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Safety and Security

The threat of violent crime in Guatemala is rated by the U.S. Department of State as “critical.” The Embassy has no reason to believe that U.S. citizens are being specifically targeted, although criminals in Guatemala may assume that U.S. citizens and their relatives have more money than average Guatemalans. Longer-term residents and dual nationals are more likely to become victims of serious crimes, as they tend to be integrated into local society and may not reside in safer areas. Tourists seem to be largely shielded from the worst incidents of violent crime, and instead succumb principally to pickpockets and purse-snatchers. U.S. tourists, however, have also been victims of rapes, physical assaults, armed robberies, and murders.

The number of violent crimes reported by U.S. citizens and other foreigners has remained high and such crimes have occurred even in areas of Guatemala City once considered safe, such as Zones 10, 14, and 15. Additionally, the Peace Corps has made areas of the country with particularly high incidents of crime “off-limits” to Peace Corps volunteers. Due to large scale drug and alien smuggling, the Guatemalan border with Mexico (and in particular the northwestern corner of Petén) is a high-risk area. The border areas including the Sierra de Lacandon and Laguna del Tigre National Parks are among the most dangerous areas in Guatemala. The U.S. Embassy takes extra precautions when U.S. government personnel travel to the region. 

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CRIME: High murder rates identify Guatemala as one of the most dangerous countries in the Western Hemisphere. While the vast majority of murders do not involve foreigners, the sheer volume of activity means that local officials find it difficult to cope with the caseload and many homicides never result in a prosecution or conviction.

In the last five years, there have been 25 reported murders of U.S. citizens in Guatemala, including four in 2014. The U.S. Embassy is also aware of the disappearances of several U.S. citizens, some of which remain unsolved. In March 2014, a U.S. citizen who resided in Guatemala was stabbed to death when resisting a late-night robbery in Antigua. In November 2014, another U.S. citizen was was stabbed during an attack by a group of drunk men in Antigua. In April 2014, a female U.S. citizen was raped while walking with another woman on the outskirts of Antigua during daylight hours, three U.S. citizens were robbed at gunpoint as they descended from a lookout above Antigua, a U.S. citizen was shot to death in his car in Zone 9 in Guatemala City, and a small tourist van was fired upon and its passengers robbed on the highway coming from Honduras. In July 2014, a van of U.S. citizen missionaries was stopped by assailants on their way to Guatemala City from San Antonio Suchitepequez; during the incident a minor was sexually assaulted. In December 2014, a U.S. citizen was shot to death in San Pedro Ayumpac.

U.S. citizens, although not specifically targeted, have been kidnap victims; however, there have been no reported kidnappings of U.S. citizens since February 2013.

Reports of sexual assault remain high. Women should be especially careful when traveling alone and avoid staying out late without an escort. Support for victims of sexual assault is lacking outside of major cities, and there are not enough trained personnel who can help victims either in the capital or outlying areas. Five U.S. citizens reported being raped in Guatemala in 2013 and three in 2014. In June 2014, the Embassy issued a Security Message warning U.S. Citizens of the risk of sexual assault in Guatemala and specifically reported the use of date rape drugs in some bars, night clubs, and after-hours clubs in Antigua.

Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens who visit Guatemala. To decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim, do not display items of value such as laptops, iPods, iPads, cameras, or jewelry and refrain from using a cell phone on the street. Carry a photocopy of your passport when out and about to avoid losing it during a robbery. The Embassy discourages its employees from carrying large sums of money . Victims have been killed when they resisted an attack or refused to give up their money or other valuables. Assailants are often armed with guns and will not hesitate to use them if you resist.

Pickpockets and purse-snatchers are prevalent in major cities and tourist sites, especially the central market and other parts of Zone 1 in Guatemala City. For security reasons, the Embassy does not recommend U.S. government employees to stay in hotels in Zone 1 and urges private travelers to avoid staying in this area. In a common scenario, an accomplice distracts the victim while an assailant slashes or simply steals a bag or backpack. The Embassy advises tourists and residents to be very vigilant of their surroundings and report any crime incidents promptly to the police. We strongly encourage you not to use public ATMs. Scams involving attempts to acquire a victim’s ATM card and personal identification number (PIN) are common.

Extortion calls and grandparent scams are common in Guatemala. For additional information, please read our information on International Financial Scams. If in doubt whether a caller is legitimate, call the U.S. Embassy at 011-(502) 2326-4501.

Carjackings, Bus Robberies and Vehicle Thefts: Carjackings and vehicle thefts continue to be a serious problem.

