last edited Feb 13, 2026
Health and Safety in Guatemala
Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the "travel advice" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal value. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Health
Diseases
The risk of contracting a disease in Guatemala is quite low. However, the country still requires some basic precautions and common sense regarding health when staying there. While no vaccines are mandatory—except theoretically for yellow fever if arriving directly from certain endemic areas—keeping up to date with vaccinations is always preferable.
In practice, as in many countries, mosquitoes are the main concern. Use repellents and appropriate clothing, especially in the evening. Although cases are very localized and below 1,500 meters in altitude, malaria is occasionally reported in the country. More frequently, dengue (especially), chikungunya, and Zika are present, all transmitted by mosquito bites.
Beyond that, there are no major risks. The most common issue for travelers is *turista*, the well-known traveler’s diarrhea.
Hygiene
As always, good personal and especially food hygiene is essential if you’re not used to "eating local." Avoid tap water, which isn’t always safe or well-tolerated by sensitive stomachs, and steer clear of dishes or foods that don’t seem fresh—if only to prevent *turista*.
Healthcare Facilities on Site
As in many countries, there’s a clear difference between the public sector, which is theoretically free, and the private sector, which is paid.
While the public sector lacks resources and staff, particularly in rural areas, with typically long wait times for patients, private facilities in the capital and in Antigua meet international standards, offering recognized quality of care and short wait times. However, private care comes at a cost—often quite high—so good travel insurance is recommended.
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
Insecurity has long been Guatemala’s biggest problem. While sociopolitical instability has significantly decreased in recent years, delinquency and crime remain at worrying levels. Though risks primarily affect Guatemalans, and drug trafficking and gang wars (the "maras") are recurring causes, visitors are not always spared.
Thefts and armed assaults can occur day or night, in cities or (less commonly) in rural areas, and have even happened during treks to volcanoes near Antigua or while traveling by bus. Markets, buses, and bus stations are traditional hotspots for pickpockets. The capital, Guatemala City, has had the worst reputation for insecurity for decades.
In all cases, it’s wise to stay cautious: avoid walking alone in certain neighborhoods at night (or even during the day), never camp in the wild, don’t flaunt wealth, and use hotel safes. If assaulted, don’t resist and always have something to offer attackers. It’s also important to check local advice if venturing off the beaten path. Note that there’s a tourist police force, PROATUR, which can provide help and assistance.
Climate and Nature
Nature in Guatemala isn’t always peaceful. Volcanoes (including Pacaya and Fuego near Antigua) may erupt, and earthquakes can occur. During the rainy season (May to October), roads may be cut off due to flooding or landslides. The country’s eastern coast is also occasionally in the path of hurricanes.
Additionally, be cautious of dangerous ocean currents on the Pacific and even the Caribbean coasts. Avoid venturing alone and ill-equipped into the wilderness, off the beaten path, to prevent getting lost.
Animals
Beyond stray dogs, which can be aggressive or carry diseases, watch out—though the risk is low—for creatures like scorpions, spiders, or even snakes, which may be found in tall grass, under rocks, or other places they favor.
Foreign Consulates on Site
If you encounter problems while traveling abroad, your country’s consular services can assist you. Note that if you’re an EU citizen and your country isn’t represented, you can contact any other EU member state’s representation.
France
Consulate General: 5a Avenida 8-59 - Zona 14 - Edificio Cogefar, BP 971A, 01014 Guatemala City. Tel.: (502) 2421 73 70. The consular services of the French embassy in Guatemala also handle affairs for Honduras and Belize.
Other Countries
- Canada: Consulate General, Edificio Edyma Plaza, 13 Calle 8-44, Zona 10, Guatemala City. Tel.: (502) 2363 43 48.
- Switzerland: There is no Swiss representation in Guatemala; the country is covered by the Swiss embassy in Costa Rica.