Travel Summary

• We advise caution in all areas of Guatemala City due to violent crime this includes a recent rise in kidnappings. See Safety and Security - Crime and Local Travel.
  
• On 19 May local authorities announced that there is an orange alert in place for Fuego Volcano.  People residing in the area have been evacuated. See Natural Disasters - Volcanoes
  
•  On 18 May 2012,  Guatemalan Authorities  lifted the State of Siege declared on 2 May in the town of Santa Cruz Barillas, in Huehuetenango Department (in the west of the country) See Safety and Security - Local Travel.
  
  
• The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. The country has suffered heavy rain damage, flooding and landslides. See Safety and Security - Local Travel and Natural Disasters - Rainy Season/Landslides.
  
  
• Guatemala is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. See Natural Disasters - Earthquakes.
  
  
• We advise against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US school buses) for security reasons. Private inter-city coach services are not included in this restriction and are generally a safer alternative, but neither are they immune from attack. See Safety and Security - Local Travel.
  
  
• There has been an increase in the cloning of credit/debit cards used in ATMs in Antigua and Guatemala City.  See: General - Money.
  
  
• Since February 2012 there has been an increase in detected cases of the H1N1 (A) flu virus.  For more information please see the Health section.
  
  
• Studies have declared that the water in Lake Atitlan is no longer safe for drinking or swimming in certain areas.  You should check with local authorities before swimming, and should you fall ill during a trip to the lake, or immediately after, you should seek medical advice.
  
  
• Large demonstrations occur throughout Guatemala, often with little or no notice, and can cause serious traffic and other disruptions. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.
  
  
• The new Guatemalan Government is implementing new security measures around the country, including extra police or military checkpoints on road routes.  You should monitor local news for up-to-date information on road blocks, and carry personal ID when travelling. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• 23 British nationals required consular assistance in Guatemala in the period April 2010 - March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  See General - Insurance.