Inaugurating the Guatemala Online immigration form
Travelers coming to or leaving Guatemala can now complete online their regional traveler Affidavit, thanks to a new initiative introduced by the Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT) along with other government organs.
Guatemala’s move to digitize traveler declarations aligns it with neighboring El Salvador and Honduras, which adopted electronic declarations earlier this year in March.
The SAT head highlighted that this new digital process will enhance the efficiency of traveler declarations and improve customs control. It will also enable the collection of travel-related statistics and other valuable data.
One significant advantage of this online system is its potential to cut down on paper-related costs. Previously, travelers had to manually complete paper forms, which cost annually more than USD 200,000.
The new online system is expected to reduce these costs by USD 240,000 per year.
Overall, this update is set to streamline tax declarations, minimize paper use, save time, ensure more accurate records, and contribute to Guatemala’s modernization efforts.
Travelers can now fulfill this requirement up to 15 days prior to their trip through the new website.
Regarding the declaration,
The new electronic version simplifies the process by reducing the number of required information fields. Out of these fields, 11 will be auto-filled, allowing travelers to complete their declaration in just 2 to 4 minutes.
Travelers can now prepare and generate their declarations up to three days before their trip. If traveling with family, a single document can be used for all members.
To avoid any potential delays, travelers are encouraged to request their travel affidavit QR code as soon as possible, the system allows to apply starting 15 days before the departure date.
Implementation Phases
The rollout of the electronic traveler declaration will occur in several stages, beginning with a four-month trial period. The phases of implementation are as follows:
- Initial Launch: At La Aurora International Airport.
- September 2025: Expansion to Mundo Maya International Airport.
- November 2025: Introduction at maritime customs.
- December 2025: Installation of assistance kiosks at land customs.
This regional declaration, also known as the migration form, is mandatory for travelers. It has been standardized across Central American countries, as well as Panama, Belize, and the Dominican Republic.
U.S, and Canada Citizen entering into Guatemala
To enter Guatemala, travelers must present a valid passport upon arrival. U.S. and Canadian passports do not require a minimum validity period. Citizens from both countries are allowed to stay in Guatemala for up to 90 days without a visa.
Some airlines may require passengers to complete the electronic Guatemalan immigration form before check-in. While the form can be filled out in English, note that in the drop-down menus, “United States” is listed as “Estados Unidos,” whereas “Canada” is spelled correctly.
If your passport is lost or stolen while in Guatemala, you should promptly obtain a replacement at the Embassy. To exit Guatemala, you will need to present the new passport along with a police or Ministerio Público report about the loss or theft to the Guatemalan Immigration Agency (Dirección de Migración).
Should a U.S. or Canadian citizen overstay their permitted period, a fine of 15 Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ) per day will be imposed. This fine must be settled before departure from Guatemala.
