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The U.S. Embassy is located at Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16, Guatemala City. There is no public parking at the U.S. Embassy. However, there are several commercial parking facilities within walking distance and a drop-off and pick-up area in front of the U.S. Embassy. Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you arrive late by 15 minutes or more, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment. In addition, please ensure that you bring requisite funds for payment of the fees, the typed and printed application form completely filled out, and all required supporting documents. If you arrive with incomplete forms or insufficient funds to pay the fees, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment.
Because the U.S. Embassy is a secure facility, certain items such as cell phones, smart watches, and large bags may not be brought into the U.S. Embassy. Please click here for security information and a full list of prohibited items when entering the U.S. Embassy. There is no facility at the U.S. Embassy to store prohibited items, so please make necessary arrangements prior to entering.
The Consular Section is committed to the protection of U.S. citizens at home and abroad. We protect U.S. borders by facilitating travel for legitimate visa applicants while screening out persons who might do us harm or are otherwise ineligible for a visa under U.S. immigration laws. We ensure the safety and welfare of U.S. citizens living or traveling overseas by providing both routine and emergency services. At all times, we strive to provide quality service consistent with U.S. laws and regulations.
The Consular Section is open from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday (except on U.S. and Guatemalan holidays).
In an emergency, U.S. Embassy personnel are not first responders. Guatemala has a dedicated tourist assistance program (called ASISTUR) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. ASISTUR provides additional security and tourist police (DISETUR) in locations frequented by tourists, such as Antigua and Lake Atitlán. ASISTUR’s emergency call center – staffed with Spanish and English speakers – may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 from a Guatemalan phone number or (502) 2290-2810. You may also contact ASISTUR by WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.
Visit our page of step by step instructions on how to apply for a U.S. passport
U.S. PassportsInformation about notarial services, authentications of documents, apostilles, and electronic notarizations.
Notarial Services, Authentications, and ApostillesThe Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
Legal assistanceThe U.S. Embassy maintains a referential list of attorneys in Guatemala. The list includes professional credentials, areas of expertise, fee structures (including pro bono), and language proficiency, all of which are provided directly by the lawyers. If you are involved in a criminal matter as a defendant, and you do not have the financial resources to retain an attorney, you are entitled to have a defense attorney appointed by the Public Defense Institution (Instituto de la Defensa Pública Penal) at no cost.
The Embassy maintains referral lists of medical providers in Guatemala. The lists include hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies, as well as medical, dental and veterinary service providers. There is also health information and vaccinations for travel to Guatemala, air ambulance companies, and DNA testing information.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a referential list of certified translators in Guatemala.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a referential list of tax consultants.
Learn more about how to apply for temporary or permanent residence or a work permit in Guatemala.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a referential list of attorneys in Guatemala. The list includes professional credentials, areas of expertise, fee structures (including pro bono), and language proficiency, all of which are provided directly by the lawyers. If you are involved in a criminal matter as a defendant, and you do not have the financial resources to retain an attorney, you are entitled to have a defense attorney appointed by the Public Defense Institution (Instituto de la Defensa Pública Penal) at no cost.
The Embassy maintains referral lists of medical providers in Guatemala. The lists include hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies, as well as medical, dental and veterinary service providers. There is also health information and vaccinations for travel to Guatemala, air ambulance companies, and DNA testing information.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a referential list of certified translators in Guatemala.
Guatemalan Residence and Work Permits
Learn more about how to apply for temporary or permanent residence or a work permit in Guatemala.
The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages U.S. citizens from bringing weapons to Guatemala. It is a crime for a foreigner to bring a weapon or ammunition to Guatemala without receiving authorization from the Government of Guatemala BEFORE you travel to Guatemala. To request authorization, please visit this website: https://www.digecam.mil.gt/web/ (only in Spanish). If you arrive in Guatemala with a weapon or ammunition without pre-authorization, you will be detained, and your weapon and ammunition will be confiscated.
Learn more about how to request criminal records for U.S. citizens abroad, how to request a FBI criminal record check, and where to get fingerprinted in Guatemala.
Links to U.S. state vital records authorities to request birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Link to the scheduled consular fees.
Learn about what kind of drivers licenses may be used in Guatemala by foreigners.
Bringing a Weapon to Guatemala
The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages U.S. citizens from bringing weapons to Guatemala. It is a crime for a foreigner to bring a weapon or ammunition to Guatemala without receiving authorization from the Government of Guatemala BEFORE you travel to Guatemala. To request authorization, please visit this website: https://www.digecam.mil.gt/web/ (only in Spanish). If you arrive in Guatemala with a weapon or ammunition without pre-authorization, you will be detained, and your weapon and ammunition will be confiscated.
