Deep breath. Here's the answer.

Per the US State Department, US citizens visiting for tourism are exempt from a visa for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid at entry. State says an electronic immigration and customs declaration (Regional Sworn Travel Declaration) is required before entering and before exiting. Safety, separately: State rates Guatemala Level 3 – Reconsider Travel (crime and terrorism, issued 12 Mar 2026), with Do Not Travel areas in San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva. This is safety advice, not an entry ban.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• State Department: complete the electronic immigration and customs declaration (Regional Sworn Travel Declaration) before entering AND before exiting; show the QR code to customs after luggage pickup.
• State travel tips also say the declaration can be completed upon arrival, but completing it before the trip is safer and faster. This is not a guarantee of any portal timing window; the portal workflow, timing, eligibility/exemptions and charges were not verified (the official portal could not be read on 5 Oct 2026).
• State says overstaying the permitted stay incurs a daily fine payable in cash at the airport before departure. This is NOT permission to extend and does not confirm eligibility for an extension.
• State Department: declare USD 10,000 or more on entry and exit, including the source and purpose of the money; there is no maximum amount of currency.
• It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, including spent shells or casings into Guatemala, with severe penalties (State Department).
• Safety (separate from visa/entry rules): State rates Guatemala Level 3 – Reconsider Travel due to crime and terrorism (issued 12 Mar 2026). Do Not Travel: San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva. This is not an entry ban.
• Safety advice (not a visa/entry prohibition): State recommends trusted/approved taxis or vetted drivers and avoiding public transport, white taxis and 'chicken buses'.
• Guatemalan Embassy visa-applicant requirements (e.g. passport validity, itinerary, fees) apply to visa applicants and are not applied here to visa-exempt US tourists.

Before you travel

• ✓Ensure your US passport is valid at the time of entry (State Department).
• ✓Complete the electronic immigration and customs declaration (Regional Sworn Travel Declaration) before entering and before exiting, and keep the QR code to show customs after luggage pickup (State Department). Portal workflow not verified.
• ✓Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and assistance.
• ✓Review the State Department Level 3 – Reconsider Travel advisory, including the Do Not Travel areas: San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva.
• ✓Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes evacuation assistance and medical coverage.
• ✓Declare USD 10,000 or more on entry and on exit, including the source and purpose of the money (State Department; no currency maximum).

Common questions