Guatemala - Security
Care should be taken here as there have, in the past, been a number of yacht boardings and robberies. Increases in patrols in the Rio Dulce area has resulted in better security, however, the Navy does not patrol at all times and it is not recommended to anchor in lonely anchorages overnight.
Local advice is to moor in one of the many marinas that are around the bridge, which are not expensive. Or, if you really do not want to to go in a marina, anchor in front of the village of Fronteras, in front of one of the nearby marinas, or in a group all monitoring the same VHF frequency. However, if leaving your yacht unattended for any length of time, it might be advisable to have someone check on it regularly as the latest theft occurred from a yacht at anchor while the owners were away for several weeks. See Rio Dulce Security Reports.
If you want to anchor down the river then choose Texan Bay. It is recommended that anchoring overnight in or near the Rio Tatin should be avoided.
Hoist your dingy and outboard on deck always at night here and be sure to secure them properly to the yacht (i.e. locked). Dinghy and outboard thefts occur here frequently, even in the marinas. It is also not advisable to leave your dinghy in the water at night. Lift and secure your dinghy onboard if at all possible. See Noonsite’s Piracy and Security reports for the latest incidents.
Be particularly careful in Livingston. If at all possible, do not leave your yacht unattended there and keep everything locked and stowed away if possible.
As with everywhere in Central and South America, avoid walking alone during the night or in isolated places.
Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com) provides information by anchorage or by island, so sailors can plan their cruising in the Caribbean with an eye to appropriate behaviour and precautions wherever they decide to go. Should you have suffered a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the “Report an Incident” icon. The associated form is quick and simple to complete and ensures that all the necessary details are reported. The CSSN is the most comprehensive source of Caribbean security incidents against sailors. Remember, it is every cruiser’s responsibility to ensure that incidents are reported. Also, cruisers can subscribe to e-mail alerts, follow on facebook and twitter and listen to the SSB Voice Service.
Also be sure to check the Noonsite Piracy & Safety Pages
Last updated: July 2022
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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