Guatemala

It is a legal requirement to always carry ID. In most parts of the country, you can carry a copy of your passport’s photo page for identification purposes. In San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá, local authorities may not accept a copy and may fine or detain you if you cannot show your original passport or a certified copy. Always co-operate with military and police officers and be prepared for checkpoints.

During specific periods (such as elections) alcohol sales may be banned or restricted during certain times.

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking and the use of drugs. Guatemalan prisons are overcrowded, violent, and dirty.

Do not take photographs without permission, especially of children. This is particularly important in more remote areas such as Quiché, Petén, San Marcos and Chiquimula provinces. There have been attacks related to accusations and fears of child kidnapping for adoption or theft of vital organs. Foreigners have been caught up in the violence. You may need to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.

Same sex sexual activity is not illegal, although there are no laws guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Same-sex marriages are not recognised in Guatemala. In Guatemala City, local people are largely tolerant of LGBT+ people. Outside Guatemala City, attitudes are more conservative. Showing affection in public may bring verbal and physical attacks, harassment and discrimination.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from May to November, the same time as the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Heavy rains cause frequent flooding and landslides, and poorly maintained roads and bridges have been known to collapse. 

Check local media and consult your tour operator and PROATUR, Guatemala’s tourist assistance service (see Getting help). Travel routes are likely to face disruption. Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the US National Hurricane Center. Follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

There are frequent minor earth tremors and there is a risk of earthquakes in Guatemala. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami. 

There is a risk of volcanic eruptions in Guatemala. Monitor local media and seek advice from your tour operator in case of possible travel disruption. For further information see CONRED, Guatemala’s disaster agency (in Spanish).