Visa and Travel Information

img

Visa Information
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and Japan are among those who do not need visas for tourist visits to Guatemala for stays up to 90 days. It is recommended that you have at least two free pages in Visas section of your passport before any international travel. U.S. citizens can get extra passport pages added to their passports as fast as within 24 hours.

 

Citizens of some Eastern European countries are among those who do need visas to visit Guatemala. Inquire at a Guatemalan embassy well in advance of travel, you may be visa exempt if you have a valid US, Canada or Schengen visa (please see below). Single entry visas cost US$25.

 

To check on your country’s visa requirments, please refer to Guatemala’s official visa information page.

 

Visa exemptions

 

For nationals of some countries (like India and some Eastern European countries) , A max. stay of 90 days is allowed without a visa for holders of a valid visa issued by Canada, the USA or a Schengen Member State. Please confirm this for your particular case at the IATA travel information page.

 

Ground Transportation

The days of the event, transport will be provided in the morning from the Westin Camino Real Hotel (which is connected to Biltmore Hotel) to the UFM campus. Transport will also be provided from the campus to the hotel at the end of each day.

 

If you are staying at a hotel other than the ones indicated, and want to use the provided transportation, you must be in the lobby of the Westin Camino Real Hotel at the scheduled pick-up time.

 

The Amarillo Express taxi services is recommended for traveling around the city: http://www.amarilloexpress.com/home/

Call Taxi Amarillo Express at (+502) 2470-1515.  DO NOT TAKE WHITE CABS.

 

Please be sure to coordinate transportation from the airport to your hotel.

 

Other Useful Information

Currency:

The currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (Q) The current exchange rate (may vary) is:

– Q7.73 / USD1.00

– Q10.00 / EUR1.00

Most restaurants and shops accept US dollars; however, the exchange rate may not be favorable.

Traveler’s checks are accepted but may cause some difficulties in certain places. If you bring dollars bills, make sure that they are in good condition otherwise they may be rejected.

Credit cards:

VISA is widely accepted. Most establishments also accept MasterCard and American Express.

Airport:

La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City is located approximately 20 minutes away from the Universidad Francisco Marroquín, the Westin Camino Real Hotel, and the Biltmore Hotel.

Electricity:

Guatemala runs on a 110V / 60Hz system (the same as the US). North American style outlets are common in the country, however in many cases they are of the 2-pin, non-polarized design (type ‘A’) instead of the three prong, grounded design common in the US (type ‘B’). Please be sure to plan ahead and bring the appropriate adapters.

Weather:

In March, the weather in Guatemala City is warm (summer time). Temperatures are between 75°F and 85°F (25°C and 30°C).

Internet and WiFi:

Both the Westin Camino Real Hotel and Biltmore Hotel have WiFi available. UFM also has WiFi across campus.

 

If you need further information contact us at mitgsw2015@ufm.edu