Location: Throughout Guatemala
Event: Second Round of National Elections in Guatemala
Guatemala held the first round of national elections on June 25, 2023, during which no presidential/vice presidential candidate received 50 percent or more of the vote. As a result, the two candidates who finished top in the first round, Sandra Torres and Bernardo Arévalo, will compete in a second round of voting on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
Election season began in late March 2023 and will continue until the end of the second round of voting. During election season, there are frequent large rallies, demonstrations, and other events associated with political campaigning. These events could cause increased traffic and otherwise disrupt movement, complicating travel. Local governmental services might also be limited, delayed, or unavailable at times during the election season. Some of these effects may continue for several days after the election.
As during the first round, the U.S. Embassy has deferred non-essential official travel to Guatemala between August 14-23, 2023. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens be aware and vigilant, monitor local news, avoid affected areas, and exercise caution.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala
Website: https://gt.usembassy.gov/
Phone: (502) 2354-0000
Email: AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page
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