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Update for U.S. Citizens on travel restrictions and curfew
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7 MINUTE READ
April 5, 2020

Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala – (April 4, 2020)

Location: Guatemala

Event: Today (Saturday, April 4th), Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammattei announced that all travel between departments in Guatemala will be prohibited from tomorrow, April 5th at 4:00 p.m. until Sunday, April 12th at 11:59 p.m. The sale, purchase, and public consumption of alcoholic beverages will also be prohibited from Monday, April 6 at 12:00 a.m. until Monday, April 13 at 6:00 a.m.

These measures are in addition to the travel restrictions that President Giammattei has previously announced (outlined below). U.S. citizens in Guatemala are reminded of the following:

Curfew (Toque de queda)

President Giammattei has imposed a nationwide curfew, which will remain in place until April 12. The curfew lasts from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. each day. Every individual in Guatemala — including U.S. citizens — is required to remain inside their domicile during curfew hours (with exceptions for health and security, and for restaurant delivery services). The Guatemalan government may extend the deadline of the curfew at any time. The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Guatemala that they are expected to obey the curfew, which is being enforced by Guatemalan law enforcement. Violators of the curfew restrictions risk arrest. More information on the curfew can be found on the U.S. Embassy website.

Closing of Borders (Cierre de fronteras)

The Guatemalan government is currently barring entry to most non-Guatemalans (with certain specific exceptions for health and security) – by its land, sea, and air borders. The U.S. Embassy continues to work with the Guatemalan government to permit departure of certain flights for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents from Guatemalan airspace to the United States. The Guatemalan government can adjust its policy on national border closings at any time. We refer you to the Guatemalan government for updated information on its national borders.

Closure of Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, and Tourist Sites

As a social distancing measure during Holy Week, President Giammattei announced the closure of all beaches, lakes, rivers and other tourist sites in Guatemala through Sunday, April 12th. All tourist travel to these areas is prohibited.

Additional Department and Municipality-Level Restrictions

Beyond the national-level restrictions mentioned above, different municipalities within the country may adopt additional restrictive measures on travel and outdoor activities. Please monitor local news reports to receive the latest information. American Citizens in need of immediate assistance should contact the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT)’s Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) through its website or by dialing 1500.

Guidance for American Citizens

Before the prohibition on inter-departmental travel within Guatemala enters effect, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City urges all U.S. citizens to immediately take any necessary action to ensure their ability to shelter in safety until restrictions on travel are lifted.

As a reminder for U.S. citizens registered in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), your registration expires automatically based on the dates entered and you will not receive updates after that date. Update your account to show that you are still in Guatemala. Follow these instructions to keep receiving messages from the STEP Program. From within your account settings, update to INDEFINITE to ensure that you continue receiving messages. If you have any trouble, please email CASTEP@state.gov.

Please contact AmcitsGuatemala@state.gov for any urgent inquiries.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

Alerts, U.S. Citizen Services
Guatemala City