Guatemala Travel Advisory — Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime and terrorism.

Reconsider travel

to Guatemala due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full Travel Advisory.

Some areas of Guatemala have higher levels of gang-related violence. Crimes include robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking, assaults, and murders. Local law enforcement often struggles to address serious crimes. This leads to low arrest and conviction rates.

Tourists can become victims of opportunistic crimes such as scams and extortion.

There is risk of terrorist attacks and other terrorist activities from cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations in San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and the city of Villa Nueva. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

Tourist Assistance Program

Guatemala offers the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) to protect tourists.

ASISTUR partners with tourist police (DISETUR) in popular areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Barrios, and Coban.
Dial 1500 or +502-2290-2810 anytime from a Guatemalan phone number. You can also message them on WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819. Their emergency call center operates in Spanish and English.
You can request a security escort if your group feels unsafe.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees and their families are not permitted to travel to the San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and Villa Nueva due to safety risks.
U. S. government employees can travel to other parts of Guatemala and visit popular destinations like Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and the Pacific coast areas in Santa Rosa and Escuintla. However, U.S. government employees should avoid driving outside Guatemala City at night. This is due to poor lighting and safety risks.
Outside of Zone 18 and Villa Nueva, U.S. government employees and their families can travel throughout Guatemala City, including at night.
U.S. government employees may not use white taxis or public transportation, like “chicken buses.” This is due to the high chance of crime and injury.
Visit the U.S. embassy in Guatemala City’s website. You will find local resources, like legal help and medical services. You will also find information on residence and work permits, and driver’s licenses. It also covers rules about bringing weapons into Guatemala.

Do not travel to:

San Marcos Department due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.
Huehuetenango Department due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.
Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.

This is a summary of public U.S. government information, refreshed daily. Conditions can change rapidly — always confirm the current advisory at travel.state.gov and review your destination's U.S. Embassy guidance before traveling. 50PlusHub is not affiliated with the U.S. government.