Flying into Guatemala, and out of Belize...

tigger123

Was booking flights earlier with Trailfinders; am going from Dublin to Guatemala, travelling up to Belize by bus and then flying out of Belize back to Dublin a few weeks later.

When I was booking the agent advised me that there is a small chance I'll be refused into Guatemala as I've no evidence of onward travel out of the country, ie, no return ticket from Guatemala. She's sure it won't happen, it'll be fine, just letting me know etc etc.

Anyone have any experience of this? Is this likely? I have the booking on hold until tomorrow.

Any help is much appreciated

danimalitoX

I've been to Guatemala City a few times this, and last year. They have never asked me any questions in immigration.. okay once, but that was about football. I always get a stamp, then they scribble 90 days duration of stay in my passport and that's it.

Considering the security situation and general poverty, I don't think they worry much about the risk of illegal immigration from European countries. I wouldn't be concerned about not being allowed into Guatemala.

tigger123

danimalitoX wrote: »

I've been to Guatemala City a few times this, and last year. They have never asked me any questions in immigration.. okay once, but that was about football. I always get a stamp, then they scribble 90 days duration of stay in my passport and that's it.

Considering the security situation and general poverty, I don't think they worry much about the risk of illegal immigration from European countries. I wouldn't be concerned about not being allowed into Guatemala.

Do you mean the security in Guatemala city? Or the country in general?

danimalitoX

tigger123 wrote: »

Do you mean the security in Guatemala city? Or the country in general?

Guatemala city is one of the most violent cities on the planet. The country side is better, but be careful. If someone tries to rob you, don't resist. They have no problems killing you for a crappy mobile phone.

tigger123

danimalitoX wrote: »

Guatemala city is one of the most violent cities on the planet. The country side is better, but be careful. If someone tries to rob you, don't resist. They have no problems killing you for a crappy mobile phone.

We're flying to Guatemala, but then going straight to Antigua. Cheers for the advice though

danimalitoX

Antigua is pretty safe, lots of white foreigners there. But I wouldn't walk it home pissed after closing time of bars.

pepefloyd

You will be fine, it is very unlikely they would do this to someone coming from Europe.

If you need any tips or ideas on where to go while in Guatemala PM'me I will be happy to help.

Pentecost

Did the exact same route last year, travel agent told me the same thing. I didn't have any bother at immigration at either country. Antigua is a nice spot but as said above keep your wits about you and don't go off on your own. Had a great few weeks in the two countries, lots to see and do.

krustycustomer

most cases are ok with a printout ticket for your flight home, but you can book a shuttle bus borderhopping which is what most people will have on them to go speedily through border control.

If your not planing on using the bus ticket just google the shortest path between both countries and pay for it (8-15 euro) for ease of mind

EJ Aza

Hi, enjoy the trip!

I have been to Central a few times, love Guatemala. We drove all around GT, MX and BZ during one trip and have flown in and out of Mexico and Guatemala. Guatemala is laid back for immigration, never had an issue. Mexico is a little more strict. You have a return ticket. It doesnt matter that it is out of a different country. It definitely will not be an issue.

How come you are flying out of Belize and not going the extra hours to Cancun? Flights are usually a lot cheaper. Last time I was over there (2013/4) got return flights with a stop in NYC for 495€ to Guatemala City. Did a loop then incorporating Mexico, Belize, Honduras and back to Guatemala for 4weeks.

Guatemala city was ok, we travelled through san pedro sula (murder capital of the world) and the public bus broke down just outside the city as it was getting dark.....we had to hitchhike as far as we could to the border. That was hairy!!

EJ Aza

Hi, enjoy the trip!

I have been to Central a few times, love Guatemala. We drove all around GT, MX and BZ during one trip and have flown in and out of Mexico and Guatemala. Guatemala is laid back for immigration, never had an issue. Mexico is a little more strict. You have a return ticket. It doesnt matter that it is out of a different country. It definitely will not be an issue.

How come you are flying out of Belize and not going the extra hours to Cancun and stopping off in Tulum (ruins, cenote and the beautiful lagoon)? Flights are usually a lot cheaper. Last time I was over there (2013/4) got return flights with a stop in NYC for 495€ to Guatemala City. Did a loop then incorporating Mexico, Belize, Honduras and back to Guatemala for 4weeks.

Guatemala city was ok, we travelled through san pedro sula (murder capital of the world) and the public bus broke down just outside the city as it was getting dark.....we had to hitchhike as far as we could to the border. That was hairy!!