Guatemala
Guatemala travel guide for Britons
Britons can enter Guatemala visa‑free for up to 90 days; if you stay longer or your passport is not biometric, apply for a visa before travel. A short‑haul flight from London to Guatemala City takes about 12 h with one stop, and a typical budget is £45‑£60 per day.
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GuideGuatemala
Key facts
- Visa‑free staycheck
- 90 days
- Entry feecheck
- £5 (approx. 40 GTQ) at airport
- Currency
- Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
- Plug type
- A, B – 120 V 60 Hz
- Time zone
- UTC−6
Quick answer
Britons do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days; a passport must be valid for at least six months on arrival. If you hold a non‑biometric passport, apply for a visa in advance.
Entry requirements for UK citizens
A valid UK passport (biometric preferred) is required. No visa is needed for tourism up to 90 days. An entry fee of about £5 is charged at the airport. Travelers must show proof of onward travel or sufficient funds if asked.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | 6 months beyond entry (check) |
| Visa | Not required for ≤90 days (check) |
| Entry fee | ≈£5 (40 GTQ) (check) |
| Proof of funds | £50‑£100 per day (check) |
British embassy and consular contacts
The UK does not have a resident embassy in Guatemala; the British Embassy in Mexico City provides consular assistance. In emergencies, contact the British Consular Assistance Centre at +52 55 5080 9000.
- British Embassy, Mexico City – consular services for Guatemala
- Emergency phone (UK): +44 20 7008 1500
Cost of a trip to Guatemala in GBP
Average daily budget for mid‑range travel is £45‑£60, covering accommodation, meals, transport and entry fees. A two‑week itinerary therefore costs roughly £630‑£840, not including international flights.
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Budget hostel | £10‑£15 per night |
| Mid‑range hotel | £30‑£50 per night |
| Meals | £5‑£12 per day |
| Local transport | £5‑£10 per day |
| Entrance fees (e.g., Tikal) | £5‑£10 per site |
Flying from the UK to Guatemala
No direct flights; typical routes connect via Madrid, Amsterdam or Panama. Total travel time from London to Guatemala City is about 12‑15 hours, including layover.
Electricity and plugs
Guatemala uses Type A and B plugs, 120 V 60 Hz. UK travellers should bring a dual‑voltage adapter.
Tipping in Guatemala
Standard tip in restaurants is 10 % (often added as ‘propina’). Guide and shuttle drivers expect £1‑£2 per day.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110; Fire/ambulance: 122/123; Tourist assistance: 1500 (check).
FAQ
- Do Britons need a visa for Guatemala?
- How much does a trip to Guatemala cost in GBP?
- Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Guatemala?
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Guatemala?
No. UK passport holders can stay visa‑free for up to 90 days; a small entry fee applies.
How much does a trip to Guatemala cost in GBP?
Mid‑range travel averages £45‑£60 per day, so a 14‑day trip is about £630‑£840, plus international flight costs.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Guatemala?
The British Embassy in Mexico City provides consular assistance for Guatemala; contact them for emergencies.
What plug type and voltage are used in Guatemala?
Type A and B plugs, 120 V 60 Hz – bring a UK‑to‑US adapter.
Is it safe to travel in Guatemala?
Safety varies by region; stay in well‑touristed areas, avoid night travel on isolated roads, and keep valuables secure.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Guatemala
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