Guatemala
Pet Travel Policy Information
Pet Travel Requirements for Guatemala
Pet Entry Requirements for Guatemala
Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. Firstly, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Secondly, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database. Third, mostcountries require that pets be microchippedand compliant microchips may be difficult to find should your pet ever leave the country. Although it is not required to import a pet to Guatemala, it is strongly recommended to have your pet identified with a microchip in accordance with the procedures in the country of origin. The most accepted form of identification is a 15-digitthat meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If microchipped, all documents should reflect the microchip number. If you want to be sure that veterinary inspectors can read your pet’s microchip, you can provide athat will read the microchip. Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation on how to register it in the manufacturer’s or your government’s database. If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pet is wearing tags that identify them and have contact information for the owner. Having a photo of you and your pet is always a good idea.
Vaccinations
Your dog or cat must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Guatemala. This country does not accept multi-year rabies vaccinations. The administering veterinarian should issue, sign, and stamp: a rabies certificate orgovernment-issued vaccination booklet orEU Pet Passport Note: Rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitute for proof of rabies vaccination.
Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It should be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. A rabies titer test is not required for pets when entering Guatemala from any country; however, Guatemala is classified by the World Organization of Animal Health as a high-rabies risk country, and this test may be required for your pet to return to your country should your pet be returning.
Parasite Treatments
An internal and external parasite treatment is required prior to entering Guatemala. The treatment should beincluded on the health certificate if an endorsement is required. Otherwise, it can be administered within 3 months of entering the country or according to product directions.
Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate issued in the country of origin, including the following information: Shortly before travel (check with your airline, can be between 10 and 30 days), a licensed veterinarian must issue the. The governing authority of your country responsible for the import and export of animals must endorse the certificate. The certificate should be issued in Spanish or translated into this language.
Import Permit
An import permit is not required when entering Guatemala with a personal pet.
Complete all 6 steps to enter Guatemala with your pet
Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Guatemala?
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Guatemala if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.
What Additional Information Do I Need for Guatemala?
- Other Information:
Not specified
- What is a Pet Passport?:
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that fulfill Guatemala pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets.Your pet’s passport to enter Guatemala will include proof of current rabies vaccination, and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.
- Entering Guatemala by Air:
Pets entering Guatemala by air can do so via La Aurora International Airport. Pets can arrive in the cabin, checked baggage or air cargo according to airline pet policies. In all cases, pets must travel in a pet carrier or pet crate that is in accordance with the policies set by the International Air Transport Association. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant? All pets transiting the European Union are subject to additional requirements. Importers should inform veterinary officials in advance. They will need to be available to check your pet and its pet passport documentation after landing. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any signs of contagious diseases when evaluated at the entry airport. Importers will need to pay for further veterinary testing if the health of your cat or dog is not acceptable.
- Find a Licensed Veterinarian:
Before beginning any pet export procedure, owners, agents, or anyone transporting a pet should ensure that their veterinarian is licensed by the governing authority in their country that is responsible for the movement of live animals. This veterinarian should administer all vaccinations and treatments, as well as issue all required documentation.
- Guatemala Pet Import Requirements:
Not specified
- Importing Other Animals to Guatemala:
Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to the requirements of rabies vaccination; however, they will have to meet other requirements. They should have an import permit and health certificate to enter Guatemala. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
- Breeds Banned from Import to Guatemala:
Guatemala does not publish a list of banned breeds. Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.
- Quarantine for Pets Entering Guatemala:
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Guatemala if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.
- Importing Puppies and Kittens to Guatemala:
Puppies and kittens under three months of age can enter Guatemala without a rabies vaccination. More information ontransporting a puppy
- Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements:
These rules apply to the transport of domestic dog and cats including assistance and service animals. Unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO GUATEMALA below.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is important if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If so, you will have to submit additional permit applications. Over 180 nations participate in and enforce CITES rules and protections. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES
Related Resources
Traveler Tips & Experiences
Emily Parker
February 12, 2025
I visited Guatemala last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.
Michael Chen
January 3, 2025
Air travel to Guatemala was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!