Guatemala Reopening For International Tourism Planned For September 18

Guatemala plans on reopening its international airport for tourists starting on September 18th, 2020, Juan Antonio Ruiz, president of the Guatemalan Airline Association announced. 

Guatemala closed it borders back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic but it now looking to revive its tourism sector by resuming commercial flights into the country. 

Guatemala’s Aurora international airport will officially reopen on September 18th. Five of the ten airlines that operate at the airport will resume flights that day. 

Details on entry requirements have not been fully confirmed but here is everything Travel Off Path has learned so far. 

Countries Allowed To Enter Guatemala

An official list of countries has not been released but could follow other Latin American countries with mandatory testing rather than country restrictions. 

COVID-19 Testing 

Francis Argueta, Director of Civil Aeronautics said that PCR tests will be mandatory for all travelers arriving in Guatemala, ElPeriodico reported

“There will be two alternatives for those who do not have a PCR test, the first will be to adhere to a 14-day quarantine or to be tested in a health center under the leadership of the ministry of public health,” Argueta explained.

Lago Atitlan - Guatemala

Quarantine in Guatemala

According to the statement by Argueta, all travelers who do not get tested for COVID-19 will face a mandatory quarantine of 14 days. There have been no details released if it will be a government or self imposed quarantine. 

Dancers with traditional mask and costumes in Antigua, Guatemala

Health Protocols in Guatemala

All travelers must follow the COVID-19 health protocols while in Guatemala:

• Comply with social distancing of at least 1.5 metres.
• Use a face mask in all public spaces, including on the street. People that have recuperated from COVID-19 and those under quarantine must use masks inside their homes.

If you do not comply with these measures you could be fined or face criminal charges. Fines range from £700 to £15,000.

• A national curfew is still in effect starting at 9:00 pm and ending at 4:00 am.

Woman prepares to sell radishes at market day in the center of Zunil, Guatemala prior to the pandemic

What's Open In Guatemala?

All essential service are open but only select hotels and restaurants are operating at this time. As tourism restarts, more business are expected to reopen. 

The sale of alcohol is prohibited between 7:00 pm and 5:00 am as well as consumption in public places.

Shopping complexes (strip malls, not big shopping malls) can open, if they are compliant with health and safety protocols. 

A mild eruption of the Fuego volcano outside Antigua, Guatemala

Read More:

Countries Reopening For Tourism in Latin America

Countries Reopening to Americans

All Countries Reopening 

Travel Insurance That Covers COVID-19

Sources: UK Government  ElPolitco  Reuters

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Disclaimer: Current Guatemala travel rules can change without notice and are being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories