Guatemala Country Report
Overview
Executive Summary
Operational Outlook
Labour strikes are increasingly likely over 2020 as job cuts because of the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-virus-related downturn are implemented. Sectors most likely to face increased strike risks include cargo transportation, manufacturing, and textiles. Companies that operate in Guatemala regularly are likely to face operational challenges when dealing with national and municipal governments. These range from barriers in obtaining and acting on resource development permits to corruption and bribery demands.
Terrorism
There are no known terrorist groups operating in Guatemala. However, in January 2020, the government said that it would seek to classify street gangs as terrorist organisations. Criminal groups, including transnational criminal organisations and street gangs, carry out planned assassinations and use grenades to target business infrastructure to enforce extortion demands. Such actions are typically economically, rather than politically, motivated. Some former members of Guatemala’s intelligence and security establishments who are accused of terrorist acts during the country’s 36-year civil war have since formed crime and corruption rings that reach the highest levels of the government. However, these are unlikely to significantly threaten government stability.
Crime
Guatemala's main violent risk drivers include well-structured gangs and transnational trafficking organisations. Narcotics cultivation and evolving transit routes have attracted Mexican cartels to the country, especially along the pacific coast and Guatemala's border with Mexico. Guatemala City remains the dominant hotspot for criminal violence where street gangs include the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 (M-18). Cross-border co-ordination with neighbouring countries, especially Mexico, is growing and criminal groups have instigated operational destabilisation actions over 12 months including prison riots and targeted attacks in public spaces. Sectors at greatest risk include public transit, cargo transport, and SMEs. Corruption reaches the highest levels of government, further facilitating criminal penetration of state institutions.
War Risks
Threats of war in Guatemala remains low in 2020 despite several shooting incidents on the border with Belize. Military patrols from both countries occasionally engage in cross border fire along the Sarstoon River delta and Chiquibul National Park. The border issue is likely to be resolved diplomatically, with a referral to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has been addressing aspects of the territorial claims since 2008. The restarting of the 36-year civil war that was resolved in 1996 is also unlikely as most of the rebel groups involved in the conflict have disbanded or joined formal political processes.
Health Risk
Vaccines required to enter the country
Yellow fever: There is no risk of contracting yellow fever in Guatemala. However, the government requires proof of vaccination for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. A single dose of YF vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained life-long immunity against the disease.
Vaccines recommended for all travelers
Routine vaccinations: Consult your doctor to ensure all routine vaccinations - such as for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, influenza, measles, mumps, pertussis, rubella, varicella, etc. - are up to date (include booster shots if necessary).
Vaccines recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis A: The vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart, and is nearly 100 percent effective. The WHO recommends the vaccine be integrated into national routine immunization schedules for children aged one year or older.
Typhoid fever: The typhoid fever vaccine can be administered via injection (administered in one dose) or orally (four doses). The vaccine is only 50-80 percent effective, so travelers to areas with a risk of exposure to typhoid fever, a bacterial disease, should also take hygienic precautions (e.g. drink only bottled water, avoid undercooked foods, wash hands regularly, etc.). Children can be given the shot beginning at two years of age (six for the oral vaccine).
Vaccines recommended for some travelers
Hepatitis B: The WHO recommends that all infants receive their first dose of vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours. The birth dose should be followed by two or three doses to complete the primary series. Routine booster doses are not routinely recommended for any age group.
Malaria: There is currently no malaria vaccine. However, various antimalarial prophylactics are available by prescription and can reduce risk of infection by up to 90 percent. Different medications are prescribed depending on the risk level and the strains of the virus present in the destination. Antimalarial tablets need to be taken throughout the trip to be effective and may need to be taken for as long as four weeks following the trip.
Rabies: The rabies vaccination is typically only recommended for travel to remote areas and if the traveler will be at high risk of exposure (e.g. undertaking activities that will bring them into contact with dogs, cats, bats, or other mammals). The vaccination is administered in three doses over a three-to-four week period. Post exposure prophylaxis is also available and should be administered as soon as possible following contact with an animal suspected of being infected (e.g. bites and scratches).
