Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full Travel Advisory. Country Summary: Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking and violence.
Local law enforcement may not always respond well to serious crimes, leading to low arrest and conviction rates. While tourists are not usually targeted, they can still be victims of opportunistic crimes. They also have an emergency call center that speaks both Spanish and English. Tourist groups can request a security escort if they have safety concerns. However, they should avoid driving outside Guatemala City at night because of poor lighting and safety risks.
Check the country information page for helpful information about traveling to Guatemala. This includes information on entry and exit rules, safety, local laws, health, and getting around. Also, visit the U. There is a lot of drug trafficking in this area, and many parts are controlled by drug gangs. Some towns do not have enough police, and local officers may not have the resources to handle serious crimes. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Aside from Zone 18 and Villa Nueva, U.
You are about to leave travel. Department of State. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel. Cancel GO. Skip to main content. Gov Travel. Passports International Travel U. Stay Connected. Law Enforcement.
Travel Advisories. Share this page:. Y Z All. Guatemala Travel Advisory. Travel Advisory December 30, Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Huehuetenango Department except the city of Huehuetenango due to crime. Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to crime. If you decide to travel to Guatemala: Do not travel outside Guatemala City at night because the roads are poorly lit, and there is a high risk for serious traffic accidents. The paths around the lake can be dangerous and hard to access.
