If you're traveling in 2021, check which travel insurance covers COVID-19 (test and treatment abroad).
Guatemala reopened its borders to international travel on September 18, 2020. Since it is one of the countries that are open for tourism, Guatemala has put a few entry requirements in place for travelers.
All travelers must submit an online Health Pass form 24 hours before their arrival and have a medical certificate for a negative COVID PCR or antigen test result from within 96 hours of arrival in Guatemala. Completing the Health Pass form generates a QR code, which must be presented on arrival, along with proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result.
Can I travel to Guatemala right now?
Guatemala is allowing travelers from most countries to enter right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Guatemala at the moment.

Guatemala EN
Guatemala COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Guatemala has two main entry requirements in place for travelers.

Guatemala COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
All travelers must have a medical certificate for a negative COVID PCR or antigen test result from within 96 hours of arrival in Guatemala. They must also complete the online Health Pass form 24 hours before their arrival. Submitting the Health Pass form will generate a QR code, which must be presented on arrival along with proof of the negative PCR or antigen test.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Guatemala?
All travelers ages 10 and over must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 96 hours of arrival in Guatemala.
You will not be allowed to enter Guatemala without a negative test result.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Guatemala?
There is no mandatory quarantine on arrival for most travelers.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Guatemala?
However, if you have been in the UK or South Africa in the last 14 days, you will have to quarantine for at least 10 days from your arrival if you are allowed to enter Guatemala.
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Guatemala
It’s not an entry requirement to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Guatemala, but you should always travel with some kind of insurance coverage.
We’ve compared many different types of travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to figure out which insurance is best and Heymondo emerged as the clear winner. Their policies offer extensive coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad while still being affordable. That’s why we use Heymondo for every trip we take, including the trips we’ve been on this year.
You can even get a 5% discount on Heymondo insurance by using the link below.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Guatemala
Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the government of Guatemala has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Guatemala.
If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Guatemala, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Guatemala changes its travel restrictions.
Other travel restrictions for Guatemala during COVID-19
Guatemala has a few other travel restrictions in place:
- All travelers will undergo health screenings upon arrival in Guatemala.
- Face masks are required in all public areas.
- Social distancing of at least 1.5 meters must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit Guatemala. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Guatemala
Guatemala uses a “traffic light system” to determine restrictions within the country. Regions are classified as on “green,” “yellow,” “orange,” or “red” alert based on how many cases of COVID-19 they have had in the last two weeks.

What’s open in Guatemala
Restrictions are different for every alert color, so you’ll need to check what color alert the region you’re visiting is considered in order to determine the restrictions for that region. You can find a list of regions’ levels of alert here.
Hotels that are open in Guatemala
Hotels in Guatemala are open, but restrictions for hotels depend on regions’ levels of alert.
For hotels in “red” regions, common areas are closed, and events are not allowed. Food service is restricted to room service, or, if there is a hotel restaurant, indoor seating capacity is restricted to one person per 10 square meters, and outdoor seating capacity is restricted to one person per 2.5 square meters.
For hotels in “orange” regions, common areas are closed, and events are not allowed. Food service should be restricted to room service, or if there is a hotel restaurant, indoor seating capacity is restricted to one person per 6 square meters, and outdoor seating capacity is restricted to one person per 2.5 square meters.
For hotels in “yellow” regions, common areas are open, but capacity is restricted to one person per 4 square meters.
For hotels in “green” regions, common areas are open, but capacity is restricted to one person per 2.5 meters.
A list of regions’ levels of alert is available here. More information on regulations for each level of alert can be found here.
Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in Guatemala
Attractions are open in some regions of Guatemala, depending on the level of alert, and tours are operating.
In “red” regions, national parks and archaeological sites are closed. Public parks, theaters, and movie theaters are closed as well.
In “orange” regions, national parks and archaeological sites are open, but tour groups that visit these and other attractions must be no larger than 10 people. Public parks are open, but there cannot be more than one person per 4 square meters. Groups cannot be bigger than 5 people. Theaters and movie theaters are closed, except for events where people can watch without getting out of their personal vehicles.
In “yellow” regions, national parks and archaeological sites are open, but tour groups must be no larger than 15 people. Public parks are open, but there cannot be more than one person per 4 square meters. Groups cannot be bigger than 10 people. Theaters and movie theaters are open, but capacity is restricted to one person per 4 square meters. Anyone who is high-risk or older than 60 cannot go to theaters or movie theaters.
In “green” regions, national parks and archaeological sites are open, but tour groups must be no larger than 20 people. Public parks are open, but there cannot be more than one person per 2.5 square meters. Groups cannot be bigger than 10 people. Theaters and movie theaters are open as long as capacity is restricted to one person per 2.5 square meters. There are special hours for those who are high-risk or older than 60.
A list of regions’ levels of alert is available here. More information on attraction and tour restrictions can be found here.
Restaurants that are open in Guatemala
Restaurants are open in all regions of Guatemala, but regulations depend on the level alert the region is in.
In terms of restaurants in “red” regions, delivery and takeout should be prioritized. Indoor seating capacity must be restricted to one person per 10 square meters. Outdoor seating capacity must be restricted to one person per 2.5 square meters. Groups of diners cannot be larger than 10 people. Anyone who is considered high-risk or is older than 60 is not allowed to dine in restaurants.

Restaurants that are open in Guatemala
In restaurants in “orange” regions, delivery and takeout should be prioritized. Indoor seating capacity must be restricted to one person per 6 square meters, and outdoor seating capacity must be restricted to one person per 2.5 square meters. Groups of diners cannot be larger than 10 people. There should be a separate area or designated timeslot for those who are considered high-risk or are older than 60.
In restaurants in “yellow” regions, delivery and takeout should be prioritized. Indoor seating capacity must be restricted to one person per 4 square meters. Outdoor seating capacity must be restricted to one person per 2.5 square meters. Groups of diners cannot be larger than 10 people. There should be a separate area or designated timeslot for those who are considered high-risk or are older than 60.
In restaurants in “green” regions, indoor and outdoor seating capacity must be restricted to one person per 2.5 square meters. There should be a separate area or designated timeslot for those who are considered high-risk or are older than 60.
A list of regions’ levels of alert is available here. You can find more information on restaurant regulations here.
Airports that are open in Guatemala
Guatemala’s main airport, La Aurora International Airport, is open and commercial flights are operating.
All travelers must wear masks and keep at least a 1.5-meter distance away from others who are not in their household. Travelers will also be subject to health screenings upon arrival in Guatemala.
Where to get a PCR test in Guatemala – COVID-19 testing in Guatemala
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get tested in Guatemala, you can find more information here.
Guatemala reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Guatemala reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Sources
We will update this guide on Guatemala reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Guatemala, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Guatemala
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Guatemala
- General Guatemala Travel Advisory
- Entry Requirements for Guatemala in Spanish
- Health Pass Form
- Map of Different Regions’ Alert Levels in Spanish
- Regulations for Different Levels of Alert in Spanish