Guatemala Country Report

Guatemala, located immediately below Mexico within the Central American region, still struggles with a legacy of civil strife that has had continued ramifications in the form of weak governance and high levels of criminal activity.

A major anti-corruption movement resulted in the ouster of both the president and vice-president in 2015, but such changes are cosmetic when viewed within the context of government corruption and poor governance as a whole. Although Guatemala boasts a high degree of biodiversity and a pleasant climate, tourism has taken a sustained hit over concerns regarding high levels of violent crime. The country's economy currently relies on other service industries and, secondarily, agricultural exports.

The greatest concern for travelers will be that of crime, both violent and non-violent; gangs are particularly pernicious within the capital Guatemala City. Those staying for longer periods are likely to encounter corruption and witness various weaknesses in the country's rule of law. Other events, such as earthquakes, volcanoes and organized tropical systems, pose secondary risks which can occur year-round or seasonally.

Guatemala has a longstanding border dispute with Belize that periodically results in high tensions. Crime is endemic, particularly in the capital but also in more rural areas as well. Although narco-groups are present in the country, there are no traditional terror risks. The capital, as well as sensitive indigenous areas, does see occasional protests over a variety of issues.

Air travel is safe both to and from Guatemala.

Roads within cities and near major tourist spots are generally acceptable, but their quality markedly decreases elsewhere apart from major highways.

Guatemala has one of the most efficient sugar shipping terminals in the world. The ferries are safe.

Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are usually reliable in most of Guatemala, save in the more rural areas.

The country is considered both an unlikely sponsor of and an unlikely target for cyberattacks. Its defenses against such an attack are thought to be weak.

Guatemala has a generally temperate climate with a rainy and dry season; temperatures can become quite high along the coast. The usage of pesticides in agricultural cultivation has been a major problem in terms of its effect on river quality. Oil drilling is also a potential environmental issue. Earthquakes are a fairly common occurrence in Guatemala. While most are moderate, some can be severe. Storm systems typically occur during the rainy season and are amplified by the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. The hurricane season generally lasts from June through November, with activity peaking by September.

Mosquito-borne diseases are the only non-routine concern in the country. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate for most needs; elsewhere, facilities are more basic. Extreme emergencies may require leaving the country. All major medications can be obtained in major cities. The availability of medicines in less populated areas will vary. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Corruption severely undermines governance and business in Guatemala on a regular basis. Rule of law in Guatemala is compromised by corruption, criminal gangs and impunity, although a recent UN-backed committee provided provided some hope for improvement while it lasted. Guatemala’s system of governance is generally stable, although rife with corruption. Sanctions are not a major concern for the country.