Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Guatemala. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

Business visitors traveling to Guatemala may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend a trade show or seminar
• Tour a company facility
• Conduct select technical and classroom training

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Guatemala?

EU, Canadian, US and other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Guatemala to conduct business activities. Business visitors who require a visa to enter Guatemala must obtain either a Tourist Visa or Business Visa from a Guatemalan Consulate or Embassy prior to travel.

Nationals who would otherwise require a visa, but who hold a valid permanent residence permit or visa from Canada, the US or a Schengen member state, are visa-waivered for travel to Guatemala.

Guatemala is a signatory of the Central America 4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement along with Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. In many cases, foreign nationals who enter any one of the CA-4 countries (with a visa waiver or an entry visa) are free to travel to any of the other CA-4 countries without obtaining additional documentation.

Certain restricted nationals are required to obtain a Consulted Business Visa.

Working in Guatemala

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

In Guatemala, the requirement for a work permit is generally determined by the duration and the nature of the work assignment. Many unremunerated activities can be conducted for up to 90 days without a work permit; however, an assessment is recommended prior to travel.

If I am traveling to Guatemala for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The type of work permit required depends on your qualifications, salary, whether your employer has an entity in Guatemala, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Guatemalan work visas are the:

• Temporary Residence Permit – Assignee (work permit for assignees)
• Temporary Residence Permit – Local Hire (local-hire work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work authorization requirement in Guatemala.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.