Guatemala

Översikt

The main risk to travellers and expatriates in Guatemala is violent crime, including extortion and kidnapping. Although the threat of insurgency movements is relatively low, social discontent is high and protests and labour action are frequent. Guatemala maintains friendly relations with its neighbours and the risk of inter-state conflict is negligible.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Guatemala. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Guatemala has confirmed cases of Chikungunya in Quetzaltenango department, and recent cases of Dengue have been confirmed in the country. Risk of Dengue is present throughout the country and year-round, with peak transmission from May to November.

Malaria risk is present throughout Guatemala, including urban areas. Guatemala City, Antigua, and the high altitude areas of the central highlands are risk free.

There is risk of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Guatemala. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Leishmaniasis is reported in the forested areas in Peten Department and the semi-arid valleys and the foothills of east-central Guatemala in the Department of El Progresso.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Guatemala has 0.4% prevelance with an estimated of 46.000 people living with HIV. Guatemala is considered to have a concentrated epidemic, which means HIV prevalence is low among the general population, but high among certain groups, such as men who have sex with men and transgender people.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Guatemala.

Medical facilities in Guatemala vary in quality and can often be unsanitary. Medical care may be limited or unavailable outside the larger cities. Many doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.

Pharmaceutical services are limited, with medicines only available from certain facilities in the capital. Any specific medicines should be acquired prior to travel to Guatemala. 

Pass

Visitors to Guatemala must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

Visum

Visas are not required by most nationalities of stays of up to 90 days. Consult the nearest Guatemalan embassy to verify if it is required, as this information is subject to frequent changes.