Guatemala: Authorities revise COVID-19 testing requirements for international travelers as of Dec. 31 /update 26

Event

As of Dec. 31, authorities in Guatemala have amended the entry requirements for international travelers, which are part of the nation's ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. All travelers aged 10 and over must still present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test taken up to 96 hours before travel instead of 72 hours. Additionally, international air travelers who do not have proof of a negative 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. Travelers in these categories will be tested upon arrival at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) and must remain in the airport while awaiting results.

Other pandemic-related travel protocols remain in place. Passengers arriving by air are required to complete an online Health Pass before arrival. With the exception of the two previously listed categories of travelers, Guatemalan citizens or residents 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, excluding the exempted traveler categories, will be denied entry into Guatemala.

Separately, 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 Dec. 23 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. It is unclear how long the measures will be in place. Returning Guatemalan nationals, residents, diplomats, and flight crew are permitted to enter but must self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival.

Domestic Restrictions
Most nonessential commercial, leisure, and recreational activities have resumed; however, authorities are likely to maintain the existing four-tier virus risk classification system that stipulates pandemic-related protocols and capacity limits in each tier through early 2021. 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 Dec. 31, most municipalities are at the yellow level.

Some nationwide measures remain in place regardless of the risk classification. Individuals must continue to use facemasks while in public; failure to do so may result in a fine. Individuals are also urged to continue compliance with social distancing and adequate hygiene protocols. The sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in commercial establishments 2100-0600 daily.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice. Authorities may reapply or further ease restrictions depending on COVID-19 activity. Transport and business disruptions are likely to persist despite reopening plans.

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. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Alert Level by Region (Spanish)
Alert Level Measures (Spanish)
Traveler Health Pass