Requirements for Guatemalans

Currently, Guatemalans traveling to France for tourism or business do not need a visa if they wish to stay in the country for less than 3 months. Visitors who intend to live, study, or work in France must obtain a visa from the French Embassy in Guatemala City or the consulate in Quetzaltenango prior to their travel.

In 2016, France has announced the introduction of the ETIAS visa waiver. This is a travel authorization that nationals from 60 countries including Guatemala will need to obtain in order to visit France. Only citizens who do not need a visa will be eligible for obtaining an ETIAS France.

This new system will come into effect at the end of 2022. Its purpose will be to improve the efficiency of third-country nationals entering the Schengen zone and enhance security between the borders of the member states. Once they obtain the ETIAS France, Guatemalans will be free to travel to any other Schengen member country within the validity of the authorization.

ETIAS France for Guatemalans will be valid for 3 years and each stay in the country must be less than 90 days within a period of 6 months.

ETIAS France Personal Information

Guatemalan nationals who wish to apply for an ETIAS to visit France are required to provide a range of personal information, including their name, place and date of birth, nationality, and contact information.

It may also be necessary to provide additional information that can be considered highly sensitive, such as gender, ethnicity, health, family background, and criminal record. This information is shared with the relevant authorities in order for them to grant the authorization to enter the country. It is checked against several international security databases with the purpose to pre-screen for any security threats.

It is necessary that all the data that the candidate enters in the application form is correct and corresponds exactly to the details in the passport. Otherwise, ETIAS approval may be delayed.

Documents That I Need for France ETIAS

ETIAS France requirements for Guatemalans are simple. To apply for an ETIAS, Guatemalan nationals need to have a passport, valid for 3 months after the application date. Note that dual citizens in possession of an EU passport must travel to France using that passport and therefore do not need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization.

In addition to the passport, it is mandatory to have a valid debit or credit card in order to pay for a small processing fee through a secure online payment system.

documentation

Finally, an active email address will also be necessary. All the information relevant to ETIAS France, including the confirmation, application status, and the approval will be sent to that address. Applicants will not receive a paper version of the travel authorization. They are responsible for printing out the ETIAS and showing along with their travel document at the French port of entry.

Medical Information for Guatemalans

Guatemalans traveling to France are advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance prior to their travel. The insurance will guarantee that they are covered in case of injury or illness and that any cost of medical treatments or hospitalization will be reimbursed. The medical system in France can be very expensive for foreign travelers. In addition, there is no requirement for offering medical treatment unless it has been paid for in advance. The exception is a medical emergency, for which prepayment is not required.

Even though there are no particular medical requirements for visiting France, it is advisable to be up to date with MMR and hepatitis vaccinations.

Please note that some prescription medicines may be illegal in France, therefore, it is wise to verify this in advance. Travelers should always keep the prescriptions together with any medicines in their original packaging.

ETIAS Application for France for Guatemalans

ETIAS application will be a simple online process that can be done at the applicant’s convenience from anywhere in the world. The application form will take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete. Every applicant, including minors, will need to submit an individual form.

When the candidate has filled in the form and answered the security questions, he/she will be asked to confirm the information and pay for the processing fee. The form can then be submitted. ETIAS processing time will be very short. In most cases applicants will receive approval within 72 hours. Guatemalan nationals whose application is refused will be contacted by email explaining the reason for the refusal and giving further information on how to proceed.

For the latest information regarding the France ETIAS, please consult the news page of the ETIAS France website.