Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Guatemala offers stunning Maya heritage and volcanoes, but crime is a real concern. Tourist areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal are relatively safe with basic precautions.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; exercise increased caution, especially in Guatemala City
- Main concern
- Robbery, theft and travel on public buses
- Emergency number
- 110 (police), 1500 (tourist assistance PROATUR)
- Most visits are trouble-free if you stay in well-touristed areas and use shuttles or organised tours rather than public chicken buses. Avoid displaying valuables, keep to daytime travel between towns, and stay alert in parts of Guatemala City.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Some districts of Guatemala City (Zones 1, 3, 18 and others) and certain rural stretches carry higher robbery risk. Tourist hubs are far safer.
- Higher risk
- Parts of Guatemala City (e.g. Zones 1, 3, 18) and some border areas
- Roads
- Highway robbery can occur; avoid driving at night
- Safer
- Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal main sites
- Petty and armed robbery is more common in specific city zones and on some intercity roads. Travel between towns by day, use trusted shuttles, and ask your accommodation about areas to avoid after dark.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Guatemala sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquakes, active volcanoes (Fuego, Pacaya, Acatenango) and a rainy season (May–October) bringing landslides and floods are real hazards.
- Earthquakes
- Frequent; know evacuation routes
- Volcanoes
- Fuego and Pacaya are active; follow INSIVUMEH alerts
- Rainy season
- May–October: landslides, floods, hurricane remnants
- Monitor the national institute INSIVUMEH for volcanic and seismic warnings. Only climb volcanoes with licensed guides. In the wet season, roads can wash out and landslides occur, so check conditions before travelling.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or purified water. Mosquito-borne illnesses (dengue, Zika, malaria in some areas) and travellers' diarrhoea are the main risks.
- Tap water
- Not safe to drink; use bottled/purified water
- Mosquitoes
- Dengue and Zika present; malaria risk in some lowland areas
- Altitude
- Highlands (e.g. Guatemala City ~1,500 m) can affect some visitors
- Private hospitals in Guatemala City and Antigua offer good care but require payment or insurance up-front; public facilities are more limited. Use insect repellent, eat well-cooked food, and consider vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) before travel.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and armed robbery occur, including on public "chicken buses". Tourists are advised to use shuttles or tours instead.
- Main risk
- Robbery on public buses and in crowded areas
- Transport
- Use tourist shuttles/tours, not public chicken buses
- Advice
- Do not resist if robbed; carry little cash
- Thieves target crowded markets, terminals and buses. Use authorised taxis or apps, keep valuables hidden, and avoid isolated ATMs at night. If confronted by armed robbers, comply calmly.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Guatemala is a democratic republic. Demonstrations and road blockades (bloqueos) occasionally occur and can disrupt travel, so stay informed and flexible.
- Government
- Democratic republic with elected president and congress
- Demonstrations
- Occasional protests and road blockades affect transport
- Advice
- Avoid gatherings; check road conditions before travelling
- Protests and roadblocks can appear with little notice and delay journeys, including to the airport. Keep your travel plans flexible, follow local news, and avoid political gatherings as a routine precaution.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Penalties for drug offences are severe. Carry ID, respect indigenous Maya communities, and always ask before photographing people.
- Drugs
- Strict laws and long prison sentences
- ID
- Carry a passport copy; police may check
- Culture
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in Maya villages
- Guatemala has a large indigenous Maya population; dress modestly at religious sites and markets like Chichicastenango. Removing antiquities or Maya artefacts is illegal. Same-sex relationships are legal but public attitudes can be conservative.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Key numbers: 110 police (PNC), 120 ambulance/Red Cross, 122/123 fire. PROATUR tourist assistance is on 1500 and helps travellers in English.
- Police (PNC)
- 110
- Ambulance / Red Cross
- 120
- Fire
- 122 / 123
- Tourist assistance
- 1500 (PROATUR)
- PROATUR (1500) is the tourist assistance service and can help with emergencies, reports and guidance, often in English. Response times can vary, especially in rural areas, so keep your accommodation and tour operator contacts handy.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Ensure it covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation and any adventure activities like volcano hikes.
- Medical cover
- Private hospitals require payment or insurance up-front
- Evacuation
- Include emergency medical evacuation/repatriation
- Activities
- Cover volcano trekking, diving and other adventures
- Good private care in Guatemala City and Antigua can be expensive without insurance, and serious cases may need evacuation. Check that your policy covers your planned activities, altitude and any pre-existing conditions.