims have resisted.

Canadians should be vigilant in all major cities at all times, and should avoid walking after dark. Do not openly display laptop computers, mobile phones, or other electronic devices at any time.

Tourist shuttles travelling between popular destinations have been targeted by hijackers in the past. Travellers should inform themselves of the current situation. Groups should not draw attention to themselves.

Avoid travelling in public buses (city or "chicken buses") at all costs. They are mechanically unsafe, drivers are often unlicensed, and armed robberies on board are common. Public buses are often targeted by gangs who hurl grenades or fire shots as a way of ensuring compliance to extortion demands or to settle accounts. Drivers have also been the targets of violence, including murder, and passengers have been subject to armed robbery on board, sometimes by fellow passengers just before disembarking. Foreigners should use only reputable means of transportation (see Section 9).

When visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites, you should travel in groups and with a reputable tour company. Sexual assaults and robberies can occur, especially when security personnel normally deployed on these sites are absent. Travellers should stay informed of security conditions in the areas they plan to visit.

When entering Guatemala by land, avoid exchanging money at border crossings unless absolutely necessary. Violent armed robberies have occurred. Allow enough time for border formalities in order to arrive in a major town before dark. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk.

General Safety

It is highly recommended never to approach or photograph children and women, since many people in Guatemala fear that children are being kidnapped for adoption or for theft of vital organs. Violent incidents involving foreigners have occurred. The incidence of vigilante justice has increased in rural areas, resulting in several incidents of lynching of suspected child kidnappers and other delinquents. Canadians should avoid large crowds and gatherings due to the unpredictability of crowd behaviour. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times.

It may be difficult to obtain police assistance. Police forces lack resources and are often corrupt.

Tourist groups may request security escorts and obtain emergency assistance or security information through INGUAT (see Section 2).

Cruise ship passengers who book a tour or make other travel arrangements should ensure that the company is recognized by the cruise line. Travellers should also confirm their itinerary with the boat and port authority as well as with INGUAT and ASISTUR.

Exercise caution when swimming off the Pacific coast, and remain informed of water conditions such as strong currents, riptides, and undertow. Avoid deserted and unpatrolled beaches after dark.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Guatemalan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala or its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Guatemala. Dual nationals travelling on their Guatemalan passport should ensure they also travel with a valid Canadian passport when returning to Canada, to avoid unnecessary delays on departure. Those without valid passports will be required to apply for a Canadian passport if returning to Canada.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays of a maximum of 90 days)
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Under the Central America Border Control Agreement, Canadian tourists may travel within any of the C-4 countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala) for a 90-day period without completing entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. The 90 days begin at the first point of entry to any of the C-4 countries. Fines are applied for exceeding this 90-day limit, although a request for an extension can be made before the 90-day limit expires. The maximum extension is 30 days and there is a fee.

Travellers arriving in Guatemala should ensure that their passport is stamped on entry. Those arriving by land or sea may have to actively seek out the immigration official to stamp their passports. Those who fail to present a stamped passport on departure from Guatemala will incur delays and fines.

Visas are required for Canadians intending to conduct business in Guatemala or wishing to stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding six months. You may contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Ottawa for more information.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over the age of one if arriving from an infected area.

An airport departure tax (which may be included in the price of the plane ticket) and a security tax of US$3 are charged upon departure, and are payable in cash only.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Guatemala - GUATEMALA CITY, Embassy of Canada
Address: Edyma Plaza Building, 8th Floor, 13 Calle 8-44, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Postal Address: P.O. Box 400, Guatemala City, Guatemala,
Tel.: (502) 2363-4348
Fax: (502) 2365-1216
E-Mail: gtmla-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.guatemala.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala City and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever can be a threat, especially during the rainy season, when stagnant water becomes a fertile breeding ground. Dengue transmission is particularly risky in the Department of Izabal. Travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent. Water-borne and food-borne diseases are prevalent. Purify tap water or buy bottled water, and avoid ice cubes. Fruits and vegetables washed in tap water should be disinfected, peeled, or cooked. Purchase only reliably pasteurized and refrigerated products. Choose restaurants carefully. Avoid consuming food or beverages sold by street vendors.

