![]() ![]() municipalities in Guatemala and Escuintla departments.Criminals have attacked drivers, fare collectors and passengers.ĭue to very high levels of violent crime, you should avoid non-essential travel to certain: Buses are frequently targeted by gangs, who may hurl grenades or fire shots as a way of ensuring compliance with their demands or to settle accounts. ![]() Incidents of armed robbery occur daily on public buses. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. Rifles and handguns are very common.Ĭriminals perceive foreigners as wealthy. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. Most incidents are drug- and gang-related. There have been incidents involving deceptive police officers who commit petty crimes, while other officers have reportedly been involved in sexual assault cases. Due to a lack of resources within the police force, arrest and detention rates are quite low. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.Violent crime, including homicides, is common in Guatemala. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 122 and ask for an ambulance. Exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS. In the 2013 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 53,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guatemala were living with HIV the prevalence was estimated at around 0.7% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. Check with local authorities before swimming in the lake, and seek medical advice if you fall ill during or immediately after a trip there. The water in Lake Atitlan is not safe for drinking, or for swimming in certain areas. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Water is generally unsafe to drink unless filtered, but bottled water is cheap and widely available.Ĭases of Chikungunya virus and Dengue Fever have been confirmed in Guatemala.ĭengue fever epidemics occur every four to five years in Guatemala due to its tropical and subtropical climates.įor information please visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation. State-funded hospitals are often under-staffed, under-funded, ill-equipped, and can be unhygienic. In some hospitals the administration may ask you to pay upfront and you may have to claim on your insurance later. Make sure you get confirmation from the hospital administration that your insurance coverage is accepted. It is therefore essential that you carry evidence of your insurance cover at all times. Hospitals in Guatemala are reluctant to give medical treatment unless they are satisfied that you have medical insurance. For more information and advice, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website. UK health authorities have classified Guatemala as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. ![]() While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. Of the country or territory you’re travelling to. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad. General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.Īt least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. ![]()
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