Guatemala Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
British passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for up to 90 days. Guatemala is part of the Central America-4 (CA-4) free movement agreement, so time spent in El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua counts toward your 90-day total.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No advance application is needed. Present your UK passport at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City or at any CA-4 land border. Border officers may ask to see your return ticket and evidence of funds. Note that the CA-4 90-day clock starts from first entry into any of the four member countries.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Guatemala: What You Need to Know
The CA-4 agreement between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua means the 90-day limit applies across all four countries combined, not individually. UK travellers intending to visit multiple CA-4 nations in one trip should plan their schedule accordingly to avoid overstaying.
Practical Tips
The Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted at tourist sites and larger hotels. Altitude sickness can affect visitors around Antigua and Lake Atitlan, both over 1,500 metres above sea level. Exercise heightened caution in Guatemala City, particularly at night, and use only registered taxis or app-based services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Guatemala?
No. British passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for up to 90 days. Guatemala is part of the Central America-4 (CA-4) agreement, meaning the 90-day limit is shared with El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua combined.
What is the CA-4 agreement and how does it affect UK travellers?
The CA-4 agreement allows free movement between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. For UK travellers, the 90-day visa-free allowance applies across all four countries together, not individually. If you have already spent 60 days in Honduras, you only have 30 days remaining for Guatemala and the other two countries.
Is Antigua Guatemala safe for UK tourists?
Antigua is generally considered one of the safer destinations in Guatemala for tourists and is well set up for international visitors. The UK FCDO advises a heightened level of caution overall in Guatemala due to high crime rates in major cities, but Antigua and Lake Atitlan are popular tourist destinations with lower risk profiles.
What is the currency in Guatemala?
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites. ATMs are available in major cities and tourist towns though may be unreliable in smaller villages, so carry cash when travelling to rural areas.