Private hospitals and clinics in urban areas offer equivalent care to those in Canada and are much better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities.

Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care. Travellers are strongly recommended to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure; insurance should cover emergency expenses, such as medical evacuation.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Foreigners travelling with a vehicle must comply with the deadline for leaving the country that is indicated on the temporary importation form provided by Guatemalan customs at the port of entry. If foreigners fail to leave Guatemala with their vehicle by the expiry date, taxes must be paid.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect extended jail sentences.

People found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are arrested and may be detained.

Importation into or export from Guatemala of items such as antiquities and artifacts may be subject to strict regulations. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Ottawa for information and advice.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

In Guatemala City, only use official taxis and make detailed arrangements for the return trip. Advice on reliable taxi companies may be obtained by inquiring with ASISTUR (see Section 2 for contact information) or hotel staff. Taxis hailed on the street and the colourful converted school buses, commonly referred to as "chicken buses," can be very dangerous and should be avoided (see section 3). Travellers should also ensure that transportation and tour providers are reliable before booking, as fraud has occurred.

Local and intercity public buses are mechanically unreliable, use unlicensed drivers, and are often involved in major road accidents. Incidents of pickpocketing and armed robbery on buses are daily occurrences. Intercity travel by bus should only be done during daylight hours with reliable tour companies. ASISTUR or hotel staff can provide you with advice on the safest companies.

Intercity travel by car should only be undertaken during daylight hours. Travelling in a convoy of two or more vehicles is recommended.

Secondary streets and rural roads are poorly lit. Local motorists rarely obey traffic laws. Winding and steep mountain roads and the lack of road signs present additional dangers.

The Inter-American Highway and the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean are dangerous because of heavy traffic. Off-road travel in the remote highlands should be undertaken only after seeking advice from the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala City.

Travel should be avoided on the isolated small dirt roads near Lake Atitlán. The safest route to Lake Atitlán is via the Pan-American Highway (CA-1) and Sololá, although this is where most disturbances occur. Avoid travelling on the Godinez road to Panajachel as it is dangerous and rarely patrolled by police. Armed robberies against vehicles with foreign plates have occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-2) and the Atlantic Highway (CA-9).

Roadblocks erected by armed gangs are common, particularly in the northern and western departments of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, El Quiché, Alta Verapaz, El Petén, and Escuintla. In the past, some criminals have posed as police officers. Travellers should comply and not resist if attacked. Always drive with windows closed and doors locked.

In the event of a vehicle accident, the police can be contacted by calling 110 or 120, and the fire department and paramedics by calling 122 and 123. In an accident resulting in injury or death, the drivers involved may be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). It is not possible to exchange Canadian dollars (cash or traveller's cheques) in Guatemala. U.S. currency and traveller's cheques are readily convertible to local funds at most major banks. Do not accept torn notes as they can be difficult to exchange. Credit cards are widely accepted. Do not exchange large amounts of currency with informal money changers. Some ABMs will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit PIN.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

The rainy season extends from May to October, and may continue into November. Flash floods and mudslides are common occurrences, causing temporary road closures. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

There are several active volcanoes in Guatemala. Tourists have been injured, some seriously, due to falls or wounds caused by projectile debris. You should monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media and amend travel arrangements accordingly. Hiking on volcanoes should be done only with a reputable tour company that tracks volcanic activity.

The Santiaguito and Tacaná volcanoes, both located in the western part of the country near the Mexican border, have expelled ash recently. Volcán de Fuego, located near the city of Antigua, approximately 48 km southwest of Guatemala City, and the Pacaya Volcano, located 40 km south of Guatemala City, have experienced heightened activity since January 2008. In May 2010, Pacaya had a significant eruption, causing sand and ash to fall on surrounding areas, including Guatemala City, which resulted in the closure of the airport for 4 days.

Ash falls can be hazardous for those who suffer from respiratory ailments. Canadians should understand the risks and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an explosion or eruption.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoptions: Canada does not currently allow adoptions from Guatemala.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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