Guatemala entry requirements for Canadian passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity
Visa (Government of Canada): Read the official visa text below
Passport validity (Government of Canada): Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala. Official text
Official source: Government of Canada – Guatemala travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Entry and exit requirements” · page last updated 16 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Whether Canadians need a visa for Guatemala and how long a Canadian passport must be valid, as published by the Government of Canada, quoted word for word with the date of the official page.
Other passports: British passport · Australian passport
Do Canadians need a visa for Guatemala?
We quote the official text word for word and do not summarise it. The official text also mentions an electronic travel authorization, e-visa, arrival card, online form or registration, tourist card or fee: read it in full.
Official text, “Visas”:
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Student visa: required
You may request an extension equal to the number of days you were initially authorized to stay at the Guatemalan Migration Institute. If you wish to conduct business or stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding 6 months, you require a visa.
Guatemalan Migration Institute – Government of Guatemala (Spanish only)
Also in the official “Entry and exit requirements” section:
Entry stamp
When entering Guatemala, you must obtain an entry stamp in your passport.
If you fail to present your entry stamp when departing Guatemala, you may be fined and experience delays.
If you enter Guatemala with a vehicle, you must comply with the deadline for leaving the country, which is indicated on the temporary importation form provided by Guatemalan customs at the port of entry. If you fail to leave Guatemala with your vehicle by the expiry date, you will be subject to a fine for the extra days.
Electronic declaration form
You must complete an electronic declaration form before arriving in Guatemala and before leaving. You will then receive a QR code. Keep a printed or electronic copy of your QR code to present to authorities upon your arrival or departure.
Electronic declaration form – Government of Guatemala
More from the official “Entry and exit requirements” section (other requirements)
Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4)
Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), Canadian tourists may travel freely within any of the following CA-4 countries:
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
You can travel between these countries for up to 90 days without having to undergo entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. However, 90 days are not automatically granted. The immigration officer at your first entry point into the CA-4 region will determine the exact length of your authorized stay.
You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints.
Make sure you receive an entry or exit stamp in your passport each time you cross a checkpoint to avoid fines and problems with immigration authorities.
You may request an extension equal to the number of days you were initially authorized to stay. However, you must request this extension and pay the required fee at the Guatemalan Migration Institute before your first authorized stay expires. Immigration authorities will determine the exact length of the extension.
You are authorized to stay in Guatemala for a maximum of 180 days. However, if you receive an extension in another CA-4 country that leads to a total authorized stay of less than 180 days, you cannot request another extension in Guatemala. Likewise, if you receive an extension in another CA-4 country that leads to a total authorized stay of more than 180 days, Guatemala will only recognize the first 180 days.
Once your total authorized stay expires, you must either:
- change your migratory status
- leave the CA-4 region
- travel to El Salvador, where you may be granted a stay of up to 180 days
If you fail to do so, you will be fined and given 5 days to leave.
Once you leave the CA-4 region, you may attempt to return and restart the process, as long as 72 hours have passed since your exit. However, the immigration officer could deny your re-entry.
If you get a new Canadian passport in Guatemala, you must obtain a new entry stamp from immigration authorities before exiting the country and travelling within the CA-4 region.
Each CA-4 country interprets and enforces the agreement differently. Ensure you carefully read the Travel Advice and Advisories for each destination you plan on visiting before travelling.
Guatemalan Migration Institute (Spanish only)
Official source: Government of Canada – Guatemala travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Visas” · page last updated 16 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
How long must my Canadian passport be valid for Guatemala?
In short: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala.
Our one-line summary of the official sentence below, which matches a wording we recognise. Your airline may apply stricter rules.
Official text, “Regular Canadian passport”:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala.
Official source: Government of Canada – Guatemala travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Regular Canadian passport” · page last updated 16 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
For Canadian passport holders. These rules are published by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada) for Canadian citizens travelling on a regular Canadian passport. Before You Fly is an independent site: it is not a Government of Canada site and is not endorsed by the Government of Canada. The airline and the border officials of the destination decide whether you can travel or enter: this site is information, not legal advice. British passport? See the UK (FCDO) rules.
Read the full official travel advice for Guatemala (safety, health, local laws) before you travel.
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