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Procedures

Traveling to Guatemala from the US — entry, advisories, US embassy

Current US State Department travel advisory for Guatemala, US embassy location in Guatemala, entry requirements, and US-Guatemala bilateral relations. For

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Traveling to Guatemala from the US

This page is for immigrants in the United States planning a trip to Guatemala — whether for a home-country visit, family event, business travel, or relocation. We summarize the current US State Department travel advisory, US embassy location in Guatemala, and key bilateral context that affects re-entry to the US.

US Embassy + diplomatic relations

Re-entry to the US after visiting Guatemala

US permanent residents (green-card holders):

  • Trips under 6 months: normal re-entry process at port of entry
  • Trips 6 months to 1 year: may face questioning about abandonment of LPR status
  • Trips over 1 year: green card considered abandoned — apply for SB-1 returning resident visa at US embassy in Guatemala BEFORE returning
  • Apply for Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) BEFORE departing if trip will be 1-2 years

TPS holders, asylum applicants, DACA recipients:

  • MUST apply for Advance Parole (Form I-131) BEFORE leaving the US
  • Returning without Advance Parole may abandon your application/status
  • Some TPS holders may not be eligible for Advance Parole — consult attorney

US citizens:

  • US passport required (valid 6+ months past entry date in most countries)
  • Guatemala visa: check with Guatemala’s embassy in the US — many countries waive visa for US citizens or issue visa on arrival

Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal or travel advice. Travel advisories change frequently; verify at travel.state.gov before planning. Guatemala entry requirements change too; verify with Guatemala’s embassy or consulate before traveling.

Re-entry deadlines, fees, and contacts (2025-2026)

USCIS Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) covers Advance Parole for TPS holders, asylum applicants, and DACA recipients. Filing fee: approximately $660 for paper, biometric services fee $85 where applicable. Processing time: approximately 5-8 months for routine; emergency expedite available via USCIS Contact Center 1-800-375-5283 with documentation of urgent humanitarian need.

Re-entry Permit (Form I-131): approximately $660 + $85 biometrics for LPRs planning trips of 1-2 years. SB-1 Returning Resident Visa: approximately $180 application fee at US embassy abroad, required if LPR absent more than 1 year without I-131 Re-entry Permit. The 3-year and 10-year unlawful-presence bars under INA 212(a)(9)(B) apply to individuals who accrued 180+ days or 1+ year of unlawful presence before departing — consult an AILA-member immigration attorney BEFORE traveling if you have any prior unlawful presence.

The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov is free; US citizens and LPRs can enroll for the country they’re visiting to receive emergency alerts and assist embassy contact if needed. US Embassy emergency line for US citizens abroad: 1-888-407-4747 (from US/Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas, 24/7).

For passport services: routine US passport processing 8-11 weeks ($165 fee), expedited 3-5 weeks (+$60), emergency in-person life-or-death (~2 weeks). Children under 16 require both-parent consent (Form DS-3053 if one parent absent). The DS-160 (nonimmigrant visa) and DS-260 (immigrant visa) are separate State Department systems — not used for US passports.

For port-of-entry processes (wait times, I-94 retrieval), use bwt.cbp.gov or CBP’s CBP Link app — the former CBP One app was discontinued in January 2025. Global Entry interview by appointment ($120 since October 2024, 5-year membership). Verify all current fees at travel.state.gov before paying.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel to Guatemala right now?
The US State Department’s current travel advisory level for Guatemala is Level TBD: Verify current level. Last updated See travel.state.gov. Advisory levels: Level 1 (Normal Precautions), Level 2 (Increased Caution), Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), Level 4 (Do Not Travel). Always verify current level + any region-specific cautions at travel.state.gov before booking.
What documents do I need to travel to Guatemala from the US?
As a US permanent resident or visa holder: typically passport from your country of citizenship + green card / valid US visa for re-entry to US. As a US citizen: US passport (valid 6+ months past entry date for most countries). Some countries require visa for US passport holders — check Guatemala’s embassy website OR the State Department’s country information page. Some immigrant categories (TPS, asylum-pending) face advance-parole requirements before leaving the US.
Where is the US Embassy in Guatemala?
The US Embassy in Guatemala handles emergency services for US citizens abroad (lost passport, arrest, medical emergency), notarial services, and immigrant + nonimmigrant visa processing for Guatemala citizens. See the US embassy location summary in the body of this page, OR find detailed contact info + appointment scheduling at the embassy’s own website (usually ‘usembassy.gov’ subdomain).
Can I get my US green card stamped at the US Embassy in Guatemala?
US embassies do NOT issue, replace, or stamp US green cards. If your green card is lost/stolen abroad, you need to apply for a Boarding Foil at the embassy (allows re-entry to US once); then file Form I-90 (replace green card) once back in the US. Don’t lose your green card abroad if you can help it — process takes weeks. Asylees and refugees have different document requirements; verify with the embassy.

Major federal procedures

Detention and constitutional rights

Finances for immigrants

General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.