The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has issued a security alert advising Americans to exercise increased caution due to rising violence. This comes after coordinated attacks on police and an emergency declaration by the Guatemalan president. The State Department has a 'Reconsider Travel' advisory in place.
The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has issued a security alert urging American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance while in the Central American nation. This advisory follows a period of escalating violence and unrest, with the embassy noting a tense situation characterized by coordinated, armed attacks targeting police forces in multiple areas within Guatemala City.
The alert, released on Sunday, also indicated that the shelter-in-place order for embassy staff had been lifted, though the overall security concerns remain substantial. The Embassy's recommendations include staying informed through local news sources for up-to-the-minute updates, steering clear of large gatherings and public demonstrations, and maintaining a low profile to minimize potential risks. This proactive approach aims to help American citizens navigate the current environment with greater awareness and safety precautions. Travelers are strongly advised to meticulously review their personal security protocols and to limit non-essential movement within the country. This warning arrives in the wake of significant disturbances, including gang-related attacks on Guatemalan police following coordinated prison riots. These events prompted President Bernardo Arévalo to issue an emergency declaration, highlighting the gravity of the situation. This declaration underscored the presence of coordinated actions by self-described 'maras' or gangs against state security forces, encompassing armed assaults targeting civilian authorities. The violence is closely associated with prominent criminal organizations such as Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), both of which are officially designated as terrorist organizations by both Guatemala and the United States. Between January and November 2025, Guatemala welcomed over 2.9 million international visitors, highlighting the country's popularity as a tourist destination. However, the recent surge in violence necessitates a cautious approach for anyone planning to visit. The U.S. Embassy's statement strongly condemned the attacks, emphasizing that those involved in terrorist activities, including their collaborators and affiliates, have no place within the region. The statement further stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the Guatemalan populace and the overall stability of the hemisphere. The U.S. State Department currently places Guatemala at 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel,' which serves as a significant advisory to potential visitors. The State Department utilizes a four-tiered system to categorize travel advisories, ranging from 'Exercise Normal Precautions' (Level 1) to 'Do Not Travel' (Level 4), with 'Exercise Increased Caution' (Level 2) and 'Reconsider Travel' (Level 3) providing intermediate risk assessments. The U.S. government maintains its support for Guatemala’s security forces in their efforts to mitigate the violence and restore order
Guatemala Security Alert Travel Advisory Violence U.S. Embassy
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