Natural Risks
Guatemala is highly vulnerable to natural disasters.
Powerful earthquakes regularly strike the country. In 1976, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale left 26,000 dead and devastated parts of the country. More recently, an 8.2-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the region in September 2017, resulting in damages in the southwestern department of San Marcos.
Offshore earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. If in a coastal area when an earthquake strikes, immediately look to see if a tsunami alert has been issued (either by the government or the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center). If in doubt, move inland following tsunami evacuation routes if designated and/or seek higher ground.
The country is also home to a number of active volcanoes, including the Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito volcanoes. Eruptions have been known to result in flight disruptions, including at Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport (GUA).
Guatemala is vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical storm remnants coming from both the Pacific and Caribbean. The Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 to November 30, and the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 to November 30. In June 2014, Tropical Storm Boris caused flooding and property damage, along with five deaths.
Torrential rains can lead to deadly flooding and landslides, particularly during the rainy season (May/June to November). Some 300 people were killed in a landslide that buried the village of El Cambray Dos (15 km [10 mi] east of the capital) in October 2015; another 12 people died in a landslide in San Pedro Soloma in June 2017. Furthermore, severe flooding in September/October 2017 left at least 26 people dead and hundreds of thousands of people affected; numerous roads and bridges were blocked by the floodwaters.
Forest fires are common during the dry season.
Transportation
Driving conditions are dangerous due to poorly maintained roads, lack of lighting, and unsafe driving habits; fatal accidents are common. Additionally, accidents or general road rage have been known to lead to violent confrontations.
There are also significant risks on roads and highways due to the presence of criminal elements, notably in rural areas. Attacks and other criminal activities along highways in rural areas, notably in border regions (e.g. Petén department), due to the presence of arms, human, and drug traffickers. Criminals sometimes erect roadblocks to force cars to stop before their occupants are robbed or assaulted, including during the day.
Driving at night outside of cities should be avoided whenever possible and travel in groups of two or more vehicles is recommended. In cities, always drive with windows rolled up, doors locked, and valuable items stored out of sight; when in heavy traffic, leave room to maneuver between you and the car ahead.
Crime and accident rates are high on public transportation, notably municipal buses in the capital, as well as on intercity buses. Bus drivers and passengers may also be attacked by gang members in the context of extortion rackets and thus most buses should be avoided. Transmetro buses can be considered relatively safe.
Never hail a taxi off the street and only use official companies (e.g. Taxi Amarillo and Taxi Seguro), called in advance. Unlicensed taxi drivers have been known to rob or assault their passengers.
Note that crime rates tend to be particularly high around airports.
Infrastructure
The Central American countries' electricity grids are connected by a single 1820-km (1130-mi) electricity line, making them particularly susceptible to power outages. There were seven blackouts that have affected all of Central America between 2010 and 2017.
Practical Information
Climate
Guatemala is a subtropical highland oceanic climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity levels. The dry season lasts from November until March (mild temperatures, low humidity) and the rainy season from June until October. Humidity during the rainy season, accompanied by high temperatures regularly reaching 38°C (100°F), particularly along the Pacific coast. Nights are generally cold in mountainous areas.
Useful Numbers
| Country Code: | +502 |
| Fire Dept. volontaires: | 110 |
| Fire Dept. municipaux: | 123 |
| Emergency Services: | 911 |
Electricity
Voltage: 120 V ~ 60 Hz
Outlets:
Social Stability
The uncontrolled spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus and associated job losses increase the probability of strikes and protests in 2020. Occasional anti-government and anti-corruption protests have reduced in size and frequency since 2018, but public perception of government mishandling during the economic pandemic fallout in 2020 and high-level corruption investigations are likely indicators of future demonstrations. Transport- and heavy cargo-related strikes disrupt port and border customs processes as well as delay supply-chain deliveries at least every couple of months. Community activism in opposition of resource development projects is also strong, particularly in Guatemala's northeast, and periodically results in localised property damage.