U.S. State Department Updates Guatemala Travel Advisory, Adds Terrorism Risk Indicator

Current rules

The travel advisory level for Guatemala remains 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' due to crime and terrorism. The 'terrorism' risk indicator has been added, and the advisory summary was updated. Specific areas are designated 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organisations: San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and the city of Villa Nueva. U.S. government employees have specific travel restrictions within Guatemala, including not being permitted to travel to these Level 4 areas, not driving outside Guatemala City at night, and not using white taxis or public transportation.

Overview

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Guatemala. While the overall advisory level remains 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel,' a new 'terrorism' risk indicator has been added, and the advisory summary has been revised. Specific areas like San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and Villa Nueva are designated 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' due to heightened risks of crime and terrorism.

What changed in the latest version

This update matters because it shows that security risks in Guatemala have grown. It specifically states that terrorism from cartels and gangs is present. This was not clearly stated before. Labelling certain areas as 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' means there are serious threats. This directly affects travel plans for U.S. citizens to these places. Staff who work for the U.S. government have stricter travel rules. This means they have less freedom to move around and must follow more safety steps. This highlights the greater dangers. The detailed safety advice gives practical steps for travellers to lower their risks. This affects their actions and choices while they are in Guatemala.

Explained simply

Hey, if you're thinking about going to Guatemala, the U.S. government says you should really think twice, especially because of crime and now also a new warning about terrorism. Some parts, like San Marcos or certain areas in Guatemala City, are super dangerous, and they say definitely don't go there at all. If you do go to other parts, be super careful, don't show off your expensive stuff, and only use trusted taxis.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v26Effective 12 Mar 2026EffectiveHigh impact
   U.S. State Department Updates Guatemala Travel Advisory, Adds Terrorism Risk Indicator

   The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advice for Guatemala. It still recommends that people 'Reconsider Travel' (Level 3) because of crime and terrorism. The advice now includes a 'terrorism' risk warning. The summary of the advice has been updated to show more gang violence and terrorist acts by cartels. Four specific areas are now labelled 'Do Not Travel' (Level 4): San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and Villa Nueva. Staff who work for the U.S. government have extra rules. These include not travelling to the Level 4 areas and limits on how they can travel.