Useful information before leaving for Guatemala

When to go : It is best to go to Guatemala outside the rainy season (May to September). If you go between November and February, you will enjoy mild temperatures and low humidity.

What documents do I need to travel? If you stay less than 180 days in Guatemala, you will not need a visa. Only a valid passport is required to enter the country. The French driver's license is also recognized and you can use it during your stay. However, it is advisable to bring a translation of your driver's license or to apply for an international driver's license.

Time difference and flight hours: you should allow 8 hours less than the Paris time zone when you land in Guatemala. A direct flight between the French capital and the Guatemalan capital represents approximately 11:15 hours.

Vaccines: apart from the universal vaccines (tetanus, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B), no other vaccines are mandatory to travel to Guatemala. However, it is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, yellow fever and typhoid, as these diseases are transmitted by mosquito bites or through food. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against rabies in case of a prolonged stay and/or in rural areas.

Currency: The national currency is the Quetzal (GTQ). It will be difficult to find an exchange office with the Euro on site. Therefore, we recommend that you change your money before your trip or travel with U.S. Dollars, a much more common currency in the country. Guatemalan banks are generally open all day, Monday through Friday.