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Guatemala


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Local Travel sections (Kidnapping of tourists in the Izabal Department on 14 March). We now advise against all but essential travel to Rio Dulce and Livingstone in Izabel Department.
We advise against all but essential travel to Rio Dulce and Livingstone in Izabal Department. Tensions remain high following the kidnapping, and subsequent later release, of four foreign tourists on 14 March 2007. If you intend to visit this region you should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the local media for developments. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.


Large demonstrations occur throughout Guatemala, often with little or no notice, and can cause serious traffic and local disruptions. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. See the Political Situation section of this advice for more details.


We advise against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US School buses) for security reasons. There have been reports of violent muggings, including *censored**censored**censored**censored* and assault against foreigners on these buses. Private inter-city coach services are not included in this restriction and are generally a safer alternative. See the Local Travel (Public buses and coaches services) section of this advice for more details.


The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Guatemala in 2007 were for replacing lost or stolen passports; hospitalisations; and deaths, mostly from natural causes. Also, the risk of violent crime, such as armed robbery and mugging, is real and there have been armed attacks in daylight hours at tourist sites. Travelling at night or visiting remote places on your own greatly increases the risk of you becoming a victim of crime. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.


The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. See the Natural Disasters (Rainy Season/Landslides) section of this advice for more details.


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.


We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) of this advice and Travel Insurance.
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