Before you go to Guatemala: what to know
Must know
- Complete the online declaration and get an entry stamp. Japanese embassy guidance updated September 2026 allows submission from 15 days before travel.
- Violent crime and roadblocks can affect tourist routes; avoid night travel and use reputable transport.
Entry and visas
British tourists can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. The CA-4 clock is shared with neighbouring members and does not reset at each border; Honduras still has separate visa requirements for British citizens. Complete the SAT electronic declaration for air entry and exit and save its QR code.
Online arrival forms and permits
- SAT Regional Traveller Declaration ↗ required
Before air entry/exit; Japanese embassy says up to 15 days ahead · All air arrivals/departures; land and sea rules differ
Passport validity: UK advice: at least 6 months after arrival and 2 blank pages.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, mingob.gob.gt ↗, gt.emb-japan.go.jp ↗, en.portal.sat.gob.gt ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- Cards are widely accepted in Guatemala City, Antigua and tourist destinations; carry cash outside these areas.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, mingob.gob.gt ↗, gt.emb-japan.go.jp ↗, en.portal.sat.gob.gt ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Carry identification; original/certified copies may be required in San Pedro La Laguna.
- Do not photograph people, especially children, without permission.
- Mobile-phone use while driving is illegal.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, mingob.gob.gt ↗, gt.emb-japan.go.jp ↗, en.portal.sat.gob.gt ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Ask before entering a place of worship; respect services and local customs.
Clothing: Choose clothing appropriate to the venue and activity.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, mingob.gob.gt ↗, gt.emb-japan.go.jp ↗, en.portal.sat.gob.gt ↗
Climate
Atlantic hurricane season runs June-November; follow local forecasts and evacuation instructions.
Month by month
- January: Jan: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- February: Feb: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- March: Mar: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- April: Apr: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- May: May: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- June: Jun: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- July: Jul: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- August: Aug: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- September: Sep: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- October: Oct: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- November: Nov: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- December: Dec: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
Best season: December-May avoids the official hurricane season; check local rainfall and forecasts.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
What to pack
- Travel documents and insurance details
- Medicines in original packaging
- A backup payment method
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Carrying packages for strangers
Practical
Plugs: Ask your accommodation about sockets and voltage before packing an adapter.
Water: Use sealed drinking water if the local supply is uncertain.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Arrange cover for medical care, evacuation and planned activities.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, mingob.gob.gt ↗, gt.emb-japan.go.jp ↗, en.portal.sat.gob.gt ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.