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Guatemala Travel Warning
Guatemala H1N1 Update
On June 10, 2009, the U.S. Embassy
Guatemala City issued the following Warden Message:
This Warden Message alerts U.S.
citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of the H1N1
Influenza A, formerly known as swine flu. The Guatemalan Ministry
of Health yesterday confirmed a total of 60 individual cases of H1N1
Influenza A throughout the country. There have been no reported
deaths as a result of the H1N1 Influenza A in Guatemala, however,
the latest report of cases is double the number reported two days
ago. Guatemalan media is reporting that the Government of
Guatemala’s efforts are focused on screening incoming travelers at
the La Aurora and Mundo Maya Airports.
The Embassy reminds U.S.
citizens that most cases of influenza are not H1N1 Influenza A. Any
questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be
directed to a medical professional. Although the Embassy cannot
provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a
list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at
http://guatemala.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html.
As a reminder, the American
Citizen Services Unit requests that all persons who require
non-emergency services and who feel unwell or exhibit flu-like
symptoms postpone their business until a later date.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This Public Announcement is being issued
on May 03, 2005
to
remind U.S. citizens of the continuing serious security situation in Guatemala. This
Public Announcement expires on November 3, 2005.
U.S. citizens are urged to be especially
aware of safety and security concerns when traveling in Guatemala. Although the
majority of travelers visit Guatemala without mishap, violent criminal activity on the
highways in Guatemala continues, and the number of armed robberies on city streets and in
private homes is increasing. Crimes against foreigners have included murder, rape,
and armed robbery. Criminals in Guatemala are extremely opportunistic; all travelers
should remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to limit risk and losses.
Assailants often respond violently if they perceive resistance from their victims.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
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Robberies in homes occur when criminals
impersonate delivery personnel or repairmen, or forcibly accompany guests or family
members through an open gate to gain entry to a home. Urban bandits operate freely
on city streets, including major hotel and restaurant districts, and use a variety of
weapons to steal briefcases, laptop computers, purses, and backpacks.
Although fewer highway robberies have been
reported recently, violent criminal activity on the highways in Guatemala continues and
tourists, among others, have been targeted. Buses of all categories, tour vans and
private vehicles have been stopped, with drivers and passengers robbed, sometimes
violently. Armed robbers have intercepted vehicles on main roads in broad daylight.
Highway bandits have committed rape in the commission of robberies.
The most common highway robberies involve
pickup trucks pulling up next to the victims' moving vehicle with occupants brandishing
weapons, or impromptu blockades on isolated roads forcing vehicles to stop. Travel
on secondary roads increases the risk of encountering a criminal roadblock; robbers have
used mountain roads advantageously to stop buses, vans and cars in a variety of ways. The
roads around Lake Atitlán that connect the neighboring towns have little security and
visitors have been stopped and robbed.
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Gangs are a growing concern, both in
Guatemala City and in rural Guatemala. Gang members are often well-armed and prone
to unprovoked violence. Gangs are believed to be responsible for a substantial
increase in violent robberies on inter- and intra-city buses; U.S. Mission personnel are
not permitted to travel on these buses. Mission personnel continue to observe
heightened security precautions in Guatemala City and on the roads outside the capital
city.
There is little evidence of effective
investigation of these crimes or arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. The
police suffer from corruption, inexperience and lack of funds, and the judicial system is
weak, overworked, and inefficient. Criminals, at times armed with an impressive array
of weapons, know there is little chance they will be caught and punished. In some
cases, assailants have been wearing full or partial police uniforms and have used vehicles
that resemble police vehicles, indicating some elements of the police might be involved.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
Click here
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for Global Travel Medical, Accident
& Life Insurance
Large demonstrations occur throughout
Guatemala, often with little or no notice. Most demonstrations are peaceful.
However, even if the police are present, crowd control can be haphazard or spotty.
Because demonstrations can become violent without warning, travelers should avoid large
crowds and public gatherings that lack sufficient security. Blocking of highways and
seizure of public facilities, occasionally including the international airport, is a
common tactic, and demonstrators may keep tourists caught behind blockades from leaving.
U.S. citizens who are victims of crime are
urged to contact the Consular Section of the Embassy for advice and assistance. U.S.
citizens should update their registration and contact information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html
or at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City. The Embassy is located at Ave. la Reforma
7-01, Zona 10. The Consular Section telephone number is (502) 2326-4405, the fax for
the office of American Citizen Services is (502) 2332-4353, the Embassy website is http://usembassy.state.gov/guatemala/,
and the e-mail address is: AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov.
The Embassy telephone number for after-hours emergency assistance is (502)
2331-2354.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
Click here
for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel Medical, Accident
& Life Insurance
More information about tourist security is
available from the Tourist Protection Office of INGUAT (the Guatemalan Tourist Board) at
7a Avenida 1-17, Zona 4 Centro Cívico, Ciudad de Guatemala or on the INGUAT webpage:
www.visitguatemala.com. The direct telephone line for tourist assistance is (502)
2-421-2810 or 2421-2800, extensions 1300, 1301, 1305 or 1306. The general INGUAT office
telephone number is (502) 2-421-2879, and the fax is (502) 2-421-2891. The e-mail address
is asistur@inguat.gob.gt. For emergencies, INGUAT may be reached 24 hours, seven days a
week at (502) 2421-2810 or (502) 5578-9836. The INGUAT office may also be reached toll
free from within Guatemala at 1-(801) 464-8281, or toll free from the United States at
1-(888) 464-8281.
Tourist groups may request security
assistance from INGUAT, Attention: Coordinator of the National Tourist Assistance Program.
The request should be submitted by fax, e-mail, or special messenger service and
should arrive at INGUAT at least three business days in advance of the proposed travel,
giving the itinerary, names of travelers, and model and color of vehicle in which they
will be traveling. Travelers should be aware that INGUAT has very limited personnel
and resources.
Updated information on travel and security
for Guatemala may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747
within the U.S., or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the
Consular Information Sheet for Guatemala, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and
the travel publication A Safe Trip Abroad, all of which are available on the State
Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
Click here
for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel Medical, Accident
& Life Insurance
Haben Sie eine sichere
Reise!
Abbia un viaggio sicuro!
ˇTenga un viaje seguro!
Ayez un voyage sűr!
Have a safe trip!
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