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Country guideLast checked October 17, 2026

Visas and immigration in Guatemala

2 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Work permits 1

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Visiting Guatemala

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.

86 passports visa-free
163 passports need a visa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Tourist or traveller visit
Guatemala's migration institute (IGM) sorts nationalities into categories. Some can enter on a passport alone, some need a consular visa from a Guatemalan embassy, and Category C nationals need a 'visa consultada' that a Guatemalan sponsor (garante) files with IGM in Guatemala. Guatemala is part of the CA-4 area with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, so the stay granted at the first CA-4 entry covers all four countries. A tourist stay can be extended at IGM before it runs out.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Work permits1 pathway

Temporary residence for migrant workers
IGM grants temporary residence to foreign workers hired by a Guatemalan employer, posted by a foreign employer, or working on their own account. It lasts for the length of the specific contract, up to 5 years. IGM also runs temporary residence categories for students, investors, artists, athletes, researchers and religious ministers, with the same fee scale. After approval, the resident must register biometrics within 30 days and update their data every year.
May lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

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