Is the U.S. Embassy organizing charter flights for U.S. citizens?
The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has coordinated charter flights – the first two flights departing Monday, March 23 – from La Aurora airport in Guatemala City to the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. Additional flights are scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25, two each day. We do not know when civilian flights will resume in Guatemala after these U.S. government-coordinated charter flights, but urge travelers to continue to check the availability of commercial and private charter flight options.
Who pays for these charter flights and how much do they cost?
Under U.S. law, passengers on a U.S. government-organized charter flight are responsible for paying the cost of their ticket, which may be higher than standard commercial fares. You must sign a promissory note before boarding, which you then must pay back to the State Department after returning to the United States. No cash or credit card payments will be accepted at the airport. You will be responsible for any arrangements or costs (lodging, onward destination or local transportation, etc.) beyond your initial destination in the United States. Exact departure time and routing are subject to change.
The current estimate for flights from Guatemala City is $605, but this could change. Please do not hold off on registering for a charter flight due to fear of incurring a debt. You will not incur any debt for the flight until you physically sign the promissory note at the airport.
How can I sign up for one of these charter flights?
If you have not received a specific flight assignment please complete secure form located at the following link: https://bit.ly/3adnsD1 (even if you have already submitted your information via email)
In your email please provide the following:
- Full name
- Passport number and expiration date
- Citizenship
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Email address
- Phone number
- City where you are traveling from in Guatemala to Guatemala City
Who gets a seat on these charter flights?
Flight seats will be prioritized for U.S. citizens and their eligible family members (including those with identified health concerns), Legal Permanent Residents of the United States, and then others as seats may become available. Please do not call the Embassy to confirm receipt of your email — we will contact you if you are confirmed for a seat.
Should I wait at the airport in Guatemala City to board one of these flights?
The U.S. Embassy urges any interested travelers *NOT* to arrive at La Aurora airport in Guatemala City until they have received an official communication from the U.S. Embassy with confirmed flight details and booking. You will not be permitted to enter the airport without confirmation from the U.S. Embassy of a seat on the flight.
I am currently outside of Guatemala City. When should I plan to travel?
Since flights may occur on short notice and all flights will depart from La Aurora airport in Guatemala City, we urge eligible travelers who are currently outside of the Guatemala City metro area to begin preparations to move towards the capital.
Are there any health screenings?
Anyone with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to board a flight and is requested not to come to the airport.
Travelers seeking transport on US Embassy charter flights will not be permitted to travel if they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms and should not come to the airport.
These individuals should self quarantine and seek medical attention if their symptoms worsen.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
We understand this may represent a significant hardship, but it is necessary for the health and safety of all travelers on the flight.
Can I check luggage?
Travelers on State Department charter flights are allowed one checked bag (max. weight 50 lbs), one carry on bag, and one personal item. Pets will not be allowed.
Where can I get more information?
Visit our Embassy website https://gt.usembassy.gov,
Twitter http://twitter.com/usembassyguate
and Facebook http://facebook.com/embajada.eeuu.guatemala accounts for definitive updates on flights and for information on conditions in Guatemala.
Review the State Department’s Global Level 4 Health Travel Advisory at www.travel.state.gov.
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Monitor local news for updates.
How will the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala communicate with me about my flight status?
If you have emailed your information to AmcitsGuatemala@state.gov you will receive emails from that address, or from another U.S. Embassy e-mail address ending with “@state.gov.” No other email address will be used to communicate charter flight information to American citizens in Guatemala. Take precautions not to provide personal information to unknown parties.
What luggage is permitted on the U.S. Embassy organized charter flight?
Travelers are advised that they are allowed one checked bag (max. weight 50 lbs), one carry on bag, and one personal item.
Will pets be permitted on the U.S. Embassy organized charter flight?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets and emotional support animals. SERVICE ANIMALS will be permitted with proper documentation. Travelers must coordinate directly with American Airlines upon arrival at the airport at least three hours before departure.
How will I know if I am on the list or have a spot on a charter flight?
Once you have sent your information to AmcitsGuatemala@state.gov and enrolled in https://step.state.gov/step/, you will begin receiving individual emails regarding charter flights. The only emails the U.S. Embassy will use for communication regarding charter flights are those ending in “@state.gov,” usually AmcitsGuatemala@state.gov.
Here is an outline of the basic process but it will vary based on individual situations. Phone contact may be necessary in some cases.
- You send an email to AmcitsGuatemala@state.gov.
- You receive a response either informing you that your information is complete and you are on the list or asking for missing information. If necessary, you respond with the missing information. In your response, please include any necessary information within the body of the e-mail, and please send your response directly to AmcitsGuatemala@state.gov, even if you received correspondence from a different @state.gov e-mail address.
- Once you are confirmed for a spot on one of the charter flights, you will receive an email giving you specific instructions on when to arrive at the airport.
Please be informed that the Embassy is working to respond to each and every U.S. citizen inquiry and coordinate charter flights. The time between your first email and receiving a response, and then receiving confirmation of a place on a flight, may be longer than ideal. Rest assured that every email will receive a response.
If you have not received an initial response to your first email by 4:00 pm Monday, March 23, please send again to AmcitsGuatemala@state.gov.