Background Checks and Fingerprints
Learn more about how to request criminal records for U.S. citizens abroad, how to request a FBI criminal record check, and where to get fingerprinted in Guatemala.
U.S. Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage)
Links to U.S. state vital records authorities to request birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Learn about what kind of drivers licenses may be used in Guatemala by foreigners.
The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that you hire an attorney in the event that you are arrested or charged with a crime. In order for the U.S. Embassy to be permitted to communicate with your attorney, we will request that you send us written consent under the Privacy Act. Please contact AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov (starting the subject line with E12) to let us know immediately that you have been arrested or charged with a crime, provide your attorney’s name and contact information, and submit a signed consent form under the Privacy Act. Click the “Local Attorneys” link below for a referential list of attorneys in Guatemala.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. Learn more about what happens when a U.S. citizen dies overseas, what are the local customs and procedures, and how the U.S. Embassy records the death.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passport will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.
The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that you hire an attorney in the event that you are arrested or charged with a crime. In order for the U.S. Embassy to be permitted to communicate with your attorney, we will request that you send us written consent under the Privacy Act. Please contact AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov (starting the subject line with E12) to let us know immediately that you have been arrested or charged with a crime, provide your attorney’s name and contact information, and submit a signed consent form under the Privacy Act. Click the “Local Attorneys” link below for a referential list of attorneys in Guatemala.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. Learn more about what happens when a U.S. citizen dies overseas, what are the local customs and procedures, and how the U.S. Embassy records the death.
Financial Help and Repatriation Loans
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passport will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
International Parental Child Abduction
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.
Learn more about how U.S. citizens may transmit U.S. citizenship to their children who were born abroad.
Learn more about what are the requirements for a foreigner to get married in Guatemala.
Neither Guatemala nor the United States is approving or processing new international adoptions to the United States at this time. The only adoptions that the Embassy is currently processing are those adoption requests that were filed before December 31, 2007 and left unfinished when Guatemala joined the Hague Convention. If you would like information about adoptions, please contact us via e-mail at AdoptGuatemala@state.gov. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transition Cases and the Hague Adoption Convention
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
Learn more about how U.S. citizens may transmit U.S. citizenship to their children who were born abroad.
Learn more about what are the requirements for a foreigner to get married in Guatemala.
Neither Guatemala nor the United States is approving or processing new international adoptions to the United States at this time. The only adoptions that the Embassy is currently processing are those adoption requests that were filed before December 31, 2007 and left unfinished when Guatemala joined the Hague Convention. If you would like information about adoptions, please contact us via e-mail at AdoptGuatemala@state.gov. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transition Cases and the Hague Adoption Convention
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident in the United States (green card holder), you are responsible for filing your federal income taxes while abroad. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website provides useful information such as frequently asked tax questions and how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are a dual U.S. citizen or a U.S. citizen living outside the United States, you may register with the Selective Service System.
If you live in Guatemala and have questions about services offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you should contact the regional Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica. For more information about the services they offer and how to contact them, please visit : https://cr.usembassy.gov/contact/#fbu For complete information about the services SSA provides overseas, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World.
U.S. military, veterans, and their beneficiaries may apply for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. The Federal Benefits Unit in Costa Rica can also help veterans and their beneficiaries who have questions about their benefits and services.
Obtain more information on how U.S. citizens may vote from overseas.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident in the United States (green card holder), you are responsible for filing your federal income taxes while abroad. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website provides useful information such as frequently asked tax questions and how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are a dual U.S. citizen or a U.S. citizen living outside the United States, you may register with the Selective Service System.
If you live in Guatemala and have questions about services offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you should contact the regional Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica. For more information about the services they offer and how to contact them, please visit : https://cr.usembassy.gov/contact/#fbu For complete information about the services SSA provides overseas, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World.
U.S. military, veterans, and their beneficiaries may apply for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. The Federal Benefits Unit in Costa Rica can also help veterans and their beneficiaries who have questions about their benefits and services.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
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In an emergency, U.S. Embassy personnel are not first responders. Guatemala has a dedicated tourist assistance program(called ASISTUR) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. ASISTUR provides additional security and tourist police (DISETUR) in locations frequented by tourists, such as Antigua and Lake Atitlán. ASISTUR’s emergency call center – staffed with Spanish and English speakers – may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 from a Guatemalan phone number or (502) 2290-2810. You may also contact ASISTUR by WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.
Here is acomplete list of ASISTUR’s contacts, including by Department.
Emergency Contact – All Locations Get Travel Alerts International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance
