Guatemala: Authorities update color-coded list of municipalities by COVID-19 alert level as of March 1 /update 43

Event

Authorities in Guatemala have updated the color-coded list of municipalities by COVID-19 alert level as of March 1. Otherwise, Guatemalan officials have kept the country's COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions largely unchanged.

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 to the system, 224 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 Villa Canales, Tecpan Guatemala, Momostenango, Barillas, Patzun, San Juan Sacatepequez, and Tucuru.

• 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; 112 municipalities are designated as orange, including Guatemala City, Mixco, Amatitlan, Villa Nueva, Escuintla, San Pedro Soloma, and San Miguel Petapa.

• 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 Sebastian Coatan and San Carlos Alzatate and are among the four 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, which include restrictions on opening times and capacity limits.

International Travel Restrictions
All arriving nonresident foreign nationals ages 12 and older must present proof of being fully vaccinated to enter Guatemala. To be considered fully vaccinated in Guatemala, individuals must have received two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, or a single dose in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, at least 14 days prior to travel. All arriving nonresident foreign nationals ages 10 and over are also required to present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours prior to travel. While nonresident foreign nationals are required to comply with both the testing and vaccination requirements, Guatemalan residents and citizens, as well as diplomats, have the option to either present proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.

Guatemala's land, air, and sea ports of entry remain open to most passenger traffic. However, authorities have banned the entry of travelers who have been to South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, or Zimbabwe in the 14 days prior to travel to Guatemala. The ban does not apply to nationals, foreign residents, and diplomats. In some cases, authorities may require arrivals to self-isolate for up to 10 days.

The requirements to enter Guatemala through its land borders are the same as those for entry by air. 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.

Resources

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