The Guatemalan immigration authorities announced that, as of January 10, they will require the full vaccination schedule and a negative COVID-19 test from any traveler who wants to enter the country.
The agency explained, in a release, that the measure follows the guidelines issued by the country’s Ministry of Health and applies to all travelers over 10 years of age who try to enter the country by air or land.
The requirements, published on the official Migration Twitter account, detail that foreigners must present a “negative PCR or antigen test [72 horas previo al ingreso al paĂs], as well as the document that proves they have a complete vaccination schedule ”.
For Guatemalans, diplomatic corps, temporary and permanent residents, it will only be necessary to present one of the two tests.
Francisco Coma, spokesman for the Minister of Health, explained to the Voice of america that the measures are implemented because the country experiences “an increase in the number of hospitalized patients”, of which more than 85% were not vaccinated or did not have their complete vaccination schedule.
The Ministry of Health also explained that in the case of nationals or those who have permanent residence in Guatemala, and who test positive, they will not be denied entry, but other measures will be applied.
As of December 3, Guatemala had 628,695 confirmed cases and 16,109 deaths from COVID-19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
* With the collaboration of Eugenia Sagastume, from Guatemala.
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