The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has issued a security alert urging American citizens to exercise “increased caution” while traveling in the country. The alert, released on Sunday, comes in response to escalating violence as gangs have seized control of several prisons, leading to armed attacks on police in various areas of Guatemala City.
The embassy has lifted its shelter-in-place order for staff but highlights the ongoing tensions. Americans are advised to monitor local news for updates, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and maintain a low profile. Travelers should also review their personal security plans and limit unnecessary movements.
The situation escalated dramatically when gang members attacked Guatemalan police following coordinated riots that resulted in the takeover of three prisons. According to the Associated Press, the violence has led to the deaths of at least ten police officers, with prisoners taking 43 guards hostage during the riots.
In response to the crisis, President Bernardo Arévalo declared a state of emergency, highlighting the “coordinated actions by self-named maras or gangs against state security forces.” The violence has primarily been attributed to notorious criminal organizations such as Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), both designated as terrorist organizations by both Guatemala and the United States.
The U.S. Embassy condemned the attacks in a statement, asserting, “These terrorists, as well as those who cooperate with them or are linked to them, have no place in our hemisphere.” The statement emphasized the necessity of ensuring the safety of the Guatemalan populace and the stability of the region.
In terms of travel advisories, the U.S. State Department has categorized Guatemala under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.” This level indicates significant safety risks for travelers, and it is one of four advisory levels designed to help individuals assess the safety of their travel destinations. The categories range from Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions, to Level 4 – Do Not Travel.
The ongoing unrest poses a significant threat to both locals and international visitors. Between January and November 2025, over 2.9 million international tourists visited Guatemala, according to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute. The current situation raises concerns regarding the safety of future travel to the region as violence continues to disrupt daily life and security operations.
As the situation develops, the U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the events closely and provides updates to ensure the safety of American citizens in Guatemala.
