Update – February 2023
Guatemala is on the list of 113 countries that have a high rate of dog rabies.
The CDC has lifted the “ban” on dogs entering and leaving Guatemala.
However, there are a few additional requirements you need to know before you go!
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Traveling to Guatemala with a dog
There are important steps you must take to bring a dog to Guatemala and for taking your dog back home from a trip to Guatemala
It is important to distinguish between the airline requirements for bringing dogs to Guatemala and the Guatemala government’s requirements for taking your dog to Guatemala.
This article will share information about both.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to bring a dog to Guatemala.
Step A – Must haves before you go
Your dog must have…
To be at least 6 months old
A valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate
An ISO-compatible microchip
To be in good health
These are all requirements needed in order to return to the U.S. after visiting Guatemala with your dog.
Step B – Health Certificate
Guatemala’s Government Requirements
Here is what you need to take a dog to Guatemala. No matter if you are flying or driving into Guatemala, the government requires 3 things:
- Have your USDA Accredited Veterinarian use USDA’s online Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) to complete health certificate for Guatemala.
Note: APHIS7001 FORM no longer accepted! - Signed rabies vaccine certificate that is current and will not expire while in Guatemala
- Confirmation the dog/cat is being treated for prevention of external and internal parasites
Note: You do not need a Guatemala Consulate to stamp the paperwork anymore. Everything is done online through the VEHCS system.
When traveling with dogs to Guatemala you must prove the dog is healthy.
There is a new health certificate form for Guatemala is called “Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Dogs, Cats from the United States of America to Guatemala”. It is in both English and Spanish.
This new health certificate must be completed and signed by USDA Accredited Veterinarian.
Be sure to provide the veterinarian with the address of where you will be staying/living while in Guatemala. This is part of the requirements.
Next… have the APHIS office endorse the health certificate.
APHIS is a branch of the USDA.
It stands for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Step C – Getting the Health Certificate Endorsed
The good news is that you don’t need to go to a Veterinary Services Endorsement office (APHIS) anymore to get the official endorsement stamps.
You also do not need to go to the Guatemala Consulate to stamp the paperwork.
Guatemala accepts a digitally endorsed health certificate which is done on the VEHCS system.
This is done with the USDA’s online Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS).
Keep in mind the USDA veterinarian completing the health certificate must have an eAuthentication account in order to submit to the VEHCS portal.
The health certificate is completed within the VEHCS portal.
The signed Rabies Certificate is uploaded into the VEHCS portal as well.
The cost to submit these forms is $38. This is paid through the VEHCS portal.
Once the form is uploaded, a tracking number will be issued.
It can take 3 to 4 days to process.
I was told that once the form is received, they will prioritize according to the travel date.
Common mistakes that are made and can cause a rejection and delay:
– Rabies Certificate not signed
– The old form was submitted – not the new one
Once the paperwork is reviewed and endorsed, the veterinarian will print out completed and endorsed forms. Ask for additional copies or get color copies made.
The airlines will be able to use the same paperwork for their requirments.
CDC Portal about bringing pets to Guatemala.
How To Find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian
Guatemala requires that the health certificate be issued (completed, signed, dated) by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.
A USDA Accredited Veterinarian has completed formal training from the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) in the state(s) they are licensed to practice medicine in.
Accreditation is state-specific and is voluntary (not all veterinarians are accredited).
Use the NVAP self-search tool for finding accredited veterinarians in your area.
Staying Less 30-Days? Read this!
If you are staying in Guatemala less than 30-days you can use the same paperwork (used to enter) to exit Guatemala.
No need to get another Health Certificate and Export paperwork for your dog. Saving time and money!
Be sure to inform the MAGA/SEPA Inspector stationed at the Guatemala airport that you are staying less than 30-days. Then get a copy of the MAGA/SEPA paperwork so you can use it to exit Guatemala with your dog/cat.
Read the Guatemala Government Requirements for entering and leaving Guatemala with a pet.
Our experience flying into the Guatemala International Airport with our dogs
Editors note: The following account was done before 2020.
We landed at the Guatemala airport with all our dog’s paperwork stamped and ready for entry into Guatemala.
First, we went through the customs area and had our passports stamped. We kept the dogs in their soft-side carriers during this process.
Next, we picked up our luggage and let the dogs out of their carriers.
We were directed to a government office in the baggage claim area. It was a small room with a desk and a printer/scanner.
The official took all the paperwork and scanned each page into their system, then handed the originals back to us.
The official did not provide any government form stating the dogs were legally admitted to Guatemala.
Before we left the office, I asked if there were any special requirements for taking our dogs home or out of Guatemala. And there were!
Be aware… there are strict requirements for taking a dog home from Guatemala.
In conclusion, I would say the experience of bringing our dogs into Guatemala went smoothly. We followed all the government requirements for traveling to Guatemala with a dog.
