In Guatemala, strikes, protests, and blockades have been going down for 17 days on the principle roads to demand the resignation of Legal professional Common Consuelo Porras Argueta, who President-elect Bernardo Arévalo de León believes is main an tried coup to forestall her assumption of the presidency, scheduled for January.
Over the course of the times, teams of college college students, professionals, social organizations, retailers, and neighborhood committees turned energetic all through the nation to defend democracy and demand respect for the favored will.
By Friday night, the picketers had multiplied, and the nation was paralyzed. Porras guidelines out submitting her resignation, and the Public Ministry assures that it “continues working with out inconvenience.”
Is It Protected To Go to Guatemala Proper Now?
Visiting vacationer hotspots in Guatemala is protected however vacationers are really helpful to train a excessive diploma of warning. However, because of roadblocks, it’s very tough to journey between locations in Guatemala and it will possibly have a really detrimental impression on the journey itinerary.
Lea Darányi, a traveler who needed to just lately cancel her journey and depart from Guatemala, has shared her insights and causes for the journey cancellation: “I deliberate an incredible journey in Guatemala, visiting Mayan ruins in Tikal, Flores, exploring Lago Atitlan, Semuc Champey and mountain climbing volcanos close to Antigua. Out of this, the one factor I may do in my shortened 3-day journey was Antigua and the volcano hike, earlier than I had to purchase a brand new ticket and go away for Costa Rica due to the roadblocks that made journey unimaginable.”
“Guatemala shouldn’t be unsafe, however I’d not suggest it to vacationers in the intervening time. All of the roads are blocked country-wise, some even all evening. Taxi drivers can solely take you at 1 or 2 am and nothing is assured. Even the traditional 40-minute trip to the airport from Antigua was 1.5 hours and we left at 2 am. If one needs to take pleasure in Guatemala, this isn’t the time, we’ve got to return as soon as the federal government and folks come to an settlement and roads are free once more.”
Canada Journey Advisory (Not too long ago Up to date):
Guatemala – Train a excessive diploma of warning
Because of the excessive price of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes, and demonstrations occurring all through the nation, vacationers to Guatemala ought to proceed with a excessive diploma of warning when within the nation.
Demonstrations and blockades
There have been extra protests and blockades all through the nation since October 5, 2023. This will likely make it harder so that you can journey safely by means of Guatemala.
It’s conceivable that these incidents will proceed for a number of extra days. For the most recent data, please consult with:
Presidential election
The scheduled date for the presidential transition is January 14, 2024. Protests could happen earlier than the transition, notably in Guatemala Metropolis. There may very well be journey delays because of obstructions and street closures. There’ll probably be extra police and army personnel.
Foreigners who take part in demonstrations run the danger of arrest and deportation or of being denied entry to Guatemala sooner or later.
- Avoid places the place protests and sizable assemblies are occurring.
- Adhere to the steerage of native officers.
- Keep tuned to native media shops for updates relating to ongoing demonstrations.
U.S. Journey Advisory (Not Replace):
Guatemala is ranked at degree 3: “Rethink Journey”
Rethink your journey plans to Guatemala because of crime. There’s an elevated threat in sure areas.
Don’t journey to:
- San Marcos Division (excluding town of San Marcos) is affected by crime.
- Huehuetenango Division (excluding town of Huehuetenango) faces crime-related considerations.
- Zone 18 and town of Villa Nueva in Guatemala Metropolis are areas with against the law presence.
In Guatemala, violent crimes corresponding to gang exercise, drug trafficking, automotive thefts, armed robberies, and extortion are commonplace. The low arrest and conviction charges could also be because of the truth that native police should not have the assets to successfully fight crime. Guatemala’s Nationwide Help Program for Vacationers (PROATUR) gives vacationers with around-the-clock recommendation and help in emergencies. PROATUR additionally gives larger safety in areas in style with vacationers. The decision middle is obtainable 24/7 at 1500 or +502-2290-2800. It’s staffed by Spanish and English audio system.
