The tarjeta de pulmones (lungs card or TB clearance card) is a certificate that proves you do not have tuberculosis or other infectious respiratory diseases. It is one of the most commonly required employment documents in Guatemala, alongside the tarjeta de salud and antecedentes penales. The certificate is obtained through a chest X-ray at the Liga Nacional Contra la Tuberculosis, the specialized institution authorized to issue this document.

Tuberculosis remains a public health concern in Guatemala, with the country reporting thousands of new cases annually. The tarjeta de pulmones serves as a screening mechanism — particularly for workers in the food industry, healthcare, education, and customer-facing roles. By requiring periodic chest X-rays, the system helps detect active TB cases early, protecting both the worker and the public.

The process is simple and fast. You walk into the Liga’s office, pay Q30, get a chest X-ray, and receive your card — all in the same visit, typically within a couple of hours. The Liga’s main office in Zone 1 of Guatemala City handles the highest volume, but regional offices exist in departmental capitals throughout the country.

Quick summary: Costs Q30 (~$4 USD). Includes a chest X-ray. Issued at the Liga Nacional Contra la Tuberculosis. Same-day processing. Must be renewed annually. Required by most employers.

Prices verified March 2026. Check our exchange rate page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.

Cost

Item Cost
Tarjeta de pulmones (includes X-ray) Q30

Requirements

  • DPI vigente — photocopy
  • Photograph — passport-sized (similar to cedula size)
  • Payment of Q30
  • Physical presence — you must be there for the chest X-ray

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Get a passport-sized photo if you do not have one (Q5-Q10 at any photo studio)
  2. Make a photocopy of your DPI
  3. Go to the Liga Nacional Contra la Tuberculosis:
    • Main office: 9a Calle A 0-65, Zone 1, Guatemala City
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  4. Present your DPI copy and photo at the reception
  5. Pay Q30
  6. Wait for your turn — depending on the day, the wait can be 30 minutes to 2 hours
  7. Get your chest X-ray — a quick, painless procedure that takes less than a minute
  8. Wait for results — the X-ray is read by a technician
  9. If clear (no TB): Receive your tarjeta de pulmones the same day
  10. If abnormal: You will be referred for further evaluation and treatment (free through the national TB program)

Main Location

Liga Nacional Contra la Tuberculosis — Sede Central

  • Address: 9a Calle A 0-65, Zone 1, Guatemala City
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Phone: 2230-3277
  • Near: Parque Concordia, a few blocks from the Mercado Central

Regional Offices

The Liga has regional offices in departmental capitals including:

  • Quetzaltenango
  • Escuintla
  • Huehuetenango
  • Coban (Alta Verapaz)
  • Mazatenango (Suchitepequez)

Contact the central office for the current regional schedule, as some offices operate on specific days only.

When You Need This Document

The tarjeta de pulmones is required for:

  • Food industry employment — restaurants, comedores, food factories, bakeries, supermarkets
  • Healthcare workers — hospitals, clinics, pharmacies
  • Education sector — teachers and school staff
  • Domestic workers — many households require it
  • Hotel and tourism — front-of-house and kitchen staff
  • Government positions — many public sector jobs require it
  • General employment — an increasing number of employers in all sectors request it

In practice, the tarjeta de pulmones has become a near-universal employment requirement in Guatemala, much like the antecedentes penales and antecedentes policiacos.

From the US (Diaspora Info)

The tarjeta de pulmones cannot be obtained from abroad — it requires a physical chest X-ray at the Liga’s facilities:

  • If you are returning to Guatemala to work, plan to get the tarjeta de pulmones during your first few days. The process is same-day
  • The Liga’s main office in Zone 1 is the most accessible option for visitors unfamiliar with other locations
  • If you are sending a family member to work, remind them to get both the tarjeta de pulmones and the tarjeta de salud — most employers require both
  • For US immigration or employment: The tarjeta de pulmones is NOT equivalent to the medical examination required for US immigration (which must be done by USCIS-approved physicians). These are completely separate processes

Tips & Common Mistakes

  1. Go early in the morning. The Liga’s Zone 1 office gets very busy by mid-morning. Arriving at 7:00-8:00 AM means shorter wait times. By noon, you may be waiting 2+ hours.

  2. Do not confuse it with the tarjeta de salud. The tarjeta de pulmones (TB clearance) and the tarjeta de salud (general health card) are different documents from different institutions. The pulmones card comes from the Liga Nacional Contra la Tuberculosis. The tarjeta de salud comes from MSPAS health centers. Most employers require BOTH.

  3. Wear clothing that is easy to remove from the waist up. For the chest X-ray, you will need to remove metal objects and clothing from your upper body. A simple t-shirt that is easy to take off and put back on will speed things up.

  4. Get both employment health cards in the same week. Since the tarjeta de pulmones and the tarjeta de salud are at different locations, plan to visit the Liga on one day and the centro de salud on another day during the same week. This way, you are fully ready for employment within a few days.

  5. If you test positive for TB, do not panic. The national TB program provides free treatment. Active TB is curable with proper medication (typically 6 months of treatment). The Liga will guide you through the next steps and connect you with treatment facilities.