Guatemala

Government Travel Advisories for Guatemala

United States

Avoid Non-Essential Travel — Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full Travel Advisory. Some areas of Guatemala have higher levels of gang-related violence. Crimes include robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking, assaults, and murders. Local law enforcement often struggles to address serious crimes. This leads to low arrest and conviction rates. Tourists can be

United Kingdom

Avoid Non-Essential Travel — FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these areas . On 6 April 2026, Guatemalan authorities announced a 15-day State of Prevention in the departments of Guatemala (City), Sacatepéquez, Escuintla, Petén, Izabal, San Marcos, and Huehuetenango. Under this measure, the Government can restrict outdoor gatherings, public demonstrations,

Canada

Exercise Increased Caution — Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of crime roadblocks and demonstrations that occur throughout the country.

New Zealand

Exercise Increased Caution — Current situation On 18 January 2026, the Guatemalan government declared a 30‑day nationwide state of emergency (estado de sitio) in response to escalating insecurity and attacks on law enforcement. During the state of emergency, expect an increase in the presence of security forces and there may be restrictions on movement and assembly. Security forces have the authority to establish roadblocks a

Germany

Exercise Increased Caution — Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala.

France

Exercise Increased Caution — Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala.

Netherlands

Exercise Increased Caution — Caution: safety risks in Guatemala.

Japan

Exercise Increased Caution — Guatemala