Is Guatemala safe to travel to?

Guatemala has an elevated practical risk (about 58/100), and the official advisory is higher—Level 3 (reconsider travel). Many travelers still visit places like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, but you should plan conservatively, stay vigilant in cities, and be prepared to adjust plans due to crime concerns or sudden demonstrations and roadblocks.

What are the main travel risks in Guatemala?

The main travel risks in Guatemala are petty crime, violent incidents, and civil unrest. Theft is common in busy areas (petty crime around 68/100), and violent incidents are also a meaningful concern (about 58/100), so travelers should be cautious with transportation choices, nightlife, and unfamiliar neighborhoods.

What is the current travel advisory for Guatemala?

Guatemala is currently under a Level 3 travel advisory: Reconsider Travel, with an advisory score around 70/100. This level signals that you should carefully evaluate your itinerary, security plan, and local conditions before going, especially for overland travel and areas prone to protests.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Guatemala?

In Guatemala, use app-based rides or trusted drivers after dark, and avoid showing phones, cameras, or cash in crowded areas. Track local updates for demonstrations and road closures, avoid protests, and be cautious near border zones or routes that can change quickly due to unrest.

Guatemala

Americas

Higher risk than 75% of countries. Main concerns: civil unrest and petty crime.

Government Advisory

High

Level 3: Reconsider travel

Traveler Practical Risk

Elevated

Confidence: high. Main drivers: civil unrest, petty crime, violent incidents.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

📢Civil Unrest

Americas avg: 5670

🔓Petty Crime

Americas avg: 4768

⚠️Violent Incident

Americas avg: 4858

🎭Scams

Americas avg: 5558

🚌Transport

Americas avg: 5155

🌊Natural Disaster

Americas avg: 2824

🏥Health

Americas avg: 2418

Practical advice

✓Use app-based rides after dark and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.
✓Monitor local developments and avoid demonstrations or fast-changing border areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 3/12/2026 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Guatemala

Is Guatemala safe to travel to?: Guatemala has an elevated practical risk (about 58/100), and the official advisory is higher—Level 3 (reconsider travel). Many travelers still visit places like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, but you should plan conservatively, stay vigilant in cities, and be prepared to adjust plans due to crime concerns or sudden demonstrations and roadblocks.
What are the main travel risks in Guatemala?: The main travel risks in Guatemala are petty crime, violent incidents, and civil unrest. Theft is common in busy areas (petty crime around 68/100), and violent incidents are also a meaningful concern (about 58/100), so travelers should be cautious with transportation choices, nightlife, and unfamiliar neighborhoods.
What is the current travel advisory for Guatemala?: Guatemala is currently under a Level 3 travel advisory: Reconsider Travel, with an advisory score around 70/100. This level signals that you should carefully evaluate your itinerary, security plan, and local conditions before going, especially for overland travel and areas prone to protests.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Guatemala?: In Guatemala, use app-based rides or trusted drivers after dark, and avoid showing phones, cameras, or cash in crowded areas. Track local updates for demonstrations and road closures, avoid protests, and be cautious near border zones or routes that can change quickly due to unrest.

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