Guatemala: Authorities maintain most COVID-19 restrictions as of June 28 /update 34

Event

As of June 28, authorities in Guatemala continue to employ a four-tier color-coded system for classifying individual municipalities based on the local level of COVID-19 activity and imposing restrictions accordingly. The four tiers range from the red level, indicating the highest risk, to the green level, which indicates the lowest. Over 60 percent of the country is at the red level. The risk level descriptions are as follows:

Red Alert: Public transport is limited to 50 percent capacity. Markets, malls, and restaurants can operate with capacity limitations; hotels must close common areas and cannot hold events. National and recreational parks must close; bars, event venues, gyms, cinemas, and theaters cannot operate. Festivals, fairs, and concerts are not allowed. Municipalities under the Red Alert level include Mixco, Chinautla, Huehuetenango, San Juan Sacatepequez, Chimaltenango, and Retalhuleu.
Orange Alert: Public transport is limited to 50 percent capacity. Markets, malls, and restaurants can operate with capacity limitations. National and recreational parks, gyms, and entertainment businesses can operate with capacity limits. Bars, cinemas, theaters, and event venues must remain closed. Guatemala City and other municipalities, such as Quetzaltenango, San Martin Jilotepeque, Nahuala, and Solola are under the Orange Alert level.
Yellow Alert: Public transport is limited to 75 percent capacity. Most businesses can operate with capacity limitations and social distancing in place. Cinemas and theaters may reopen; bars and event venues must remain closed. Concepcion Tutuapa, Santa Maria Chiquimula, Senahu, and Colomba are among the municipalities under the Yellow Alert level.
Green Level: Most restrictions lifted; no municipalities are under this alert level.

Nationwide, the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in commercial establishments 21:00-06:00 daily, and individuals must wear facemasks in public settings. All businesses must follow industry-specific restrictions which include restrictions on opening times and capacity limits.

International Restrictions
Guatemala's land, air, and sea ports of entry remain open to passenger traffic. However, most foreign or nonresident travelers who have been in the UK, Brazil, or South Africa in the 14 days prior to arrival will be barred from boarding Guatemala-bound flights. Travelers with proof of having been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before travel, Guatemalan nationals, residents, diplomats, and flight crew who have recently been in the UK, Brazil, or South Africa are permitted to enter but may be required to self-quarantine for 10 days.

All arriving passengers must complete an online Health Pass before arrival. Individuals must meet at least one of the following requirements to be permitted entry:

Travelers aged 10 and over must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken up to 72 hours before travel.
Travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous three months must provide proof of treatment confirming both the date of diagnosis and that recovery occurred at least 10 days after being diagnosed.
Travelers who have been administered a COVID-19 vaccine may present proof that they have received two doses, the last of which must have been administered a minimum of two weeks before departure.

Travelers who do not have proof of a negative COVID-19 test may be permitted entry only if they have proof of having taken a test before travel but were not able to receive their results in time for their travel, or if they can demonstrate the need to urgently travel to Guatemala. These travelers will be tested at their own expense upon arrival at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) and must remain in the airport while awaiting results. Guatemalan citizens or residents who do not present the negative test result or those who have COVID-19-related symptoms will be taken to an isolation center for further screenings. Nonresident foreign nationals under the same circumstances may be denied entry into Guatemala.

The requirements to enter Guatemala through its land borders are the same as those for entry by air. While Guatemala's borders are open, Mexico's land borders with Guatemala have been closed to nonessential travel since March 19.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all appointments and travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.