Official Import Rules
Guatemala requires a current rabies vaccination and a veterinarian-signed health certificate (or a vaccination booklet showing rabies vaccination), presented directly to the inspector on arrival. Microchip recommended.
- No separate pre-approval import permit is required for personal pets — MAGA's published pet-entry requirements are based on presenting your documents at the port of entry, not on a weeks-long permit application.
- A mandatory physical inspection fee of $14 USD per pet (amount can vary by weight) is payable to the SEPA/OIRSA inspector at the port of entry, under Ministerial Agreement 114-2018.
- Pets may stay in Guatemala for up to 30 calendar days under this entry documentation. If your pet will remain longer, you must arrange an export health certificate or international zoosanitary export certificate with MAGA before leaving.
- Any documentation written in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish before presentation at entry.
MAGA inspects animals on arrival at La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Guatemala City.
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Medical Roadmap
Microchip recommended
Rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel)
Health certificate within 10 days of travel, translated into Spanish (or vaccination booklet)
Government endorsement
Arrive at La Aurora Airport (GUA) — present documents and pay the $14 USD inspection fee to the SEPA/OIRSA inspector
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Tips
Guatemala City (Zona 10, Zona 14, Zona 15), Antigua Guatemala, and Lake Atitlán are popular expat destinations. Antigua has a large, established expat community. Vet care is available in Guatemala City and improving in Antigua.
Vets & Common Parasites
Reasonable vet care in Guatemala City and improving in Antigua. Costs are very affordable. Outside these areas, vet care is basic. Altitude in highland cities (Guatemala City 1,500m, Antigua 1,530m) is comfortable for cats.
Find Vets in GuatemalaExit Rules — Leaving Guatemala
Pets may stay in Guatemala for up to 30 calendar days under the documentation presented at entry. If you plan to depart later than 30 days after arrival, you'll need to arrange an export health certificate or international zoosanitary export certificate with MAGA before leaving — issued by a MAGA-approved vet, typically processed within 1–2 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pleasant highland climate, large expat community, and improving vet services. Many rental properties accept cats.
Yes. Guatemala is Spanish-speaking — any documentation written in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish before presentation at entry.
No. According to MAGA's published pet-entry requirements, no separate pre-approval import permit is needed for personal pets. You simply present a vet-signed health certificate (or vaccination booklet showing rabies vaccination) to the SEPA/OIRSA inspector at the port of entry, along with a $14 USD inspection fee.
Very. Low cost of living, affordable vet care, and a strong expat community, particularly in Antigua.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
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CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.