A number of travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies as they drive away from the airport after arriving on international flights.

Avoid low-priced public intra- and inter-city buses (often recognizable as recycled and repainted U.S. school buses). U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to ride on any local buses. Public buses are subject to frequent attacks by armed robbers and often are poorly maintained and dangerously driven. Do not hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City. For shorter trips, the safest option is to take radio-dispatched (Taxi Amarillo) or hotel taxis.

The introduction of modern inter-city buses with prepaid fares has somewhat improved the security and safety of inter-city bus passengers; however, several travelers have even been attacked on first-class buses on highway CA-2 near the border areas with both Mexico and El Salvador, on highways CA-1 and CA-9 near the border with El Salvador, and in the highlands between Quetzaltenango and Sololá.

Some recent reports of highway robberies include accusations that police, or assailants dressed as police, have been involved. A few have included sexual assaults of victims. Emboldened armed robbers have attacked vehicles on main roads in broad daylight. Travel on rural roads increases the risk of being stopped by a criminal roadblock or ambush. Widespread narcotics and alien-smuggling activities make remote areas especially dangerous. There is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted, although an appearance of wealth could increase the chances that you might become a focus of attention for criminal gangs. Criminals look for any opportunity to strike, so all travelers should remain constantly vigilant.

Security escorts for tourist groups and security information are available from the Tourist Assistance Office (PROATUR) of INGUAT (the Guatemalan Tourism Institute) at 7a Avenida 1-17. Zona 4, Centro Civico, Guatemala City. INGUAT’s PROATUR division has 24-hour/seven days per week direct telephone numbers for tourist assistance and emergencies. You may call them at (502) 2421-2810, fax them at (502) 2421-2891, or simply dial 1500 in Guatemala to reach INGUAT Tourist Assistance. You can also request the service by e-mail at operacionesproatur@inguat.gob.gt. PROATUR also maintains regional offices in all major tourist destinations in Guatemala, and the regional delegates provide rapid and appropriate assistance to crime and accident victims. Travelers may also wish to visit INGUAT’s web site. Tourist groups are advised to request security escorts from INGUAT. There have been no incidents of armed robbery of groups escorted through the Tourist Protection Program. The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail and should arrive at INGUAT at least three business days in advance of the proposed travel. Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the National Tourist Assistance Program, and should provide the itinerary, names of travelers, and model and color of the vehicle in which they will be traveling. Travelers should be aware that INGUAT might not be able to accommodate all requests.

Travelers should be aware that basic safety measures and precautions commonly required in the United States for swimming, boating and other outdoor activities may not be observed in Guatemala. Additionally, crime incidents have occurred on both land and waterways, with multiple boaters in the Rio Dulce area of the Department of Izabal having been victimized in violent armed attacks while aboard boats.

Demonstrations: Large demonstrations occur throughout Guatemala, often with little or no advance notice, and can cause serious traffic disruptions. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and travelers should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. The use of roadblocks and/or blocking of public facilities, including the international airport, has increased and demonstrators may prevent tourists caught behind the blockades from leaving. When acts of violence are particularly severe, such as those caused by drug traffickers in the Petén region, a state of siege can be declared by the authorities. That likely means a curfew will be set and increased police patrols in the areas affected. Public gatherings and permission to carry weapons also may be restricted. U.S. citizens traveling through these places should be very cautious, cooperate with the authorities and stay indoors after the curfew. Security messages regarding demonstrations and strikes are posted on the Embassy’s website.

Counterfeit Goods: U.S. citizens are advised not to purchase counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are these items illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Indigenous Areas: Indigenous activists have detained foreign tourists in the Rio Dulce and Livingston areas. Although they were released unharmed, tensions between indigenous activists and authorities remain. In January 2012, a group of National Geographic explorers, including U.S. citizens, were detained in Quiche by local residents when they jumped into a pond considered sacred in the Mayan tradition. They were released unharmed but the incident serves as a warning to be mindful of local traditional practices when visiting indigenous Mayan communities.

Keep informed of possible demonstrations by following the local news and consulting the Embassy’s web page and hotel personnel and tour guides. Avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Victims of crime in Guatemala should contact the following phone numbers for assistance:

  • POLICE: The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Guatemala is 110 / 120
  • FIRE DEPARTMENT: 122 / 123
  • TOURIST POLICE: 1500 POLITUR is a joint national police/INGUAT initiative and is present in all major tourist destinations.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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Population: 17,915,568


Total Land Area: 107,160 km2


Population/km2: 167.19