Guatemala's entry requirements are relatively straightforward for most international travelers. Most visitors from North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond can arrive with a valid passport and walk through immigration without any issues, even without prior visa application, consulate appointment, or entry fee.
That said, there are details worth knowing before you land: a digital declaration form that replaced the old paper version in 2023, a regional agreement that affects how long you're allowed to stay in Central America. If you’re planning a self-drive trip and picking up a rental car at La Aurora International Airport or one of Enterprise Guatemala's city offices, here is what you need to have in order before you go.
Visa Exemptions: Who Can Enter Without a Visa
Holders of passports from a large number of jurisdictions can visit Guatemala without a visa for up to 90 days. The list covers most of the countries that generate the highest volume of international travelers to Guatemala, including:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia and New Zealand
- All EU member states
- Japan, South Korea, and Israel
- Mexico
If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, that means you’ll need to apply for a visa at a Guatemalan consulate or embassy before you travel. Countries whose citizens require a prior visa include much of sub-Saharan Africa, a significant portion of Asia (including China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam), and in the Americas, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM) maintains the official country classification list at igm.gob.gt.
Passport, Declaration Form, and What Else to Have Ready
Passport. It’s important you make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. Aim for at least six months of validity from your date of entry. Make sure it’s in good condition, legible, and has blank pages available for entry and exit stamps.
Electronic travel declaration (DJRV). Since August 2023, Guatemala has replaced the old paper immigration form with a fully digital version. Luckily, the DJRV (Declaración Jurada Regional de Viajero) can be completed from any phone, tablet, or computer with internet access, and it only takes around four minutes. The form is available free of charge through Guatemala's Tax Administration Superintendence at portal.sat.gob.gt. After submitting, you’ll receive a QR code by email that immigration officials scan on arrival. It’s best to complete it up to three days before your flight and save the QR code to your phone or print it before you board.
- When filling out the form, state that your purpose of visit is tourism. Selecting "study" can trigger a flag at immigration.
Proof of onward travel. A return or onward flight booking is required. Immigration officers may or may not ask to see it at the border, but have it accessible.
Cash declaration. Any amount over US$10,000 (or equivalent in another currency) must be declared to customs on entry or exit.
How Long You Can Stay: The 90-Day Rule and the CA-4
Most visitors get 90 days, and the clock starts from the moment you arrive in the country.
The CA-4 Agreement
This is a rather important detail that tends to catch many first-time visitors off guard. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua are all part of the CA-4 (Central America-4) Border Control Agreement. Your 90-day allowance applies across all four countries combined, not per country.
In practical terms: if you enter Guatemala on Day 1 and then travel overland to Honduras on Day 45, that means you have 45 days remaining across the entire CA-4 zone, not a fresh 90 days. Moving between CA-4 countries does not reset your timer. To reset your 90-day allowance, you must leave the CA-4 region entirely. The most common options are Mexico (by air or overland) and Belize.
Extending Your Stay
It is possible to extend your stay once, for up to an additional 90 days. According to Article 74 of Guatemala's Migration Code, you must apply before your initial 90-day period expires. Applications are handled in person at the IGM's Extranjería office at 6 Avenida 3-11, Zona 4, Guatemala City. You’ll need to bring a valid passport with your most recent entry stamp and the extension request form.
Be aware that overstaying without proper authorization usually carries a fine. If you choose to remain in the country without requesting an extension before your initial period ends, you may be subject to a per-day fine upon departure. Apply before your time is up to avoid it.
Driving in Guatemala: License and Rental Requirements
If your plan includes renting a car, your home country driver's license is valid in Guatemala for up to 60 days. An international driving permit (IDP) is not legally required within that window, but note that it is worth carrying if your license is not in Latin script.
Enterprise Guatemala requires a valid physical driver's license issued at least one year prior to rental, a valid passport, and a credit card for the security deposit. Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit. Our rental fleet includes sedans, SUVs, pickups, and vans.
Enterprise Guatemala's office at La Aurora International Airport is open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:59 PM, and the Mundo Maya International Airport location in Petén operates daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. One-way returns between offices are available with advance booking.
Traveling with Minors
Minors under 18 traveling alone, or with only one parent, should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent or parents. This is primarily checked on exit from Guatemala, but having the documentation prepared before travel helps to avoid any complications at the border.
What to Expect at Immigration
The whole process at La Aurora International Airport moves at a reasonable pace for most international flights. Have your passport open and your DJRV QR code ready before you reach the booth. Officers may ask about your plans, the length of your stay, and where you’ll be staying. Keep your answers simple and consistent with what you entered on the declaration form.
Guatemala law requires foreigners to carry their passport (or a legible copy) at all times while in the country. A practical habit is to carry a photocopy stored separately from the original, and to keep a photo of the passport data page on your phone. If your passport is lost or gets stolen while traveling, contact your nearest embassy or consulate and ASISTUR at +502 2290-2810 for assistance.
Upon departure, you will need to complete the DJRV form again for exit. The same portal handles both directions. It's a good idea to factor this into your airport arrival time if you haven’t completed it in advance.
Before You Land: A Quick Reference
Before you leave, run through the following:
- Passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages for stamps
- DJRV declaration completed at portal.sat.gob.gt and QR code saved or printed
- Proof of onward or return travel on hand
- Cash declaration prepared if carrying more than US$10,000
- Notarized consent letter if traveling with a minor and one parent
If you are renting a car on arrival, make sure you also bring a physical driver's license, the credit card you will use for the security deposit, and your reservation confirmation. For questions ahead of your trip, contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Guatemala?
No. U.S. citizens can enter Guatemala without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Do I need to fill out a form before entering Guatemala?
Yes. The DJRV (Declaración Jurada Regional de Viajero) is a required digital declaration, replacing the old paper one. Complete it at portal.sat.gob.gt up to three days before your flight. You’ll receive a QR code to present at immigration.
Does traveling to Honduras or El Salvador reset my 90 days in Guatemala?
No. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua share a single 90-day limit under the CA-4 agreement. Crossing into another CA-4 country doesn’t reset that. To reset, exit the CA-4 zone entirely.
What happens if my passport is lost or stolen in Guatemala?
Contact your nearest embassy or consulate immediately.
ASISTUR (+502 2290-2810) can assist with coordinating support for tourists in distress. Guatemalan law requires foreigners to carry their passport or a copy at all times, so keeping a photocopy stored separately from the original is a good precaution before you arrive.
What documents does Guatemala require at the border?
At minimum: a valid passport, your completed DJRV declaration (QR code), and proof of onward or return travel. If you’re traveling with a minor and one parent, then also bring a notarized consent letter from the absent parent. Amounts over US$10,000 in cash or equivalent must be declared to customs.
Is Guatemala safe to visit?
Major tourist destinations, including Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, and Quetzaltenango, have dedicated tourist police (DISETUR) and are covered by ASISTUR, Guatemala's 24/7 tourist assistance program. However, travelers should avoid San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and Villa Nueva. Registering with the State Department's STEP program before departure is recommended.
