Guatemala to United States tourist visa
Complete US B1/B2 tourist visa requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for Guatemalan citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- United States Tourist Visa
- Fee
- $185
- Processing time
- 3–8 weeks
- Length of stay
- Up to 180 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States
- DS-160 Online Application — Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online
- Passport-Size Photograph — Recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements
- Bank Statements — Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and demonstrate financial stability
- Employment Evidence — Documentation proving your employment status and income in Guatemala
- Ties to Home Country — Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Guatemala after your visit
- Visa Interview — In-person interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City
How to apply
- Have a legitimate purpose for — Have a legitimate purpose for visiting the United States (tourism, visiting family, medical treatment)
- Intend to stay temporarily and — Intend to stay temporarily and will depart when your authorized stay ends
- Have strong ties to Guatemala — Have strong ties to Guatemala that will compel you to return (employment, family, property)
- Have sufficient funds to cover — Have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay without working
- Are admissible under US immigration — Are admissible under US immigration law with no disqualifying criminal or immigration history
- If approved — Your passport with visa will be ready for pickup or delivery within 3–5 business days
Common questions
- How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 tourist visa?
- The B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 180 days (6 months) per visit. The exact duration is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry. You cannot live in the US through frequent visits.
- Can I work on a US tourist visa?
- No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any paid employment in the United States. This includes freelance work, even for clients outside the US. The B1 component allows limited business activities like meetings and conferences, but not actual work.
- How long does US visa processing take from Guatemala?
- Standard processing takes 3–8 weeks after your interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City. Wait times for interview appointments vary throughout the year. Check the embassy website for current appointment availability.
- What is the US tourist visa fee for Guatemalans in 2025?
- The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved. Payment is made online before scheduling your interview appointment.
- Do I need to book flights before applying?
- No, you should not book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved. You can mention your intended travel dates in your application without having confirmed bookings.
- What is the approval rate for US visas from Guatemala?
- The approval rate for US B1/B2 visas from Guatemala is approximately 69%. This means about 31% of applications are refused, most commonly under Section 214(b) due to insufficient ties to Guatemala.