GENERAL INFO & VISAS
⚠ Important Notice: Travel Documentation and Visa Requirements
Please note that IDPA Congress registration does not include a review or validation of your travel documentation. It is the sole responsibility of each participant to ensure they have the appropriate and valid documentation (e.g., passport, visa, transit permissions) required to travel to Guatemala for the Congress.
We strongly recommend confirming your ability to travel and completing any necessary visa processes before submitting your registration and payment.
The Congress organizers are unable to assist with individual visa approvals or intervene in consular decisions. Refunds are issued in accordance with our refund policy and are subject to administrative and processing fees.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
More information can be found in the following document.
VISA Information
Invitation Letter
Visa Advisory for Travelers to Guatemala
Dear Traveler,
During the registration processes you will have the option to indicuate if you need a letter issued by IDPA to be included in your application processes. Please make sure that you select and indicate at this time.
Please review the following important information regarding visa requirements and application timing for entry into Guatemala:
- Category B Nationals Without Valid Visas from USA, Canada, Mexico, or Schengen Countries
If you are a citizen of a Category B country and do not hold a valid visa from the USA, Canada, Mexico, or any Schengen country, you must apply for a Guatemalan Category B consular visa before traveling. This process requires submitting documentation and paying applicable fees at a Guatemalan consulate.
Recommended timing: Please begin your application process at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to your planned travel date to allow for processing. - Category B Nationals With Valid Visas from USA, Canada, Mexico, or Schengen Countries.
If you are a citizen of a Category B country and hold a valid visa from one of the countries listed above, you are exempt from requiring a Guatemalan visa. You will be treated as Category A (visa-exempt) under Article 10 of the Guatemalan visa regulations.
Recommended timing: No advance visa application is necessary; however, please verify your documentation is current before travel. - Category C Nationals (Regardless of Other Visas Held).
If you are a citizen of a Category C country, you must apply for a Guatemalan Category C visa regardless of any other foreign visas you may hold. No exemptions apply in this category.
Recommended timing: Please start your application process at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to your travel date due to potentially longer processing times.
- Visa B and Visa C Application formats.
- Click here to see more information about the list of Visa C and Visa B Countries.
- Minsterio de Relaciones Exteriores de Guatemala website
General Information
Currency
The monetary unit is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), and the international symbol is Q. Q1 = 100 centavos. Currency is issued in denominations of notes of Q200, Q100, Q50, Q20, Q10, Q5, Q1, and coins. Please visit www.xe.com to convert your local currency.
Value Added Tax
Value-added tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods. However, VAT refunds are not available for foreign visitors on goods purchased within the country.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns and are generally open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services with cash, bank & credit cards, as well as travelers’ cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centers. Always advise your bank that you are traveling outside the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.
Climate
December in Guatemala City is generally cool and dry. The average temperature is around 18 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 24 °C (75 °F). Nights can be cooler, with temperatures sometimes dropping to around 10 °C (50 °F). Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant, often reaching around 25 °C (77 °F).
Time
Guatemala is GMT-6 (6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time).
Example: 12:00 midday in Guatemala is:
06:00 in London, UK
07:00 in Paris, France
15:00 in Sydney, Australia
05:00 in New York, USA
Tipping / Gratuities
A 10% gratuity on the bill generally applies in restaurants and is normally at the discretion of the diner and dependent on the standard of service experienced. Tipping is not obligatory and can be given if desired.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Guatemala is 120 volts AC, 60Hz. Appliances of different voltage require a transformer (especially those with a heating element such as hairdryers). Adapters are obtainable locally and, in most cases, available from your hotel concierge. There are 2 types of adapter:
- Type A: This plug has two flat parallel pins.
- Type B: This plug has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
Water
Guatemalan tap water is generally not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available from room service, restaurants, and retail outlets.
Safety / Security
Delegates are advised to take the usual safety precautions. Do not walk alone in quiet streets after dark. Use a taxi/Uber at night and only those from a reputable company. Check with your hotel concierge as to the safety of a specific area should you be unsure. Do not attract attention by displaying expensive items such as cameras and expensive watches and jewelry when sightseeing. Make use of the hotel safety deposit box or your room safe to safeguard valuables and passports.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited by law in public areas throughout Guatemala, including airports, shopping malls, and restaurants. Most public spaces have specially designated smoking areas.
