Green Card Holders: Traveling to Guatemala

If you’re a Green Card holder and planning on traveling to Guatemala, there are a few things you should know. Check out our blog post for more information.

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Introduction: Why travel to Guatemala?

Guatemala is often overlooked as a travel destination, but those who take the time to visit are invariably charmed by its natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly people. From the vibrant markets of Chichicastenango to the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal, there is much to explore in this fascinating country. And what better way to experience Guatemala than with the help of a local? green card holders can easily obtain a tourist visa from a Guatemalan consulate and enjoy all that this Central American jewel has to offer.

The process of applying for a Guatemalan visa

Guatemalan visas are required for all U.S. citizens and green card holders planning to travel to Guatemala. The process of applying for a Guatemalan visa can be completed online or through the Guatemalan consulate in your home country.

U.S. citizens and green card holders must have a valid passport to enter Guatemala. If you plan to stay in Guatemala for more than 90 days, you must also apply for a Guatemalan visa before your arrival in the country.

The first step in applying for a Guatemalan visa is to fill out an online application form. Once you have submitted your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of $160 USD.

After your application and fee have been processed, you will need to schedule an appointment for an interview at the Guatemalan consulate nearest you. At your interview, you will be required to present your passport, photos, proof of travel insurance, and other documents as requested by the consulate.

Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a Guatemalan visa, which will allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for an extension of your visa before your initial 90-day period expires.

Tips for traveling to Guatemala

If you are a green card holder, you will need to get a travel visa before traveling to Guatemala. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you will need to fill out an online application. Be sure to have all of the required documents handy, including your passport and a recent photo. You will also need to pay a visa fee.

Once your application is complete, you will need to print out the confirmation page and bring it with you when you travel. You will need to present this confirmation page, along with your passport, at Guatemalan Customs when you arrive in the country.

Keep in mind that although the process for getting a travel visa for Guatemala is relatively straightforward, it can take several weeks for your application to be processed. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and apply for your visa well in advance of your trip.

What to expect when traveling to Guatemala

As a legal permanent resident of the United States (i.e. green card holder), you are free to travel outside of the country and return, as long as you do not break certain conditions of your residency. When traveling to Guatemala, there are a few things you should be aware of in order to have a smooth trip.

Guatemala is a beautiful, culturally-rich country, however it is important to remember that it is also a developing nation. While major tourist areas are typically safe, it is always wise to exercise caution when traveling to any unfamiliar place. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t flash large amounts of cash or valuable items, and keep your belongings close to you at all times.

In terms of medical care, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance before your trip. While there are hospitals and clinics in Guatemala that can provide basic medical care, they may not meet the standards you are used to in the United States. In case of a more serious medical emergency, it is best to be prepared with insurance that will cover evacuation to another country with better facilities.

It is also important to remember that as a green card holder, you are subject to U.S. laws and regulations even when outside of the country. This means that you cannot stay outside of the United States for more than 6 months at a time without risking abandonment of your residency status. If you plan on being gone for an extended period of time, make sure to speak with an immigration attorney before you leave so that they can advise you on the best way to maintain your status while away.

Keeping these things in mind will help ensure that your trip to Guatemala is enjoyable and hassle-free.

Things to do in Guatemala

Guatemala is a country located in Central America that is rich in culture and history. There are many things to do in Guatemala, from visiting ancient ruins to exploring coffee plantations.

If you are a green card holder, you will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Guatemala. The visa application process is relatively simple, and you can find more information on the website of the Guatemalan embassy.

Once you have your visa, there are plenty of things to do in Guatemala. Here are some ideas:

Visit ancient ruins: Guatemala is home to many ancient Maya sites, including Tikal, which is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Explore coffee plantations: Guatemala is one of the world’s leading producers of coffee, and many plantations offer tours for visitors. Visit Lake Atitlan: This beautiful lake is surrounded by volcanoes and is a popular destination for backpackers and hikers. Go tubing in Semuc Champey: This activity involves floating down a river on an inner tube, and it’s a great way to see the stunning scenery of Semuc Champey National Park. Visit Antigua: This colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of Spanish-style architecture.

Places to visit in Guatemala

Guatemala is a Central American country bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. This gorgeous country is filled with rainforests, volcanoes, lakes and ancient Maya sites.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to visit Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the capital of a powerful Maya kingdom.

For breathtaking views, head to Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America. Located in the Sierra Madre mountains, this lake is surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages.

If you’re looking for an adventure, Guatemala is the perfect place to go hiking, mountain biking or zip-lining through the rainforest.

No matter what you’re looking for, Guatemala has something for everyone!

Guatemala’s food and drink scene

Guatemala is a Central American country with a colorful culture and rich history. The country is known for its beautiful landscape, friendly people, and tasty food. While the Guatemalan cuisine might not be as well-known as that of its neighbors Mexico and Honduras, it is definitely worth trying. Here are some of the best dishes and drinks to look out for on your next trip to Guatemala.

Pupusas are one of the most popular dishes in Guatemala. They are thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, pork, or vegetables. Pupusas are usually served with a side of salsa or curtido (a pickled cabbage dish).

Another must-try Guatemalan dish is chiles rellenos, which are roasted poblano peppers stuffed with meat and covered in a delicious tomato sauce.

If you’re looking for something sweet, try café con leche (coffee with milk), which is a popular breakfast drink in Guatemala. Café con leche is made by combining coffee with evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk. For an extra treat, add some cinnamon or chocolate to your coffee.

Guatemala is also home to some delicious fruits and vegetables. Be sure to try jocote (a type of plum), guava, papaya, tamarindo, and mango when you’re in the country.

Shopping in Guatemala

If you’re a green card holder travelling to Guatemala, there are a few things you should know about before you go.

First, it’s important to know that Guatemala has a lot of restrictions on what items you can bring into the country. For example, visitors are not allowed to bring in any food items or anything that could be considered to be contraband.

Second, it’s also important to be aware that Guatemala has a lot of sales taxes and duty fees that you’ll be required to pay on certain items. For example, if you’re planning on buying any souvenirs or gifts while in Guatemala, you’ll need to pay a 12% sales tax on those items.

Finally, it’s also worth noting that many stores and businesses in Guatemala only accept cash. So, if you’re planning on doing any shopping while in the country, make sure you have enough cash on hand to cover your purchases.

Guatemala’s climate and weather

Guatemala is a country of varied topography and climate. It has high mountains, active volcanoes, huge lakes, and tropical rainforests. The average elevation is 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level. The climate also varies from region to region.

The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. However, even during the dry season, there can be heavy rains in some areas. The wettest months are May to October. From June to August, it can be very hot in the lowlands, but it is generally cooler in the highlands.

If you are planning to visit Guatemala, you should be aware of the following medical concerns:
-Malaria is a risk in some parts of the country, so you may need to take precautions against this disease.
-If you will be spending time in remote areas, make sure you have adequate supplies of any prescription medications you may need.
-There have been outbreaks of dengue fever in Guatemala in recent years. Take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Safety and security when traveling to Guatemala

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:
-Jutuapa Department due to crime.
-Huehuetenango Department due to crime.
-San Marcos Department due to crime and civil unrest.
-Zacapa Department due to crime and civil unrest.
-Chimaltenango Department due to crime.
-El Progreso, Jutiapa, Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Retalhuleu, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Zacapa and Totonicapan departments due to civil unrest