Extending your Tourist Visa

Recent changes in getting a 90-day visa extension process in Guatemala make things a little tougher. Now, instead of going to Inguat in the capital, you must visit Extranjeria at Avenida 6, 3-11 in Zona 4. Two blocks down from Migracion, it is in the same neighborhood as the Inguat building.

In order to get in the building, you have to leave a driver's license or cedula with security. You will need your passport and a visa if one was issued to you. Also a photocopy of the passport, with the main page and entry stamp on the same side of the copy.

You must also take a photocopy of your credit or debit card. If you don't have a card, $400 in travelers checks will suffice (You can cash them in after getting your visa.) They can make the copies on the second floor.

Inside, go left and stand in line. Fill out the form, pay the Q114 fee, and they will issue a receipt and keep your passport until it is stamped and signed.

That's the other big change. It now takes 72 hours, not 24 (and Saturdays and Sundays don't count). This means it is a good idea to apply three or four days before your visa expires.

Visa Extensions in Panajachel

In Panajachel, you can apply for an extension for about Q250, which takes at least 10 days. It is best to apply a week before your tourist visa expires. The place is called El Rancho, not far up the street from the Socrates disco. Local English-language magazines like La Cuadra in Antigua and other tourism areas often have ads for agencies or individuals that can provide similar services.

After Your First Visa Extension

You cannot get two extensions in a row. It is necessary to leave Guatemala for at least 72 hours after getting an extension. Trips to Salvador, Honduras or Nicaragua do not qualify. Many people go to Mexico, either Tapachula or the beach towns along the Pacific Coast, or to San Cristobal de las Casas in the Chiapas.