Guatemala: COVID-19 restrictions enhanced through at least April 6 /update 29

Event

Authorities in Guatemala have issued orders to enhance certain business and gathering restrictions through at least April 6, to curb the spread of COVID-19 during Holy Week festivities. Travel restrictions remain unchanged.

Under the new directives, access to beaches, lakes, rivers, touristic centers, and aquatic parks must be limited to no more than 100 people, and these places must close daily by 21:00; malls, shopping centers, and supermarkets must also close daily by 21:00. Supermarkets must operate at no more than 50-percent capacity.

Other nationwide measures remain unchanged, including the requirement to use facemasks while in public. Individuals are also urged to continue compliance with social distancing and adequate hygiene protocols. Bars, nightlife establishments, and restaurants outside of shopping malls must continue closing by 21:00. The sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in commercial establishments 21:00-06:00 daily.

In addition to the overarching nationwide measures, authorities are maintaining the existing four-tier virus risk classification system that stipulates pandemic-related protocols and capacity limits in each tier. This system divides the country according to the level of COVID-19 activity in each municipality, ranging from the red level, indicating the highest risk, to the green level, which indicates the lowest. As of March 31, the municipalities are divided the following way:

Red Alert: 97 municipalities, including Villa Nueva, Chimaltenango, and Quetzaltenango. At this level public transport is limited to 50-percent capacity; markets, malls, 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.
Orange Alert: 107 municipalities, including Guatemala City, Mixco, Antigua and Coban. Public transport limited to 50-percent capacity; markets, malls, restaurants can operate with capacity limitations; national and recreational parks, gyms, and entertainment businesses can reopen with capacity limits. Bars, cinemas, theaters and event venues must remain closed.
Yellow Alert: 136 municipalities, including San Pedro Carcha and Jalapa. Public transport limited to 75-percent capacity; most businesses can operate limiting capacity by imposing social distancing measures. Cinemas and theaters may reopen; bars and event venues must remain closed.
Green Level: no municipalities. Most restrictions lifted.

International Travel Restrictions
Guatemala's land, air, and seaports of entry remain open to passenger traffic; however, officials are maintaining the ban on all flights originating in or transiting through the UK and South Africa. The ban went into effect in late December 2020 due to the detection of a variant strain of COVID-19 in both countries. In addition, all foreign travelers who have been in the UK or South Africa in the preceding 14 days will be barred from boarding Guatemala-bound flights. Guatemalan nationals, residents, diplomats, and flight crew who have recently been in UK or South Africa are permitted to enter but must self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival.

Officials are enforcing other pre-arrival requirements for entry. All passengers arriving by air must complete an online Health Pass before arrival. Travelers are also required to select one of the following pretesting requirements to be permitted entry:

Travelers aged 10 and over must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test taken up to 72 hours before travel.
Travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous three months may provide proof of treatment and confirmation of recovery 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.

International air 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 and were not able to receive their results in time for their arrival, or if they can demonstrate the need to urgently travel to Guatemala. These travelers will be tested 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 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 by air. While Guatemala's borders are open, Mexico has closed its land borders with Guatemala to all 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.