Spanish Courses Abroad with

Phone us on 0845 130 4775 (UK) or on 1-888-270-3949 (from US & Canada)

Spanish Course in Guatemala

To book a Spanish Course in Guatemala

Visa Requirements

Visa
A visa is not required for a stay of a maximum 90 days, an extension is possible for another 90 days at the immigration department. A return or onward ticket is required. If travelling on one-way ticket a visa is required.

Visitor must hold
All documents required for next destination and sufficient funds.

Extra Information
Non-compliance with entry regulations will result in deportation of passenger at carriers expense and fines of USD 1000 per passenger for transporting airline.

Guatemalan Embassy UK
13 Fawcett Street, London SW10 9HN
Tel: 0207 351 3042
Fax: 0207 376 5708

Guatemala City: British Embassy
Avenida La Reforma y 16 Calle 0-55, Zona 10,
Edificio Torre Internacional, Nivel 11
Tel: (502) 367 5425,6,7,8,9
Fax: (502) 367 5430
Email: embassy@infovia.com.gt
Office Hours (GMT):
Mon-Thur: 1400-1830 / 1930-2300
Fri: 1400-1800

Money Matters

Currency: Quetzal

Cash
US dollars are by far the best currency to carry - even currencies from neighbouring countries will probably prove impossible to exchange. If you do have a different currency, try the casas de cambio at Flores or Guatemala City airports. Changing money on the black market won't bring you a much better rate than at the bank, but you may have no choice if you're quetzal-less at border crossing points. ATMS are springing up around Guatemala City, and most banks will give you an advance on your Visa card over the counter.

Climate

The dry season, from late-December to mid-April, is the most pleasant time. Along with summer holidays, however, this is also the busiest time. The rain may restrict some activities during the wet season.

Food

Guatemalan cuisine can't compete with that of Mexico, although standard Mexican dishes such as tortillas and tacos can be found. Mostly you'll encounter tough grilled or fried meat. Beans and rice are often the cheapest and best alternative, and the country has a surprising number of Chinese restaurants. Coffee is available everywhere - sometimes spectacularly good, but often ridiculously weak and sugary. Beer is prevalent, in light and dark versions, and rum and Quetzalteca are the nation's favoured spirits. Restaurants expect a tip of around 10%, on top of the 10% value-added tax. On top of this VAT, hotels charge 10% tourist tax. Most hotels and shops have fixed prices, but you'll be expected to bargain at markets.

Holidays and Holydays

Some Major Fiestas Semana Santa (Holy Week - the week before Easter) is Guatemala's biggest festival, featuring processions and celebrations throughout the country - Antigua's fiesta is said to be the best. Rabin Ajau, held in Cobán, is a traditional Kekchi Indian festival, which runs from July 21-26. Independence Day is celebrated nationwide in September. November features All Saints' Day, and Chichicastenango commemorates Santo Tomás from December 13-21.

Before You Go

Insurance

However you travel, it's worth taking out insurance. Standard insurance should at least cover theft and loss of luggage, and cancellation of, and delays in, your travel arrangements. Ticket loss is also covered by travel insurance, but make sure you keep a separate record of your ticket details. Contact us if you haven't already taken out a comprehensive insurance policy.

Travel Safe Advice

Before you travel you should always check with the Foreign Office as to the official view on the safety of the country you intend to visit.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH
Consular Division 020 7270 1500
General: 020 7238 4586
Travel Advice: 020 7238 4503/4
Visa enquiries: 020 7238 3838
Website Address: www.fco.gov.uk/travel

MASTA
For information on health issues and vaccinations we advise you to contact MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad)
Travellers' Health Line
Telephone: 0906 8 224100
Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT
Website Address: www.masta.org

What Shall I Take?

Apart from any special personal needs you may have and things you might require for a particular kind of trip i.e. camping gear, hiking boots, surfboard etc., you may like to consider the following:

· An under-the-clothes money belt or shoulder wallet
· Sunscreen lotion
· A small Spanish dictionary and/or phrase book.
· Photocopies of your important documents kept separate from the originals.
· A medical kit.
· A towel
· A swimsuit
· A padlock, or two, to secure yours luggage to racks.
· An adapter plug for electrical appliances.
· A flashlight
· An Alarm Clock
· Sunglasses

Books, Films and Music

The Maya World: the Rough Guide by Peter Eltringham, et al
Lonely Planet : Guatemala, Belize & Yucatan by Tom Brosnahan, Nancy Keller
The Lords of Tikal: Rulers of an Ancient Maya City by Peter D. Harrison
Belize and Northern Guatemala by Les Beletsky
I, Rigoberta Menchu by E. Burgos-Debray(Editor), Ann Wright (Translator)
The Lost Chronicles of the Maya Kings by David Drew
Breaking the Maya Code by Michael D. Coe
Lonely Planet - The Experience - Ruta Maya - Belize - Yucatan - Guatemala

Useful Websites

www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features (The weather worldwide)
www.worldtimezone.com/time24 (Timezones across the globe)
www.masta.org/ (Health advice)
www.xe.net/ucc/full (Currency converter)
www.visa.com/pd/atm/main (ATM locater)
www.holidayfestival.com (Festivals, bank holidays and religious days worldwide)

To book a Spanish Course in Guatemala