We all really enjoyed our 3 months in Guatemala and were so happy to have our girls – Olivia and Sofia with us!
Airlines flying to Guatemala that accept Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Avianca: The transport in cabin of the service dogs, rescue dogs, guide dogs or emotional support dogs has no additional charge.
Aeroméxico – accepts emotional-support pets onboard their flights, in compliance with Air Carrier Access Act.
Volaris – ESAs can travel at no cost on flights within Mexico and from/to Central America only.
COPA – Emotional support dogs will only be accepted on routes where they are recognized in the country’s regulations: to or from Brazil, Canada, Colombia and Mexico.
Requirements for bringing your dog to the U.S.
Here is a link from the CDC about bringing your pet to US.
As always… Safe Travels!
You may be interested in…
What you need to know about leaving Guatemala with a pet
Our experience attending a pet friendly Spanish school in Guatemala – SISAI Spanish School
Crossing the border in Texas? Checkout this pet friendly (and kid friendly) road trip itinerary with cool places to visit and lodging suggestions. Pet Friendly Mexico Road Trip
Bonjour, je veux aller habiter au Guatemala et j’habite au Canada. Je me demandais si toute ses restrictions s’appliquait aussi je suis tellement perdu avec toute ces informations je croyais que je n’avais besoin que du certificat sanitaire international et de tous ses vaccins a jours ? Merci. 450-521-1816
Hola Andréanne! Yes, it can be confusing. =8-) The restrictions are more for dogs/cats who have visited or are from Guatemala and want to travel back to the U.S. Since you are moving to Guatemala, these restrictions do not apply to your dog unless you plan to travel to the U.S. with your dog. You are correct in that you need a health certificate with all the required information I have stated above. Plus, an up-to-date rabies certificate and a vaccine card stating all the vaccines your dog has had. Here are the Guatemala Government Requirements for entering and leaving… Read more »
Hellow im going to Guatemala in two months do any body know if i need my dog vet form endorce and stamp by guatemala consulate?
Thank you
Hola Ivonne! Thank you very much for the question. Since 2020, the Guatemala Consulates have stopped the requirement to physically stamp the paperwork for your pet to enter Guatemala. Everything is done online through the VEHCS system. You will need to find a veterinarian that has an account with the VEHCS system. This is where the veterinarian will access all the required paperwork plus upload the documents needed for your pet to enter Guatemala. Once all the paperwork is digitally stamped, your veterinarian will print out the paperwork for you to bring with you. Be sure to make multiple copies.… Read more »
Thank you so much i been take my litle one but i stop going because de covid but im planning to travel in couple months i have a good register vet here in Mew Jersey but since everything change i want make sure i i will go to Guatemala and come back with my dog.
One more question i dont need to see a vet in guatemala to leave the country rite?
Thank you 🙂
Yes you do need to get a health certificate from a vet in Guatemala. Also, make sure that the Rabies vaccine is up-to-date BEFORE going to Guatemala. The US will let your dog back into the country with a current rabies certificate from a licensed US vet.
I suggest you read the article I wrote on taking a dog out of Guatemala. I think this will help you also. =8-)
Thank you for all you information but i think i will cancel my plans to go because i was planing to go only for 7 days and the week i pick was holy week wich is big holiday in guatemala and addition to that try to get vet certification will be nightmare sice is holiday season i dont want to risk my dog stock in guatemala just for 7 day vacation .
Thank so much for all information you provide 🥰
Hola i just find out from Guatemala goverment page https://visar.maga.gob.gt/visar/2021/sa/Reqmascotas21.pdf
If you stay less than 30 days you dont need veterinary in guatemala because you can use the same papper work forms ffom entrance this is only if you stay less than 30 days ONLY.
This may help for other short vacation pet travelers owners.
🙂
So, you don’t need to get an “export certificate” from the Ministerio de Agracultura Ganaderia y Alimentación (MAGA) if you stay less than 30 days? That is great news! I will up date the article to reflect that. Thank you!
Hello, I am traveling with my dog for the first time to Guatemala. Your information has been extremely helpful. I was just wondering if I am traveling on the 23rd of December, the international health certificate should be submitted 10 days before I leave? Or is it 15 days before I leave I have heard different infromation everywhere?
Thank you!
