Moderate riskAmericas · Central AmericaGuatemala Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Guatemala carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists primarily in 5 departments: Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, and Petén. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection in Guatemala, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are up to date, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Guatemala who haven't been vaccinated. Even infants 6-11 months should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider getting vaccinated.
Measles
All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months old.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Guatemala, especially if you're visiting rural areas or staying with friends and family.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Rabies
Consider rabies vaccine if you'll be around animals or in remote areas where medical care might be hard to access. Rabies is found in dogs and bats in Guatemala.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection in Guatemala, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists primarily in 5 departments: Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, and Petén. No risk in Guatemala City, Antigua, or Lake Atitlán. Take malaria prevention medicine if visiting risk areas.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Rural areas below 1,500m; low risk in Guatemala City, Antigua.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists primarily in 5 departments: Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, and Petén. No risk in Guatemala City, Antigua, or Lake Atitlán. Take malaria prevention medicine if visiting risk areas.
Emergency numbers
Police
110
Medical / Ambulance
122
Fire
122
U.S. Embassy
+502-2354-0000
Guatemala travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Guatemala?▼
For travel to Guatemala, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Chikungunya, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Guatemala?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Guatemala. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Guatemala?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Guatemala is currently rated moderate risk. Guatemala carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists primarily in 5 departments: Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, and Petén. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection in Guatemala, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Guatemala?▼
Key emergency numbers in Guatemala are Police 110, Medical / Ambulance 122, Fire 122 and U.S. Embassy +502-2354-0000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
BelizeModerate riskBelize carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in some parts of Belize. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Costa RicaModerate riskCosta Rica carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in Alajuela and Limón provinces. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for travel to Costa Rica, but is required if arriving from countries with yellow fever risk
El SalvadorLow riskEl Salvador carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for protection in El Salvador, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.