As of late-2022, all Guatemalan citizens will need to apply for ETIAS authorization before they can visit France, Greece, Spain, and other countries within the Schengen Zone.
ETIAS Visa Waiver for Guatemalan Citizens
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is entirely online and automated. Guatemalans with a valid passport, internet access, and a credit or debit card (to pay a €7 fee) can complete the form in just 10 minutes or less.
Their details will then be run through several international databases to make sure there are no serious security issues, including major criminal offenses and investigations. If access is granted, it will be attached to the applicant’s passport and will remain valid for 3 years or until the passport expires.
With an ETIAS visa waiver, Guatemalan passport holders can visit countries within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 consecutive days.
Can I Work on an ETIAS?
The ETIAS is a visa waiver. It is not a work visa and is not designed for long-term use. If you want to work or study long-term within the Schengen Zone, you should apply for a Schengen Visa. The application process is longer and more complicated, but it should give you more freedom and means you can enjoy all of the great opportunities available within the European Union right now.
Is Guatemala in the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Zone covers 26 countries in Europe and does not apply outside of the continent. In other words, Guatemala is not in the Schengen Zone, but it is one of the countries for which the ETIAS applies.
And that’s a good thing because if that wasn’t the case, it means you would need to apply for a visa just to visit the region, even if you only intend to stay for a few days and see a few landmarks.
Where Do Guatemalans Go on Vacation?
Many Guatemalans list Argentina as their dream destination. It’s a country that offers a lot of great tourist attractions, along with diverse cultures and traditions. It’s also much closer than European destinations like Italy and Greece, and that likely plays a big role as well.
As you would expect, Guatemalans tend to visit many other countries in Central America when they venture outside of their homeland, including Belize and El Salvador, both of which border Guatemala and can be accessed without a visa or electronic visa program.
Mexico is also on the border and arguably offers more to adventurous tourists. However, it’s not as easy to visit. Most areas require a visa, although it’s possible to gain access into four southern states for 7 days with a Tarjeta de Visitante Regional.
Can Guatemalan Citizens Travel to the US Without a Visa?
The US requires all Guatemalan citizens to complete a visa application before they can visit the country. It’s a destination that you’ll find on many Guatemalan bucket lists, but it’s far from an easy country to visit.
Which Countries Can Guatemalans Visit Without a Visa?
If you live in Guatemala and are happy to travel, you have lots of options for visa-free travel. In addition to the ETIAS nations mentioned above, all of which can be accessed following a simple visa waiver application, you can visit the United Kingdom, South Korea, Israel, Japan, and Indonesia without a visa.
Following a simple e-Visa application, you can also gain access to India. What’s more, most countries in the Caribbean and South America are open to visa-free travel.