Guatemala: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related international travel restrictions and domestic measures as of May 31 /update 46

Event

The Guatemalan government is maintaining the nation's COVID-19-related restrictions as of May 31. Under Guatemala's color-coded tracking system, most municipalities are now at the yellow alert (second lowest) level; additionally, the number of municipalities at the orange (second highest) level has decreased significantly. Only five municipalities are under red alert (highest level) and three municipalities are now under green alert (lowest 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 imposing restrictions accordingly. Following the most recent update, only 5 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 are Santo Domingo Xenacoj, San Pablo La Laguna, Santiago Chimaltenago, San Pedro Jocopilas, and San Miguel Upsantan.

• 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; 99 municipalities are designated as orange, including Mixco, Amatitlan, Tucuru, San Miguel Petapa, and Tiquisate.

• 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. Guatemala City, San Francisco El Alto and Santa Apolonia are among the 233 municipalities under the yellow level.

• Green Alert: Most restrictions lifted; three municipalities are under this alert level, including Quetzaltenango, San Jose Pinula, and San Marcos.

Nationwide, individuals must wear facemasks 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 years 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 maritime 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)