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The U.S. Embassy is located at Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16, Guatemala City. There is no public parking at the U.S. Embassy. However, there are several commercial parking facilities within walking distance and a drop-off and pick-up area in front of the U.S. Embassy. Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you arrive late by 15 minutes or more, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment. In addition, please ensure that you bring requisite funds for payment of the fees, the typed and printed application form completely filled out, and all required supporting documents. If you arrive with incomplete forms or insufficient funds to pay the fees, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment.
Because the U.S. Embassy is a secure facility, certain items such as cell phones, smart watches, and large bags may not be brought into the U.S. Embassy. Please click here for security information and a full list of prohibited items when entering the U.S. Embassy. There is no facility at the U.S. Embassy to store prohibited items, so please make necessary arrangements prior to entering.
The Consular Section is committed to the protection of U.S. citizens at home and abroad. We protect U.S. borders by facilitating travel for legitimate visa applicants while screening out persons who might do us harm or are otherwise ineligible for a visa under U.S. immigration laws. We ensure the safety and welfare of U.S. citizens living or traveling overseas by providing both routine and emergency services. At all times, we strive to provide quality service consistent with U.S. laws and regulations.
The Consular Section is open from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday (except on U.S. and Guatemalan holidays).
Please be advised that in an emergency, U.S. Embassy personnel are not first responders. If you need emergency assistance, Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called PROATUR) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. Their emergency assistance call center – staffed with Spanish and English speakers – may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 from a Guatemalan phone number or (502) 2290-2810. You may also contact PROATUR by WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.
The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
Legal assistance Medical Assistance Certified Translators Guatemalan Residence and Work PermitsThe U.S. Embassy maintains a referential list of attorneys in Guatemala. The list includes professional credentials, areas of expertise, fee structures (including pro bono), and language proficiency, all of which are provided directly by the lawyers. If you are involved in a criminal matter as a defendant, and you do not have the financial resources to retain an attorney, you are entitled to have a defense attorney appointed by the Public Defense Institution (Instituto de la Defensa Pública Penal) at no cost.
The Embassy maintains referral lists of medical providers in Guatemala. The lists include hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies, as well as medical, dental and veterinary service providers. There is also health information and vaccinations for travel to Guatemala, air ambulance companies, and DNA testing information.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a referential list of certified translators in Guatemala.
Guatemalan Residence and Work Permits
Learn more about how to apply for temporary or permanent residence or a work permit in Guatemala.
Bringing a Weapon to Guatemala
The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages U.S. citizens from bringing weapons to Guatemala. It is a crime for a foreigner to bring a weapon or ammunition to Guatemala without receiving authorization from the Government of Guatemala BEFORE you travel to Guatemala. To request authorization, please visit this website: https://www.digecam.mil.gt/web/ (only in Spanish). If you arrive in Guatemala with a weapon or ammunition without pre-authorization, you will be detained, and your weapon and ammunition will be confiscated.
Background Checks and Fingerprints
Learn more about how to request criminal records for U.S. citizens abroad, how to request a FBI criminal record check, and where to get fingerprinted in Guatemala.
U.S. Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage)
Links to U.S. state vital records authorities to request birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Learn about what kind of drivers licenses may be used in Guatemala by foreigners.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
Learn more about how U.S. citizens may transmit U.S. citizenship to their children who were born abroad.
Learn more about what are the requirements for a foreigner to get married in Guatemala.
Neither Guatemala nor the United States is approving or processing new international adoptions to the United States at this time. The only adoptions that the Embassy is currently processing are those adoption requests that were filed before December 31, 2007 and left unfinished when Guatemala joined the Hague Convention. If you would like information about adoptions, please contact us via e-mail at AdoptGuatemala@state.gov. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transition Cases and the Hague Adoption Convention
The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that you hire an attorney in the event that you are arrested or charged with a crime. In order for the U.S. Embassy to be permitted to communicate with your attorney, we will request that you send us written consent under the Privacy Act. Please contact AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov to let us know immediately that you have been arrested or charged with a crime, provide your attorney’s name and contact information, and submit a signed consent form under the Privacy Act. Click the “Local Attorneys” link below for a referential list of attorneys in Guatemala.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. Learn more about what happens when a U.S. citizen dies overseas, what are the local customs and procedures, and how the U.S. Embassy records the death.
International Parental Child Abduction
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.
If you reside in Guatemala and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the Regional Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Costa Rica. For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage at: https://cr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/. For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World. If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.
U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.
Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.
Emergency Financial Assistance
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.
Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passport will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
Please call: 2326-4000
Outside of Guatemala: +502 2326-4000
Emergency Contact – All Locations Get Travel Alerts International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance
