United States Visa for Guatemala Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as a Guatemalan citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, processing times of 3-8 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. With a 69% approval rate for Guatemalan applicants, thorough preparation is essential.

Visa Application process

All US visa applications from Guatemala require an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City.1 The process involves four main steps:

Complete DS-160 Online Application

Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online.2 You will need to provide information about your travel plans, employment, finances, and background. Save the confirmation page with barcode for your interview.

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee online.1 This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Keep your payment receipt as you will need the receipt number to schedule your appointment.

Schedule Interview Appointment

Book your interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City through the visa appointment system.2 Wait times vary throughout the year, so schedule as early as possible. Bring all required documents and your DS-160 confirmation.

Attend Interview

At your interview, a consular officer will review your application and ask questions about your travel plans, ties to Guatemala, and purpose of visit.1 Fingerprints are collected during the appointment. If approved, your passport with visa will be returned within a few days.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
4. Attend Interview

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	B1/B2 Visitor Visa (MRV fee): $185	Courier/Delivery Service: Varies	The visa fee must be paid before scheduling your interview appointment.1 Payment can be made online or at designated bank branches. The fee is non-refundable.

What you need to prove

To qualify for a B1/B2 visa, you must demonstrate to the consular officer that you:

Have a legitimate purpose for visiting the United States (tourism, visiting family, medical treatment)
Intend to stay temporarily and will depart when your authorized stay ends
Have strong ties to Guatemala that will compel you to return (employment, family, property)
Have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay without working
Are admissible under US immigration law with no disqualifying criminal or immigration history

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Online Application
Passport-Size Photograph
Bank Statements
Employment Evidence
Ties to Home Country
Visa Interview

Valid Passport

Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States • At least one blank page for the visa sticker; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous US or Schengen visas if available] (Tip: If your passport expires within 6 months of travel, consider renewing before applyingKeep your old passports as they demonstrate positive travel history)

DS-160 Online Application

Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online • Provide planned travel dates to the US; • Accommodation details for your entire stay; • Employment details and annual income; • Travel history for the past 5 years; • Details of any criminal or immigration violations; • US contact information] (Tip: Save your application frequently as sessions can time outPrint the confirmation page with barcode for your interviewDouble-check all information before submitting)

Passport-Size Photograph

Recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements • Taken within the last 6 months; • 2x2 inches (51x51 mm); • White or off-white background; • No glasses allowed] (Tip: Upload digital photo during DS-160 applicationBring a physical copy to your interview as backup)

Bank Statements

Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and demonstrate financial stability • Last 6 months of statements recommended; • Must show regular income and stable balance; • Should demonstrate funds for flights, accommodation, and daily expenses; • Statements must clearly show account holder name] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateInclude fixed deposits and savings accountsBalance should comfortably cover all trip costs plus emergency buffer)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status and income in Guatemala • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Contact details for verification] (Tip: If self-employed, provide business registration and tax recordsStudents should get a letter from their educational institutionShow stable employment to demonstrate ties to Guatemala)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Guatemala after your visit • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing dependents; • Business ownership or ongoing commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: This is the most critical factor for approvalStrong ties significantly reduce refusal risk under Section 214(b)Multiple types of ties strengthen your case)

Visa Interview

In-person interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City • Book appointment after completing DS-160; • Bring all supporting documents; • Embassy located in Guatemala City; • Fingerprints collected during appointment] (Tip: Book early as wait times can be several weeksArrive at least 30 minutes before appointmentAnswer questions clearly and confidently)

Optional documents

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the US • Where you will be staying during your visit; • Purpose of visit and planned activities; • Estimated trip costs] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHotel reservations are helpful but not mandatoryIf visiting family or friends, include invitation letter with their US status)

Comparison

Service	Cost
B1/B2 Visitor Visa (MRV fee)	$185
Courier/Delivery Service	Varies

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Insufficient Ties to Guatemala
30%	Weak Financial Documentation
15%	Unclear Purpose of Travel
10%	Incomplete Documentation
5%	Previous Immigration Issues

40% - Insufficient Ties to Guatemala

How to avoid: Provide evidence of stable employment (1+ years), property ownership, family dependents, or business commitments in Guatemala. Multiple types of ties strengthen your case.

30% - Weak Financial Documentation

How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with consistent balance and regular income. Your funds should comfortably cover all trip expenses plus a reasonable buffer.

15% - Unclear Purpose of Travel

How to avoid: Provide a clear, specific travel plan. If visiting family, include an invitation letter with their contact information and immigration status in the US.

10% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all documents before your interview. Ensure salary figures match between employment letter and bank statements.

5% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 tourist visa?

The B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 180 days (6 months) per visit. The exact duration is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry. You cannot live in the US through frequent visits.

Can I work on a US tourist visa?

No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any paid employment in the United States. This includes freelance work, even for clients outside the US. The B1 component allows limited business activities like meetings and conferences, but not actual work.

How long does US visa processing take from Guatemala?

Standard processing takes 3-8 weeks after your interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City. Wait times for interview appointments vary throughout the year. Check the embassy website for current appointment availability.

What is the US tourist visa fee for Guatemalans in 2026?

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved. Payment is made online before scheduling your interview appointment.

Do I need to book flights before applying?

No, you should not book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved. You can mention your intended travel dates in your application without having confirmed bookings.

What is the approval rate for US visas from Guatemala?

The approval rate for US B1/B2 visas from Guatemala is approximately 69%. This means about 31% of applications are refused, most commonly under Section 214(b) due to insufficient ties to Guatemala.

How long is the US tourist visa valid?

The B1/B2 visa for Guatemalan citizens is typically issued for 10 years with multiple entry privileges. However, this does not mean you can stay for 10 years. Each visit is limited to the duration granted at entry, usually up to 180 days.

What happens if my visa is refused?

You will receive a refusal letter citing the reason, typically Section 214(b) for immigrant intent concerns. You can reapply immediately with stronger documentation addressing the issues raised. There is no appeal process for visitor visas.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

US Embassy Guatemala - Visa Information

https://gt.usembassy.gov/visas/

US Department of State - Visa Categories

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gt/niv/information/visa_categories

US Department of State - Visa Wait Times

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html

US Department of State - B1/B2 Visa Refusal Rates

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/RefusalRates/FY24.pdf

USA.gov - Tourist Visa Information

https://www.usa.gov/tourist-visa

At a glance