Guatemala

Recommended Vaccinations For Guatemala

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission would also require a certificate.

Recommended Medications For Guatemala

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malarial medication for Escuintia Province is atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, or mefloquine. For all other areas with malaria, the U.S. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine or primaquine. For these areas, NaTHNac and WHO only recommend chloroquine.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Guatemala

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Guatemala.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Guatemala.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue fever throughout the year in Guatemala.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Malaria

There is a low risk for malaria throughout the year at altitudes below 1,500 metres. There is moderate risk in the departments of Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, Petén, Quiche, and Suchitapéquez. There is no risk in Antigua, Guatemala City, or Lake Atitlán.

Chagas Disease

The risk for travellers is extremely low. There is a higher risk if staying in poor quality housing that might harbour the insect that transmits this disease.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission would also require a certificate.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Guatemala. The risk is higher when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Guatemala

Personal Safety

Guatemala faces serious crime challenges that visitors need to understand. Armed robberies, carjackings, and muggings occur in both urban and tourist areas, often in daylight. While tourists are not usually targeted specifically, you can become a victim of opportunistic crime. The homicide rate reached 16.1 per 100,000 people in 2023, though this represents a decline from earlier peaks. Conviction rates for violent crimes remain below 4 percent, creating an environment where criminals act with impunity. Gang activity drives much of the violence, particularly extortion which affects thousands monthly. Public transportation presents significant risks. Armed attacks on public buses happen regularly, and the colorfully painted chicken buses are mechanically unreliable with reckless drivers. Use radio-dispatched yellow taxis, hotel taxis, or ride-sharing services instead. Avoid displaying wealth by keeping phones, expensive watches, and jewelry out of sight. Never resist during a robbery attempt. Drug-related violence affects certain corridors, especially near borders. Guatemala has a Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) with dedicated tourist police in popular areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Tikal. Contact them at 1500 from local phones or +502-2290-2810. Drink spiking occurs in tourist areas, particularly in Antigua. Never leave food or drinks unattended and be wary of accepting items from new acquaintances. After dark, the risk increases substantially across the country.

Extreme Violence

Guatemala continues to experience violence rooted in organized crime, gang activity, and drug trafficking. Between March 2023 and August 2024, at least 18 human rights defenders were murdered. Journalists face particular risk, with five murdered in late 2023 and early 2024, and impunity for crimes against the press remains the norm. Mexican cartels including Sinaloa and CJNG work with fragmented Guatemalan smuggling groups to move drugs through the country. This creates violence in key trafficking locations. Gang activity is widespread, with MS-13 and Barrio 18 controlling territories through extortion, drug trafficking, and violence. Extortion more than doubled from 2013 to 2021, with thousands of cases reported monthly. From within prisons, gang members run extortion rackets and drug sales. Over one million illicit firearms circulate in Guatemala, with most homicides committed using guns. Heavily armed civilian populations combined with weak police and judicial systems create an environment where violence persists. Lynchings and vigilante justice are widespread, particularly in rural regions, with an average of 30 attempted lynchings per month reported in 2014. Violence is often linked to poverty, with 60 percent of some areas living in poverty and 30 percent in extreme poverty. These marginalized groups become susceptible to gang recruitment. While most violence involves locals in gang-related incidents, tourists can get caught in situations. Tourist areas are not immune to violent crime.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations and strikes occur frequently in Guatemala, often with little warning. Most demonstrations are peaceful but can turn violent suddenly. Protesters regularly block roads and public facilities, including the international airport, without notice. These blockages can disrupt travel for days. In 2023, widespread protests erupted over attempts to overturn presidential election results. Indigenous groups led sustained demonstrations demanding the resignation of the attorney general, bringing Guatemala City to a standstill. After eight days of peaceful protests, some demonstrations turned violent with tear gas deployment and property damage. In October 2023, one protester died during demonstrations. Road blockades are a traditional form of protest in Guatemala. While generally peaceful, they can strand travelers and prevent movement between cities. The government roadside assistance agency PROVIAL provides updates on road conditions and blockages. In early 2025, protests erupted over a new mandatory vehicle insurance law, with transport unions and civil society groups organizing demonstrations. These protests led to highway blockages and disrupted airport transfers during peak hours. Demonstrations can escalate quickly. Security forces have occasionally used force including tear gas to disperse crowds. Political instability continues to affect the country, with tensions between the executive branch, the attorney general’s office, and Congress creating an unpredictable environment. Monitor local media and avoid areas where protests are occurring.

Areas To Avoid

Specific departments and zones in Guatemala pose higher risks. The San Marcos Department, excluding the city of San Marcos itself, is controlled by drug gangs with limited police resources. Drug trafficking operations dominate this area along the Mexico border. The Huehuetenango Department, except the city of Huehuetenango, faces similar drug gang control and inadequate police presence. In Guatemala City, avoid Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva entirely. Within Guatemala City, zones 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, and 25 present particular danger. Zone 1, the historical center, requires caution during daytime visits, with tourists frequently targeted. The Limonada area within Zone 1 should be avoided completely. Stay in safer zones including 4, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 16, with zones 9 and 10 considered safest. The road from Guatemala City to the El Salvador border (Carretera Salvador) experiences frequent carjackings and armed robberies. Border areas with Mexico, particularly Chiapas State, face organized crime and drug-related violence. Border areas with Belize also experience higher criminal activity. The departments of Escuintla, Chiquimula, Quetzaltenango, Izabal, and Peten have documented crime concerns. Chiquimula averaged 78 murders annually between 2001 and 2014. Paths around Lake Atitlan can be dangerous with limited emergency service access. The Pacific Ocean has strong currents and undertows with few lifeguards.