Lilia Hartmann, author of the Guide to the Rio Dulce, has now confirmed the rules that regulate the entry and stay of a yacht in Guatemala:

1. Boats entering Guatemala from abroad will receive a cruising permit valid for 3 months. The cost of this permit will be US$ 50,00, to be paid at the bank located near the customs office.

2. Boats who wish to remain longer are recommended to ask immediately for an additional 9 month permit at the cost of UD$ 150,00. If they do not ask for the extension straight away, the captain will have to return to Livingston to do this later.

3. Boats who wish to remain after the first 12 months may obtain a permit to remain an additional 12 months at a cost of US$ 150,00. This extension may be renewed each 12 months thereafter, but it requires that the vessel is located in an INGUAT (Istituto Guatemaltteco de Turismo) registered marina and there must be a contract with the marina.

On Friday, March 28 there was a meeting at Nana Juana Hotel & Marina in Rio Dulce that was hosted by the Guatemala Ministry of Tourism (INGUAT) where it was announced that the rule regarding vessels having to leave the country for three months has been rescinded and the old system will be implemented. This is very good news for all.

The rule that will take effect April 1 is as follows:

1. Boats when initially entering Guatemala from abroad will receive a cruising permit valid for three (3) months. The cost for this permit will be $50.00 US dollars plus Q60.00 (about $7.80 US).

2. Boats who wish to remain longer have the option to obtain an additional nine (9) month permit at a cost of $150.00 US Dollars.

3. Boats who wish to remain after the first 12 months as described above may obtain a permit to remain an additional 12 months at a cost of $150.00 US Dollars.

4. The extension described above for periods beyond the initial 12 month period may be renewed every 12 months thereafter indefinitely for a fee of $150.00 US Dollars. These extensions also require that the vessel be located in an INGRATE registered marina and there must be a contract with the marina.

There is no requirement that vessels leave the country for three (3) months or any other period to qualify for these extensions.

The fees stated above are SAT fees and do not include fees that may be charged by immigration or an agent.

When arriving or leaving Guatemala via Livingston it is best to use a “tramitador” or agent for a reasonable amount. The one to use is Raul Morales Veiz, tel +502 7947-0888 mobile +502 5510-9104, navieraservamar@gmail.com Livingston Izabal Guatemala