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BRITISH CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEET
Most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free. However, visitors need to be on their guard as violent crime is common throughout the country and muggers are often well armed. It is extremely important not to resist if being robbed. Visitors are advised not to wear jewellery and to carry minimal amounts of cash. Visitors should be aware that foreigners taking photographs, particularly of children, are often regarded by locals with suspicion; a group of Japanese tourists were recently attacked in Todo Santos, Huehuetenango province, for this activity. Permission should be sought from an adult before either taking photographs of or talking to children. A small amount of money may be requested for the privilege. If in doubt do not take photographs. Four of Guatemala's volcanoes are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacana. The National Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology has announced a state of yellow alert for Fuego, Santiaguito and Pacayo Volcanoes, that is: the volcano is erupting intermittently and visitors should be cautious; and a state of green alert for the Tacana Volcano, that is: the volcano is smoking. We advise against climbing these volcanoes until the state of alert has been lifted. Particular care should be taken in Zone 1 of Guatemala City and surrounding areas, the Cerro de la Cruz monument outside Antigua, and the Quirigua archeological site where there have been a number of armed attacks on tourists. Care should also be taken in Antigua itself and in Panajachel, where street crime is common, and in the area around Lake Atitlan. Visitors to Panajachel are advised to take the road from Solola (km. 121 on Pan American highway), rather than the road from Godinez or Patzun. Many other areas are prone to sporadic criminal activity. Travellers to the country's more remote areas, such as the Peten, should seek local advice before leaving the main towns. Visitors to the Guatemala/Belize border area are advised to use the officially recognised crossings only. Visitors should be alert at all times, and not travel alone, especially at night. Armed attacks on both long-distance and city buses are common. Many public buses are poorly maintained and accidents are common and often fatal. Visitors travelling by bus should keep their belongings in view at all times. Visiting businessmen are less at risk if they stay in international class hotels in the capital, in Zone 9, 10 or 14. They should remain in the relatively safe areas, and check the security situation before travelling outside of the capital. Private Guatemalan hospitals are reluctant to give medical treatment unless they can be assured that the patient has medical insurance. It is therefore advisable that travellers carry evidence of their insurance cover at all times. Under no circumstances should you visit Guatemala without adequate travel insurance. Visitors should not rely on debit cards as a means of transfer funds to Guatemala: ATMs generally reject them. Credit cards and travellers cheques are more reliable. If credit cards are lost or stolen, we advise that replacement cards are sent by reliable international courier only. Visitors to Guatemala should be aware that there are very severe penalties for drug trafficking. Visitors are strongly advised to register with the British Embassy on arrival for an update on the latest situation (tel: +502 367 5425) e-mail: embassy@terra.com.gt
British Diplomatic Missions in Guatemala: contact details
For medical and inoculations advice, contact your GP. The Department of Health's Health Advice for Travellers website provides travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK. The site advises on health risks around the world and how to avoid them, a country-by-country immunisation checklist and how to obtain medical treatment abroad. Travel Advice notices on this website are subject to Crown Copyright protection. Capture and republication of Travel Advice notices is not permitted. Any person who captures and republishes Travel Advice notices will be liable to prosecution.
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Guatemala