Guatemala: Authorities update COVID-19-related travel and domestic measures as of March 31 /update 44

Event

Authorities have eased COVID-19-related travel requirements as of March 31. While non-resident arrivals previously needed to present both proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival, they must fulfill only one of these two requirements. Authorities have also updated the list of municipalities under each level of their four-tier color-coded system. Most municipalities, including Guatemala City, are under the orange alert level.

Domestic Measures
Authorities continue to employ a four-tier color-coded system for classifying individual municipalities based on the local level of COVID-19 activity and accordingly imposing restrictions. Following the most recent update, 138 of the nation's 340 municipalities are 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 Tecpan Guatemala, Barillas, and San Juan Sacatepequez.

• 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; 185 municipalities are designated as orange, including Guatemala City, Mixco, Amatitlan, Villa Nueva, Escuintla, San Pedro Soloma, Tucuru, Villa Canales, San Miguel Petapa, Momostenango, and Patzun.

• Yellow Alert: Public transport is limited to 75-percent capacity. Most businesses can operate with capacity limitations and social distancing measures in place. Cinemas and theaters may reopen; however, bars and event venues must remain closed. San Francisco El Alto and Santa Apolonia are among the 17 municipalities under the yellow level.

• Green Alert: Most restrictions lifted; no municipalities are under this alert level.

Nationwide, individuals must wear a facemask in public settings. All businesses must follow industry-specific regulations, including restrictions on opening times and capacity limits. All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.

International Travel Restrictions
All arriving passengers aged 10 or older must fulfill one of the following requirements to enter Guatemala:

• Present proof of having received at least two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, or a single dose in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, over 14 days prior to travel.

• Present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before travel.

Guatemala's land, air, and sea ports of entry remain open to most passenger traffic. There are no quarantine requirements in place, unless local authorities state otherwise. The requirements to enter Guatemala through its land borders are the same as those for entry by air.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Alert Level by Region (Spanish)