If a cruise is in your 2025 travel plans, take note: the U.S. State Department just updated and reissued a serious Level 3 travel warning for a country included on a number of upcoming cruise itineraries.
The State Department’s country-specific travel advisories are issued to help U.S. citizens understand security risks in each country and get clear advice on how to stay safe when traveling abroad. Travel advisories are set from Level 1, the lowest warning level, to Level 4, the highest.
Related: US shares travel warning for major European ports
When a Level 3 or higher travel advisory is issued for a country, the State Department wants travelers to understand that serious safety and security risks exist there. Although a Level 3 travel advisory does not state that U.S. citizens should not travel to the country, it does warn of a significant threat and advise travelers to reevaluate their decision to visit the destination.
Cruise lines often ignore Level 3 warnings. That’s generally because, in many ports, the activities are limited to a certain area, and the cruise line can keep passengers safe.
That, for example, is why multiple cruise lines still call on Roatan, Honduras, despite it being under a Level 3 warning. Now, another cruise destination has been placed on that list by the State Department.
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Level 3 travel advisory reissued for Guatemala
On Dec. 30, the State Department updated and reissued its travel advisory for Guatemala. The Central American country’s Pacific Ocean cruise port, Puerto Quetzal, is visited regularly by cruise ships sailing Panama Canal itineraries. Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line all have upcoming calls to the port, which is considered a gateway to Guatemala’s inland attractions like the colonial town of Antigua.
The State Department lists Guatemala as a Level 3 travel advisory, recommending that travelers reconsider travel to the country due to crime. The advisory also says that U.S. citizens should not travel to the higher risk areas of San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos), Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango), and Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to crime.
The advisory states that:
“Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking and violence. Local law enforcement may not always respond well to serious crimes, leading to low arrest and conviction rates. While tourists are not usually targeted, they can still be victims of opportunistic crimes.”
Related: Despite US warning, cruise lines visit ‘violent’ Caribbean port
The advisory also offers information about a program designed to help travelers stay safe when visiting Guatemala.
“Guatemala has a program called the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) that helps protect tourists. ASISTUR works with tourist police (DISETUR) in popular areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Barrios, and Coban. They also have an emergency call center that speaks both Spanish and English. Tourist groups can request a security escort if they have safety concerns. You can call them anytime by dialing 1500 from a Guatemalan phone number or (502) 2290-2810, and you can also reach them on WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.”
Is it safe to travel to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala on a cruise?
To stay safe when visiting Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, or other cruise destinations in Central America with crime warnings like Roatán, Honduras, and Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, it’s a good idea to book shore excursions directly through your cruise line.
Cruise passengers visiting Puerto Quetzal should make sure to follow the State Department’s guidance for visiting Guatemala, which includes advice about using certified tour guides and trusted taxi services, and other ways to stay safe.
Related: US shares ‘reconsider travel’ advisory for Caribbean cruise port
The State Department’s travel advisory recommends that if you decide to travel to Guatemala:
- Do not travel outside Guatemala City at night because the roads are poorly lit, and there is a high risk for serious traffic accidents.
- When visiting Lake Atitlán, use certified tour guides and travel between villages by chartered boat. The paths around the lake can be dangerous and hard to access. Emergency services cannot arrive quickly to help.
- Avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean because the currents and undertow are very strong, and there are not many lifeguards.
- Never leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and say no to invitations from strangers to private parties.
- Consider staying in hotels that have secure parking, doormen, and professional security staff.
- Use trusted taxi services like Taxis Amarillo Express, Taxi Seguro, or Uber, and only use INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, or vetted private drivers. Avoid public transport and white car taxis, as well as “chicken buses.”
- Do not hike trails or volcanoes without a qualified local guide, as robberies can happen and getting help can be difficult.
- Avoid using public ATMs, and do not show signs of wealth like wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Also, try not to use your phone in public.
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