(Update) Health authorities retract new guidelines for international travelers in Guatemala due to COVID-19

The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) retracted the new provisions published on December 22, regarding the “national guideline for the prevention of COVID-19 of international travel to and from Guatemala, as well as for travelers that enter the national territory by land ”.

“The health authorities are working on updating the national guidelines for the prevention of covid-19 for international travel to and from Guatemala,” they said in a new statement. The note mentioned that the new guidelines will come into effect “as of January 3, 2,022, therefore those published on December 22 are rendered ineffective.”

The previous update, which had been issued through its official website, has been deleted.

The previous press release stated that:

“Now travelers must present a card or proof of vaccination against COVID-19, complete scheme; in the case of Johnson & Johnson, one dose; the last vaccination must be at least two weeks old. In addition, they must present proof of negative antigen or PCR test, no more than 3 days prior to the check-in point at the airline, this requirement does not apply to children under 10 years of age.

If for any justifiable reason, the traveler does not have proof of the negative antigen test or PCR, it can be done in one of the laboratories authorized by the MSPAS, upon arrival at the air terminal. Anytime, the person does not have suspicious symptoms of COVID-19. If the test result is positive, the traveler will not be allowed to enter, unless he or she is Guatemalan or has permanent residence in the country.

It is important to note that the use of a mandatory mask for people over 2 years of age, except passengers who have certified medical contraindications for its use. Likewise, it is recommended not to travel if you have any symptoms of acute or suspected COVID-19 respiratory illness.“