Travel Health Guide
Guatemala
Guatemala is a destination that sits firmly atop any backpackers list for Central America. While many come to see the Mayan ruins of Tikal or the cobblestone streets of Antigua, there is much more to explore in this volcano-laden land. With its indigenous heritage and fascinating blend of Guatemalan, African and Caribbean influence, unique variety of natural landscapes and plenty of opportunities for adventure tourism, there’s plenty to do in this small yet unique nation.
Travel Health Guide
Guatemala
Guatemala is a destination that sits firmly atop any backpackers list for Central America. While many come to see the Mayan ruins of Tikal or the cobblestone streets of Antigua, there is much more to explore in this volcano-laden land. With its indigenous heritage and fascinating blend of Guatemalan, African and Caribbean influence, unique variety of natural landscapes and plenty of opportunities for adventure tourism, there’s plenty to do in this small yet unique nation.
Guatemala Travel Checklist
At Runway, we're looking to empower the traveler with information, resources and access to prescription travel medication. Runway Health Guides are compiled from government sources, local authorities and vetted by a team of licensed travel physicians. From vaccine requirements to medication recommendations, here’s everything you need to know.
Vaccine Entry Requirements For Guatemala
Yellow Fever
If traveling directly from the US, Guatemala does not require any vaccines to enter.
If your itinerary includes a visit to, or a 12+ hour layover in, a Yellow Fever endemic country prior to arrival, a Yellow Fever vaccine and proof of vaccination may be required to enter. For a list of Yellow Fever endemic countries, click here:
Countries with Risk of Yellow Fever Transmission:
African: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Cono, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
South & Central America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Proof of vaccination (Yellow Book) is only valid 10 days after you receive the vaccine.
COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations change regularly. For the latest travel requirements, please refer to this interactive map developed by our friends at Sherpa.
Most travelers get these
when traveling from the US to Guatemala
Vaccines
Covid 19
Childhood Vaccines:
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria – Tetanus – Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Measles – Mumps – Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Medications
Malaria Medication
if traveling to transmission regions such as Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, Petén, Quiché, and Suchitapéquez.. No transmission in most popular tourist regions of Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lago de Atitlan. Plan ahead- you may have to start taking medication for several days before and after you travel to ensure that it is effective.
Not sure what you need?
Select your destination for products that might be a good fit for your travel needs.
Some travelers get these
when traveling from the US to Guatemala
Vaccines
Typhoid
if you are visiting rural or remote areas or enjoying an extended stay in the country.
Rabies
may be considered if planning activities that involve direct contact with animals or wildlife – ie. wild camping, cave exploring, or fieldwork in rural areas. As a rule, we recommend avoiding interaction with animals – even domestic pets may carry diseases.
Medications
Altitude Sickness Medication
if you plan to visit high elevation areas like Tajumulco Volcano. Guatemala is a mountainous country but most of the other traditional highlights are below 8,000ft. Consider traveling with medication for altitude sickness as symptoms set in within the first 6-24 hours.
Travel Checklist
At Runway, we're looking to empower the traveler with information, resources and access to prescription travel medication. Runway Health Guides are compiled from government sources, local authorities and vetted by a team of licensed travel physicians. From vaccine requirements to medication recommendations, here’s everything you need to know.
Yellow Fever
If traveling directly from the US, Guatemala does not require any vaccines to enter.
Countries with Risk of Yellow Fever Transmission:
African: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Cono, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
South & Central America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Proof of vaccination (Yellow Book) is only valid 10 days after you receive the vaccine.
COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations change regularly. For the latest travel requirements, please refer to this interactive map developed by our friends at Sherpa.
when traveling from the US to Guatemala
Vaccines
Covid 19
Childhood Vaccines:
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria – Tetanus – Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Measles – Mumps – Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Medications
Malaria Medication
if traveling to transmission regions such as Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, Petén, Quiché, and Suchitapéquez.. No transmission in most popular tourist regions of Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lago de Atitlan. Plan ahead- you may have to start taking medication for several days before and after you travel to ensure that it is effective.
when traveling from the US to Guatemala
Vaccines
Typhoid
if you are visiting rural or remote areas or enjoying an extended stay in the country.
Rabies
may be considered if planning activities that involve direct contact with animals or wildlife – ie. wild camping, cave exploring, or fieldwork in rural areas. As a rule, we recommend avoiding interaction with animals – even domestic pets may carry diseases.
Medications
Altitude Sickness Medication
if you plan to visit high elevation areas like Tajumulco Volcano. Guatemala is a mountainous country but most of the other traditional highlights are below 8,000ft. Consider traveling with medication for altitude sickness as symptoms set in within the first 6-24 hours.
Explore more
Build your plan
Not sure what you need? Initiate a Runway consultation and get access to unlimited chat with a licensed physician, personalized prescription suggestions and travel health advice wherever you go.
Just $30 plus the cost medication, if prescribed.
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
$60
Tackle high elevations, adjust to altitude and recover from hypoxia so you can keep on climbing.
Altitude Sickness
Atovaquone: Proguanil (Malarone)
$125
Let the anticipation give you chills, not a fever.
Malaria Prevention
Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin
$25
Battle upset-stomach causing bacteria and feel ready for the day in no time.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Hydroxyzine
$20
A non habit-forming antihistamine taken before bed, to help you sleep, no matter which time zone you find yourself in.
Sleeplessness
Scopolamine Patch
$75
A Scopolamine patch will keep you moving forward, without motion sickness leaving you green in the face.
Motion Sickness
Treatments
Not sure what you need? Initiate a Runway consultation and get access to unlimited chat with a licensed physician, personalized prescription suggestions and travel health advice wherever you go.
Just $30 plus the cost medication, if prescribed.
Altitude Sickness
Malaria Prevention
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Sleeplessness
Motion Sickness
Runway offers travelers like you, the medications you may need before you go.