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Last Updated:
November 6, 2007 11:25
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:40 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES Section 2 has been updated (removal of reference to the run-off elections on November 4, 2007). The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th. For more information, please see our Current Issues on the hurricane season. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. Guatemala
Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala, as incidents of political violence, roadblocks and demonstrations occur periodically throughout the country. In south-eastern districts close to the borders with It is highly recommended to never approach or photograph children and women, since many people in OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Crime Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America, and a very low arrest and detention rate. Most incidents are drug and gang related and occur in and around Guatemala City, and in rural areas. The border with Mexico also presents risks due to drug smuggling and illegal immigration. Small arms such as handguns are very common. Criminals often operate in groups. Foreigners have been the victims of crimes such as robbery, carjacking, rape and armed assaults. At La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, several travellers have been robbed, usually after being followed out of airport vicinity. It is advisable to schedule your arrival at the airport during the day or early evening. Canadians should always be aware of their surroundings and should not display wealth or expensive items (i.e. laptop computers), especially in airports. Avoid travelling alone (especially late at night) and avoid low-cost hotels with poor security. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and sufficient funds for the day, and exercise extreme caution when using Automated Banking Machines (ABMs). If you are robbed, stay calm and do not resist. Injuries or death have occurred when victims have resisted. Canadians should be particularly vigilant in all major cities, especially in Guatemala City and in the colonial city of Antigua. In Guatemala City, Canadians should avoid walking around alone on the streets after dark. Visits to tourist sites such as Tikal National Park, the Pacaya and Agua volcanoes, Lake Atitlan and Lake Amatitlan, the Cerro de la Cruz (outside Antigua), Biotopo Cerro Cahui (close to Hotel Camino Real in Petén), Quirigua and Mixco Viejo should only be undertaken with official or reputable guides or organized tour groups. When entering Guatemala at a land border, do not change large amounts of cash at the border crossing. Violent armed robberies have occurred as a consequence. Allow enough time for border crossing formalities in order to arrive in a major town before dark. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk. General Safety It may be difficult to obtain police assistance. Police forces lack resources. Exercise caution when swimming off the Pacific coast, and remain informed of water conditions such as strong currents, riptides, and undertow. Avoid deserted and unpatrolled beaches after dark. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Guatemalan authorities and was valid on October 25, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Republic of Guatemala and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Guatemala. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of the expected departure from the country. Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays of a maximum of 90 days) Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required Under the Central America Border Control Agreement, Canadian tourists may travel within any of the C-4 countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a 90 day period without completing entry and exit formalities at border Immigration checkpoints. The 90 days begins at the first point of entry of any of the C-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90 day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires. Visas are required for Canadians intending to conduct business in Guatemala or wishing to stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding six months. You may contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Ottawa for more information. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over the age of one if arriving from an infected area. An airport departure tax (which may be included in the price of the plane ticket) and a security tax of US$3.00 are charged upon departure. The latter must be paid in cash only, using either US dollars or Guatemalan Quetzals (the equivalent is 20.00 Quetzals). A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Guatemala - GUATEMALA CITY, Embassy of Canada Address: Edyma Plaza Building, 8th Floor, 13 Calle 8-44, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala Postal Address: P.O. Box 400, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Tel.: (502) 2363-4348 Fax: (502) 2365-1216 E-Mail: gtmla@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.guatemala.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala City and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Foreigners travelling with a vehicle must comply with the deadline for leaving the country that is indicated on the temporary importation form provided by Guatemalan customs at the port of entry. If they fail to leave Guatemala with their vehicle by the expiry date, taxes must be paid. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect heavy jail sentences. People found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are arrested and may be detained. Importation into or export from Guatemala of items such as antiquities and artefacts may be subject to strict regulations. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Ottawa for information and advice. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY In Guatemala City, you should only use official taxis. Street hailed taxis, the colourful converted school buses, commonly referred to as "chicken buses", and transit buses can be very dangerous and should be avoided. Local and intercity public buses are mechanically unreliable and are often involved in major road accidents. Incidents of pickpocketing on buses are regularly reported. Intercity travel by bus should only be done during daylight hours with reliable tour companies. Intercity travel by car should also be undertaken during daylight hours, in a convoy of two or more vehicles. Secondary streets and rural roads are poorly lit. Local motorists rarely obey traffic laws. Winding and steep mountain roads and the lack of road signs present additional dangers. The Inter-American Highway and the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean are dangerous because of heavy traffic. Off-road travel in the remote highlands should be done only after seeking advice from the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala City. Travel should be avoided on the isolated small dirt roads near Lake Atitlán. The safest route to Lake Atitlán is via the Pan-American Highway (CA-1) and Sololá, although this is where most disturbances occur. Avoid travelling on the Godinez road to Panajachel as it is dangerous and rarely patrolled by police. Armed robberies against vehicles with foreign plates have occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-2) and the Atlantic Highway (CA-9). Roadblocks erected by armed gangs are common, particularly in the northern and western departments of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, El Quiché, Alta Verapaz, El Petén, and Escuintla. In the past, some criminals have even posed as police officers. Travellers should comply and not resist if attacked. Always drive with windows closed and doors locked. In the event of a vehicle accident, the police can be contacted by calling 110 or 120, and the fire department and paramedics by calling 122 and 123. In an accident resulting in injury or death, drivers involved may be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). It is impossible to exchange Canadian dollars (cash or traveller's cheques) in Guatemala. U.S. currency and traveller's cheques are readily convertible to local funds at most major banks. Do not accept torn notes as they can be difficult to exchange. Credit cards are widely accepted. Do not exchange large amounts of currency with informal money changers. Some Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit PIN. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions. The rainy season extends from May to October, and may continue into November. It often results in flash floods and mudslides. Travellers to the region should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. There are several active volcanoes in Guatemala. Volcán de Fuego, located near the city of Antigua, approximately 48 km southwest of Guatemala City, has experienced increased activity in July 2007. Travellers in the area should monitor its level of activity through the local media and amend travel arrangements accordingly. They should also remain vigilant around the Pacaya volcano, located 40 km south of Guatemala City, which was active in August 2006. Santiaguito and Tacaná, both located in the western part of the country near the Mexican border, have expelled ash recently. Ash falls can be hazardous for those who suffer from respiratory ailments. Canadians should understand the risks and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of explosions or an eruption. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Private hospitals and clinics in urban areas offer equivalent care to those in Canada and are much better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care. Travellers are strongly recommended to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure; insurance should cover emergency expenses, such as medical evacuation. Red Tide appears seasonally and is highly toxic. It has recently affected most Central American countries, including Guatemala. Canadians are advised to follow local warnings and avoid eating any shellfish and seafood, as it is impossible to determine which may be contaminated. To avoid risks of mosquito-borne diseases, travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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