Guatemala - Health
Hospitals in Guatemala are reluctant to give medical treatment unless they can be satisfied that you have medical insurance. It is therefore essential that you carry evidence of your insurance cover at all times.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Hepatitis A and B are recommended as is Typhoid.
Food and Water Concerns:
Amoebic dysentery is endemic so it is advisable to drink only bottled water.
Mosquito-borne Diseases
Malaria risk exists throughout the year below 1500 m. Malaria risk is highest in the departments of Escuintla (especially in the municipalities of Gomera, Masagua, Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa and Tiquisate) and Alta Verapaz (in the municipalities of Teleman, Panzos, and La Tinta).
Dengue fever occurs throughout the year.
The Zika Virus is transmitted by mosquitos in tropical and sub-tropical climates and there is currently no cure or vaccine. You might be at risk of catching the virus in Guatemala, so refer to the CDC’s dedicated website if you are intending to cruise in any area that may be affected by this virus.
Prevention:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
- Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.
Animals:
Rabid dogs are commonly found in Guatemala. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Guatemala, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Last updated: October 2021
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Checking in this morning to Guatemala. They will apparently do a PCR test tomorrow on us. We have been told that we will have to quarantine for 12 days irrespective of the result. Though our feeling on this one is perhaps this one incorrect information as it seems illogical. They have stated that we could quarantine in the designated marina though. Which is nice….Good luck folks and avoid those hurricanes.
Port livingston Guatemala. Also, spring tide worked on a bearing of 220Mag for a 1.8m draft vessel.
US Embassy latest news. https://gt.usembassy.gov/news-events/
Guatemalan President also reported that this also applies to Canadian citizens, as well as US citizens.
Lilia Hartmann, author of the Guide to the Rio Dulce, has now confirmed the rules that regulate the entry and stay of a yacht in Guatemala:
1. Boats entering Guatemala from abroad will receive a cruising permit valid for 3 months. The cost of this permit will be US$ 50,00, to be paid at the bank located near the customs office.
2. Boats who wish to remain longer are recommended to ask immediately for an additional 9 month permit at the cost of UD$ 150,00. If they do not ask for the extension straight away, the captain will have to return to Livingston to do this later.
3. Boats who wish to remain after the first 12 months may obtain a permit to remain an additional 12 months at a cost of US$ 150,00. This extension may be renewed each 12 months thereafter, but it requires that the vessel is located in an INGUAT (Istituto Guatemaltteco de Turismo) registered marina and there must be a contract with the marina.
Re. the above comment, Raul Veliz, the customs agent in Livingston, reported that these rules have not officially been approved yet. More information when we have it.
On Friday, March 28 there was a meeting at Nana Juana Hotel & Marina in Rio Dulce that was hosted by the Guatemala Ministry of Tourism (INGUAT) where it was announced that the rule regarding vessels having to leave the country for three months has been rescinded and the old system will be implemented. This is very good news for all.
The rule that will take effect April 1 is as follows:
1. Boats when initially entering Guatemala from abroad will receive a cruising permit valid for three (3) months. The cost for this permit will be $50.00 US dollars plus Q60.00 (about $7.80 US).
2. Boats who wish to remain longer have the option to obtain an additional nine (9) month permit at a cost of $150.00 US Dollars.
3. Boats who wish to remain after the first 12 months as described above may obtain a permit to remain an additional 12 months at a cost of $150.00 US Dollars.
4. The extension described above for periods beyond the initial 12 month period may be renewed every 12 months thereafter indefinitely for a fee of $150.00 US Dollars. These extensions also require that the vessel be located in an INGRATE registered marina and there must be a contract with the marina.
There is no requirement that vessels leave the country for three (3) months or any other period to qualify for these extensions.
The fees stated above are SAT fees and do not include fees that may be charged by immigration or an agent.
Be advised that after the first 3 months in Guatemala, you must be staying at one of 8 ‘registered’ marinas in order to qualify for a 12-month extension. Marina rates are going up as services remain the same…
When arriving or leaving Guatemala via Livingston it is best to use a “tramitador” or agent for a reasonable amount. The one to use is Raul Morales Veiz, tel +502 7947-0888 mobile +502 5510-9104, navieraservamar@gmail.com Livingston Izabal Guatemala