US citizens traveling to Guatemala for tourism, family visits, business, or extended stays under 6 months can do so without a tourist visa. The 90-day visa-free stamp on arrival, extendable once for an additional 90 days, gives most US travelers all the flexibility they need. This page covers entry requirements, the CA-4 region rules that affect stay length, extensions, exit fees, and practical tips for US travelers.
The basic rule
US passport holders entering Guatemala receive on arrival:
- A 90-day tourist permit (often stamped or recorded electronically)
- Valid throughout the CA-4 region: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua
- Renewable once at IGM for an additional 90 days (180 days total)
No advance visa application required. No fees on arrival (in most cases). No interview at consulate before traveling.
Entry requirements
To enter Guatemala from the USA:
Required documents
- Valid US passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages
- Proof of onward or return travel (return ticket, onward ticket from Guatemala)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, host invitation, or itinerary) — sometimes requested but not always
- Proof of sufficient funds — rarely requested but technically required
What to expect at the airport
Arrival at Guatemala City airport (La Aurora):
- Disembark and follow signs to immigration (Migración)
- Present passport at booth
- Officer reviews passport, stamps with entry date, may ask basic questions (purpose of visit, length of stay, accommodation)
- Receive your stamp; proceed to baggage claim and customs
Total time: typically 15-45 minutes depending on flight density.
What to expect at land borders (Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador)
Land border procedures vary by crossing:
- Mexico (El Carmen, Tecún Umán, La Mesilla): Major crossings have established immigration; smaller crossings can be slower
- Belize (Melchor de Mencos): Quick when both countries’ procedures align
- Honduras (Agua Caliente, El Florido): Generally efficient
- El Salvador (Anguiatu, Las Chinamas): Generally efficient
By land you may need to fill out an additional form. Land entries also typically charge a small fee (~$3-$5).
The CA-4 region rule
This is the most-often-misunderstood rule for US travelers.
The Central America 4 (CA-4) is a treaty between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua that allows free movement for citizens of those countries — and also creates a unified 90-day stay limit for tourists.
What this means in practice
The 90-day clock counts across all four countries combined:
- You arrive in Guatemala on Day 1
- You travel to Honduras for 2 weeks (Day 1-14)
- You return to Guatemala (Day 15)
- You’re now on Day 15 of your CA-4 90 days, not Day 1
You cannot “reset” the clock by crossing into another CA-4 country and returning. Only exiting the CA-4 region (to Mexico, Belize, or beyond) and waiting outside for 3+ months resets the counter.
Common mistake
Many US travelers think a quick trip to Honduras or El Salvador resets their Guatemala stay. It does not. Officers track CA-4 entries.
The exception: if you exit to Mexico or Belize, your CA-4 clock pauses while you’re outside, and resumes from where you left off when you re-enter (still capped at 90 days total).
Extensions
If you need more than 90 days, you can extend at IGM (Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración) in Guatemala City.
How to extend
- Visit IGM (15 Calle 16-25, Zone 13, Guatemala City) before your initial 90 days expires
- Bring: passport, application form, photos, payment
- Pay extension fee (~Q150-Q400 / $20-$50)
- Receive extended permit (up to 90 additional days)
Total maximum stay: 180 days (90 + 90 extension) before mandatory exit.
What if you overstay?
Overstaying triggers daily fines (~$1-$5 per day) collected on departure. Repeat or significant overstays can result in entry bans on future visits. Always extend before expiring — extensions for current valid stays are routine; reentry after overstay is not.
Exit fees
When leaving Guatemala:
| Exit method | Fee | Usually included? |
|---|---|---|
| International flight | ~$30 (departure tax) | Yes, in ticket price |
| Land border (major crossings) | ~$10-$15 | No, paid in cash USD or GTQ |
| Sea (cruise, etc.) | varies | Varies |
Land border crossings: have small USD bills or GTQ ready. Some borders accept either; some prefer one or the other.
After 180 days — what next
Once you’ve used your 90 days + 90-day extension (180 days total), you must:
- Exit the CA-4 region (Mexico, Belize, or international destination)
- Remain outside for at least 90 days (3 months)
- Return — at which point you receive a new 90-day permit
Strategy for long-term visitors: Many people who want to stay in Guatemala beyond 6 months do “border runs” to Mexico — exit the CA-4 region, spend 3+ months in Mexico (which has its own 180-day permits for US citizens), then return.
For staying 1+ years, applying for a residency visa (pensionado, investor, or work visa) becomes simpler than repeatedly cycling through tourist permits.
Practical tips for US travelers
Print or save your accommodation reservation
Some immigration officers ask for proof of where you’ll stay. Have hotel reservation or host’s address ready.
Have a return ticket ready
Even if your plans are flexible, have a return ticket dated within 90 days. Officers occasionally request to see this.
Bring small USD bills
Useful for: land border fees, taxis from airport, tips, places that don’t accept cards. Suggested: $200-$400 in $20s and $5s for first few days.
Know the closest US embassy/consulate
US Embassy Guatemala City: 1 Avenida Norte 2-26, Zone 14, Guatemala City. Useful in emergencies (lost passport, medical, etc.). Phone: +502-2334-8000.
Learn basic Spanish phrases
Even survival Spanish helps significantly. Major airport and tourist areas have English speakers; smaller towns require Spanish.
Travel insurance
Highly recommended. Medical evacuation is expensive. Trip insurance with medical coverage runs $30-$100 for typical trips.
Vaccinations
CDC general recommendations for Guatemala include:
- Routine vaccines current
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis B (if extended stay or close contact with locals)
Yellow fever NOT required from USA. Consult your physician 4-6 weeks before travel for personal recommendations.
Special situations
Bringing children
US citizen children need their own US passports. The 90-day rule applies the same.
If only one parent is traveling with the child, additional documentation (notarized parental consent letter) may be requested.
Bringing dogs/cats
Pet relocation has separate requirements. See our pet relocation page for the full process.
Long-term planning
If you’ll be in Guatemala 6+ months annually, consider applying for residency:
- Pensionado visa — for retirees with $1,000+/month pension
- Investor visa — for those making significant Guatemalan investments
- Work visa — if you have Guatemalan employment
What’s next
For US travelers to Guatemala:
- ATM Cards That Work in Guatemala — money access
- Real Estate in Antigua — if you fall in love with it
- Best Neighborhoods for Retirement — if you’re scouting longer-term
- Internet Speed in Guatemala — for remote work during your visit
For specific situations (medical, business, family) email stu@livinginguatemala.com.
