Location: Guatemala
Event:
On Sunday, June 14, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei announced new travel restrictions that are in effect from 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15 to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, for the departments of Guatemala, El Progreso, Sacatepequez and San Marcos.
Restrictions on Vehicular Mobility:
All personal vehicles with the numerical portion of the license plates that ends in an even number (for example P002AAA) can circulate on Tuesday, June 16; Thursday, June 18; Saturday, June 20; Monday, June 22; Wednesday, June 24; and Friday, June 26. All personal vehicles with the numerical portion of the license plates that end in an odd number (for example P001AAA) can circulate Wednesday, June 17; Friday, June 19; Tuesday, June 23; Thursday, June 25; and Saturday, June 27. Motorcycles are exempt from these restrictions.
All private vehicular mobility will be restricted on Sunday, June 21, and Sunday, June 28.
Curfew Hours:
Guatemala’s NATIONAL mandatory curfew will remain in place from 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29. The curfew runs from 6:00 p.m. each evening through 5:00 a.m. the following day. In addition, a 24-hour curfew has been instituted for Sunday, June 21, and Sunday, June 28. All persons are required to stay in their residences from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22; and from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29. Every individual in Guatemala — including U.S. citizens — is required to remain inside their domicile during curfew hours (with exceptions for health and security, restaurant delivery services, certain media and legal personnel in pursuit of their duties, and patients receiving urgent treatment for chronic conditions).
Operating Hours for Essential Businesses:
Supermarkets, grocers, other markets, and essential businesses are permitted to operate from 5:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Shopping malls and large commercial centers will remain closed.
Inter-Departmental Travel:
All travel to and from the departments of Guatemala, El Progreso, Sacatepequez, and San Marcos is prohibited. The Embassy is not able to assist in procuring waivers to this prohibition on an individual basis.
Ongoing Restrictions: In addition to these updated restrictions, the following restrictions are still in place:
Mandatory Use of Masks in Public:
All individuals must wear masks in public spaces, including in grocery stores and on the street, to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in fines of up to 150,000 quetzales.
Closing of Borders:
The Guatemalan government is currently barring entry to most non-Guatemalans (with specific exceptions for accredited diplomatic personnel, health and security personnel, and exceptional cases as designated by the Guatemalan government) by its land, sea, and air borders. Airport operations and routine commercial flights out of Guatemala have been suspended. The U.S. Embassy continues to work with Guatemalan authorities to allow passengers manifested on outgoing commercial flights to travel to the airport in Guatemala City. These passengers will receive letters requesting safe passage from their commercial carrier.
Suspension of Public Transportation:
Public transportation within Guatemala is suspended.
Suspension of Public and Private Sector Labor Activities:
Public and private sector labor is suspended, with the exceptions for certain essential government and health personnel, and for specific industries and utilities whose activities are essential to Guatemala’s security, food production, sanitation or infrastructure.
Prohibitions on Alcohol:
The sale and purchase of alcohol is permitted only during limited hours. Consumption of alcohol in public areas is prohibited.
Other Restricted Activities:
All beaches, lakes, rivers, and other tourist sites in Guatemala remain closed. Public religious gatherings and celebrations of any size are prohibited. Visits to individuals in hospitals or prisons are prohibited. Academic activities at all levels are suspended until further notice.
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.
Guidance for American Citizens: The United States Embassy in Guatemala urges all U.S. citizens to comply with the restrictions imposed by the complete closure of the country, as well as all other restrictions and regulations outlined above.
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.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Guatemala City https://gt.usembassy.gov/
Tel. (502) 2326-4000
Amcitsguatemala@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates