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5,447 mi away
£1 GTQ 10.41
Today
4:26 am
-6h from you
Travel warning
Parts of the country near the Mexican border and specific towns are currently unsafe due to violence and gang activity, and there's a State of Prevention in several areas which means gatherings can be restricted and broken up by force.
Weather & climate
Weather in Guatemala
Guatemala
30°
Light drizzle
Sat
18°
30°
Sun
18°
31°
Mon
17°
30°
Tue
17°
29°
Wed
16°
29°
Thu
15°
28°
Fri
15°
28°
SPF level in Guatemala
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Guatemala
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.
You can visit Guatemala for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you overstay the 90-day visa-free period, you must pay a fine before leaving the country.
You must complete an online immigration declaration form before entering or exiting Guatemala and carry the printed confirmation or a screenshot of the QR code.
Ensure your passport is stamped on entry to avoid a fine and delays on departure.
Good to know:
Children aged 17 and under travelling alone or with only one parent must have a notarised letter in Spanish from the non-travelling parent(s) or guardian(s).
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Safety in Guatemala
Tips when travelling
Guatemala is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid travelling on public buses (repainted US school buses) due to violent attacks, muggings, and assaults.
Always carry a copy of your passport photo page for ID, as carrying ID is a legal requirement, but in San Pedro La Laguna you may need your original passport.
Never take photos of people, especially children, without permission, as this has led to violent attacks in some areas.
Be wary of criminals posing as police officers who commit theft, extortion, and assault against tourists.
Drink-driving is common but is a serious offence that can result in fines, licence confiscation, or imprisonment if you are caught.
Bonus tips:
It is safer to travel in radio-dispatched (usually yellow) or hotel taxis, especially for short trips within towns and cities.
Check ATMs for tampering before use and consider changing money at hotels, banks, or foreign exchange offices instead.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Guatemala
A UK driving license is valid for tourists. If you plan to stay longer you should apply for a Guatemalan license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Guatemala drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Guatemala
It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as healthcare in Guatemala may not be free for foreign visitors. Check that your insurance covers adventure activities you plan to undertake.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor well in advance of travel for advice on recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present in Guatemala. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or purified water.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in Guatemala, especially in larger establishments in cities and tourist areas. However, many smaller businesses, local markets, and rural areas primarily use cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Guatemala
Tipping is appreciated in Guatemala, especially for good service, but is not always expected. While not mandatory, rounding up or leaving a small tip is a nice gesture.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill if service is not included. Check the bill, as some restaurants automatically add a service charge.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small tip (5-10 GTQ) for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare to the nearest Quetzal or offer a small tip (5-10 GTQ) for good service, especially if they help with luggage.
Hotel Porter
5-10 GTQ per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
10-20 GTQ per night, left in the room.
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour price for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Post-Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Guatemala. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM
5 GB for 150 GTQ (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Guatemala
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type G, Type I
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. However, the quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Internet access is generally available in urban areas but may be limited in rural locations. Consider a local SIM for reliable connectivity while traveling.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Ambulance
122
Fire
123
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Guatemala
Country code
+502
To call the British Embassy in Guatemala City from the UK, you would dial 00 502 2380 7300.
The country code for Guatemala is 502. When calling from abroad, dial your international exit code, then 502, then the local number. Mobile coverage is generally good in urban areas.
Languages in Guatemala
UK Embassy
British Embassy Guatemala City
Edificio Torre Internacional Nivel 11, 16 Calle 0-55, Zona 10, Guatemala City
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
22 days ago
Safety
- The State of Prevention now applies from 6 April 2026 in the departments of Guatemala (City), Sacatepéquez, Escuintla, Petén, Izabal, San Marcos, and Huehuetenango.
- Authorities can now restrict outdoor gatherings, public demonstrations, and other public events, and disperse them by force.
Airports in Guatemala
Beaches in Guatemala
Frequently asked questions
British citizens do not usually require a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. You may need to show proof of onward travel.
While many tourists visit Guatemala without incident, it's important to be aware of safety risks. Exercise caution, especially in Guatemala City and remote areas. Avoid displaying valuables, and be aware of your surroundings to mitigate the risk of petty theft and street crime.
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is generally sunny and pleasant during these months, making it ideal for exploring the country's attractions.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. If visiting highlands, pack layers as temperatures can cool off significantly, especially in the evenings. When entering religious sites, dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.
The currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller businesses, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are available in major towns and cities.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited assistance. Tourist scams can include inflated taxi fares, fake police officers, and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Always negotiate prices beforehand and keep your belongings secure.
Street food can be a delicious and affordable way to experience Guatemalan cuisine. Choose vendors that appear clean and busy. Ensure the food is freshly prepared and thoroughly cooked to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Drink bottled water.
Guatemala has a rich Mayan and Spanish heritage. Politeness and respect are highly valued. Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas. Bargaining is common in markets. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will enhance your interactions with locals.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.