Hola Valeria! I am happy to help clarify! =8-) Two things to keep in mind when traveling with pets. First, Guatemala allows the health certificate to be up to 15-days old. The airlines (generally) want the health certificate to be done less than 10-days before you fly. You’ll need to comply with both the Guatemala government and the airline requirements. Therefore, getting a health certificate done a week before you fly (7 days) you will satisfy both! As always, please check with your airline and use a veterinarian that is registered with the USDA VEHCS system. Hope this helps. Safe… Read more »
Hello! My dog has a current 3 year rabies certificate issued ~15 months ago. I have seen some places that the most recent vaccine needs to be within 12 months, but not less than 30 days from departure day. Do you know if this is true? I’ve seen other places that say if it’s a booster, it can be less than 30 days from departure date. Also, some things I’ve read say dogs must be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus… again within 12 months, but not less than 30 days from departure. Same as above, I have valid 3… Read more »
Hola Megan! Yes, there is some mixed messaging out there! That is why I started this site 5 years ago. Ok… to answer your questions. First, find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian that is registered with the VEHCS system and knows how to use it. The veterinarian will process all the required paperwork for Guatemala through this VEHCS system. Here is the USDA’s list of offices and contacts by state. They can help you find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian in your area. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/contacts/field-operations-export-trade.pdf Guatemala recognizes and accepts a 3-year rabies vaccine and a 3-year DAPP vaccine. They also want to make… Read more »
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! This is such a relief to have clear guidance. So grateful! Will follow your guidance.
Hi, I will fly from Canada to Guatemala with my dogs.
What will be needed?
thank you
Hola Philippe! Since I do not live in Canada, I have not had the pleasure of transporting a dog into/out of Canada. With that said… I would try to follow the guidelines listed in the article as best you can to make sure you have all the bases covered. 1. Get a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian 2. Have an up-to-date vaccine card 3. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on the rabies vaccine 4. Check with the airline to see what their pet policy is I don’t know if Canada is similar to the U.S. in trying to… Read more »
Hi! We are traveling to Guatemala in the next 22 days and our vet just told us that Guatemala requires for our cats to be vaccinated 30 days prior to entering the country, but we also seen on other websites it says 21 days.
do you think this will be a big deal?
Hola Anneka!
If you get the rabies shot asap, I think you will be fine. They are more interested in making sure you have all the paperwork so they can scan it into the system. =8-)
What if I am just passing through to the western Belize border. No stops in Guatemala.
Hola Karl…that is a good question. Will you be just passing through Guatemala for a few hours to get to Mexico?
Thanks Karl! OK… since I don’t have the full picture of your situation, I am going assume your dog is from the US/Canada. You are driving through Mexico with a short trip to Belize. Then passing through Guatemala. Belize and Guatemala are on the CDC’s list of High Risk for dog rabies. If your dog is from the US/Canada just make sure to bring along the rabies certificate from the US/Canadian veterinarian to prove your dog is immunized. Bring your dog’s vaccine card as well. Also get a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in Mexico before crossing the borders… Read more »
I am traveling to Guatemala
Hola Ana, Since you didn’t say where you were coming from, I am going to assume you are coming from the U.S. traveling to Guatemala. You will need to find a veterinarian that is USDA certified and has an account with the USDA’s online Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). The veterinarian will get the Guatemala approved health certificate once logged into this system. They must upload the completed health certificate via the VEHCS. There is a copy of the Guatemala approved heath certificate in English and Spanish on my webpage. “Complete the NEW health certificate form for Guatemala >>… Read more »
Where can I find the veterinary Health Certificate for dogs and cats both in English and Spanish
Hi! I am traveling with my service dog from Miami to Guatemala City on May 2nd. I’m returning back to Miami on June 2nd. I have applied for the health certificate to leave. It’s looking like I will need to have another health certificate done for my dogs re-entry into the US, correct? (She meets CDC requirements to re-enter without an import permit.)
I’m flying with Avianca and I’ve been trying to get clear word on requirements to prevent any mishaps. Thank you!
Hola Chelsea! Yes, you will have to get a health certificate for your dog in order to leave Guatemala. Make sure to get the M.A.G.A. stamps on the health certificate so you can export your dog out of Guatemala. Although Avianca airline does not seem to require a health certificate for your dog to fly with them, they will ask a government official to approve of the “export paperwork” (health certificate with M.A.G.A. stamps). Upon flying back into Miami, the U.S. will want to see the rabies certificate. A health certificate is not required. However, you will have one anyway… Read more »
Awesome thanks!! So I have to get the health certificate for the airlines? That paragraph is a little confusing as it states the certificate isn’t needed but the export paperwork aka certificate needs approval?
yes, you are correct. The Guatemala government requires the export paperwork.
Hey! Just wanted to give you an update! Our trip to Guatemala was smooth as ever! I flew with Avianca out of MIA to GUA, in MIA the airline counter reviewed my paperwork, and then I just went to board! When we arrived in GUA, we got our bags and went through Customs. Customs looked at the health certificate and gave me a stamp for 30 days (the length of my stay) and on we went! Simple and fast! Thank you for your help and input!! I’ll send another update when we get our certificate here in Guatemala to return… Read more »
Excellent news! Thank you so much for letting us know!
Looking forward to hearing about your experience leaving Guatemala with your dog.
=8-)