Guatemala offers U.S. citizens the ability to enter the country on a visa waiver. U.S. citizens do not need visas for stays of 90 days or less in Guatemala. The only requirement for entry into Guatemala as a U.S. citizen is a valid U.S. passport. Guatemala does not accept alternate travel documents for entry into the country.
Guatemala participates in the CA-4 border control agreement with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. A U.S. citizen who enters any of the four countries may travel freely between the countries. The 90-day visa-free period applies to the entire CA-4 region. It is, therefore, necessary to leave the CA-4 region every 90 days if traveling on a visa waiver.
Guatemala allows you to extend your 90-day visa-free visit for an additional 90 days. To extend your visa, you need to submit an application to Guatemalan immigration. Guatemala allows U.S. citizens a one-time 90-day extension. After the extension period, you must leave the CA-4 region.
Citizens of certain countries require a visa to visit Guatemala. You can find a list of countries that require visas for entry into Guatemala in the Resources section of this article. Citizens of some countries need to fill out a visa application and citizens of other countries require an application and a consulate interview prior to receiving a visa.
Guatemala also offers resident visas for longer stays. The available long-term visas are for business, employment, retirement, studies and work. General requirements are proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your visit and a clean criminal record. Student visas also require acceptance from an accredited Guatemalan educational institution.
