Guatemala visa requirements 2025 — who enters visa-free, the CA-4 agreement explained, health recommendations, quetzal currency tips, and practical advice for arrival at La Aurora International Airport.
Guatemala Entry Requirements: The Essentials
Guatemala participates in the CA-4 regional agreement with Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua — meaning a shared 90-day visa-free window for international tourists entering any of the four countries.
✅ Visa-Free Countries
USA · Canada · UK · All EU member states · Japan · South Korea · Australia · NZ · Most of Latin America
✅ CA-4 Stay Duration
90 days total across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua combined · Not 90 days each
✅ Passport Requirement
Valid for minimum 6 months beyond your planned entry date
✅ Onward Ticket
Required at immigration · Have confirmation accessible on your phone
💉 Health
No mandatory vaccines · Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic country
💰 Entry Fee
No current tourist tax · Airport taxes included in airline tickets
The CA-4 Agreement in Practice
For travelers combining Guatemala with Honduras, El Salvador, or Nicaragua on a single trip, the CA-4 clock matters. If you need more than 90 days in the CA-4 region, exit to Panama, Costa Rica, or Belize for 72 hours, then re-enter any CA-4 country for another 90-day window.
Currency: The Quetzal and Practical Money Management
- Exchange at your hotel or at bank ATMs (Banrural and BAM have the most reliable networks)
- Avoid exchange kiosks at the airport — rates are typically 5–10% worse than bank rates
- Carry small quetzal bills for markets and local transport — vendors rarely have change for large bills
- Credit cards accepted at most tourist-facing businesses · Visa and Mastercard standard · Amex less common
Health Considerations
- Altitude: Antigua at 1,530m, Atitlán at 1,560m, Chichicastenango at 2,071m · Allow 24h acclimatization
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended by CDC for all Guatemala travelers
- Malaria: low risk in highland tourist areas · Higher risk in Petén lowlands · Consult physician for Tikal
- Water: drink only bottled or filtered water throughout Guatemala
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage strongly recommended for all visitors
✦ Altitude Note for Active Travelers
Travelers planning the Acatenango overnight (3,976m) should take acclimatization seriously. Spend at least 2 full days at Antigua's altitude (1,530m) before attempting any summit above 3,000m. Hydration and proper pacing on ascent significantly reduce the risk of altitude sickness.