Guatemalan citizens will need the ETIAS travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area in 2022.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. Once it’s up and running, several foreign travelers, Guatemalans included, will have to register in the system to travel to Europe.
The ETIAS permit will be an entry requirement for nationals of Guatemala. The travel authorization will contribute to securing the borders of the Schengen Zone.
Travelers with a Guatemalan passport will simply need to complete an online application form with their personal information.
Will Guatemalans need a visa to travel to Europe?
No, Guatemalan nationals will not need a visa to enter Schengen territories.
Currently, holders of a Guatemalan passport can travel to Europe without a visa. This will stay the same.
In 2022, however, they will be required to complete an additional entry requirement for Europe. All Guatemalans who wish to visit countries within the Schengen Area will need to have a valid ETIAS.
Note: ETIAS is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorization. Nationals of Guatemala as well as nationals from other visa-exempt countries can apply online to obtain their electronic entry permit.
Are Guatemalan Citizens eligible to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver?
Yes, Guatemalans are eligible to get ETIAS to enter Europe. They can register for their visa waiver in less than 20 minutes.
After approval, the ETIAS is valid to enter any of the countries in the Schengen Area.
ETIAS grants a stay of up to 90 days in the European region. It is a multiple-entry visa waiver that holders use to enter Schengen countries for a maximum of 3 years.
Visits with a valid ETIAS must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
Citizens of Guatemala who hold an approved ETIAS can enter the European nations in the Schengen area for tourism, business, medical procedures, and transit.
An ETIAS authorization does not authorize the holder to work or study in Europe. For these purposes, foreigners have to apply for the respective permit.
What documents do Guatemalans need to obtain ETIAS?
The ETIAS requirements for Guatemalan Citizens are straightforward. The main document needed to get the ETIAS travel permit is a passport.
Additionally, travelers must have:
- An email address
- A debit or credit card
The passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the Schengen Area’s expected departure date.
Before starting with the application, all travelers must check their passport’s expiration date.
The ETIAS application process for Guatemalan Citizens
Guatemalans have to complete the ETIAS application with their personal details.
European security databases cross-check the data on the application. Applicants must provide accurate information.
Travelers can complete the ETIAS application in about 10 or 15 minutes. They can access the application through a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
The application has sections with questions about the traveler, including:
- Full name, gender, place and date of birth, and nationality.
- Home address, email address, and phone number.
- Passport information: passport number, dates of issue, and date of expiry.
- First intended port of entry into the Schengen Area.
The applicant must also answer questions related to their health record, criminal history, and previous travels to conflict areas.
To complete the application process it is necessary to pay the processing fee with a debit or credit card.
After approval, each applicant will receive a confirmation email. The approved ETIAS is electronically linked to the traveler’s biometric passport.
How Long Does it Take to Get ETIAS from Guatemala?
Obtaining an ETIAS from Guatemala is easy and quick. The ETIAS system approves most applications within minutes.
Guatemalans, and all other eligible applicants, should apply at least 72 hours before their trip.
In some cases, the system might take longer to process an application. Some applications may require a manual check.
To avoid delays in the processing of an ETIAS, all applicants are strongly encouraged to double- check their details before submitting their online form.