Guatemala over 2 months now-Questions?

[ig2gheom]

Questions?

What happens if I over stay the 90 day passport stamp and 90 day bike Sticker here in Guatemala {San Miguel Duenas now - near Antigua}.

How much is the Fine?

Will they keep my bike?

Other options without leaving Guatemala?

Have no plans of leaving even if the El Salvador boarder opens & don’t want to head back to Mexico either.

Any insight\info is much appreciated.

George.

[PanEuropean]

Hello George:

I suggest that you try and contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the country that you are a citizen of (USA, perhaps?) and ask them for guidance.

I presume your reason for staying in Guatemala has to do with logistical difficulties arising from the COVID-19 virus and various border closures, etc. that intermediate countries have imposed.

My experience during my working career (as an aircraft pilot) is that customs and immigration authorities can be remarkably tolerant and sensible with regards to visas, etc. when it is obvious that a rules violation by a visitor was unavoidable and unintentional. The trick, though, is to get in touch with the local authorities as soon as possible and let them know that a problem has happened or is going to happen - in your case, overstaying your visa.

Three examples you can take heart from:

1) I once had to divert to an airport in Alaska while carrying a co-pilot from a country whose citizens were not allowed into the USA without a visa. I landed, explained to the US Immigration person what the problem was and why I diverted, and told him up front that the co-pilot didn't have a visa. The immigration guy said, basically, "Well, it's obvious the co-pilot didn't violate the rule intentionally" - he then stamped us both into the country and told us to be sure to "check out" with US Immigration when we left.

2) I once had to divert to a small airport in Iceland, again, with a co-pilot who could not enter Schengen without a visa - and the co-pilot didn't have a visa. I radioed ahead and asked ATC to advise customs. When I landed, the tower told me "The Immigration guys said to go find a hotel and then come see them after breakfast the next day". We did exactly that, and there were no problems at all with customs and immigration the following day.

3) I once had to divert to Pyongyang in North Korea for a fuel stop, without any prior permissions or prior arrangements - I landed, bought my fuel, and left. The police & (presumably) immigration officials came out to meet me, but other than looking at the crew's passports, they didn't create any fuss at all. Two hours later, I took off.

So: First call your own Embassy to get guidance from them (they will be able to tell you exactly what department of the Guatemalan government to go speak to), then go speak to the officials there before your current visa runs out. Be absolutely honest in everything you say to them - if you think you will need to stay in the country for another 2 months, tell them that, don't tell them 1 month or 14 days. My guess is that they will grant you the visa extension you need without too much difficulty.

Michael

[ig2gheom]

Michael, great info with unique experiences! I will follow up with the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City and see where that takes me.

Thanks for the quick and in-depth reply!

George.

[Peter Bodtke]

If you can't get a clear answer from the embassy, you can try riding to the nearest border and requesting a renewal of your tourist visa. Worst case they will refuse, then you know where you stand. Actual worst case, the official you talk to may default to 'No' and kick you out of the country. Border officials aren't always up to date on the latest policies.

[PanEuropean]

Originally Posted by Peter Bodtke

Border officials aren't always up to date on the latest policies.

I don't think it would be wise to travel to a border crossing and make inquiries there. Far better to make inquiries at an inland (within-country) immigration or other appropriate governmental office, for precisely the reason you gave above.

At an inland office, there is a greater likelihood of the person handling the inquiry being able to get in touch with someone higher up the authority chain who has the discretion to make a favourable decision about prolonging a visa.

The staff at the borders of a country are primarily focused on keeping people out - that's the bulk of their day-to-day work, and that's the frame of mind that they likely start with each time they begin a new interaction with a non-citizen.

Michael

[guaterider]

The border to Mexico and Belize is still open (as today) .
I don't know if Migracion in Guate City is still working , but if so , you can get a 90 days visa extention and with that you get an extention for your TVIP at Aduanas , next to the airport .
If you don't want to do it yourself , there are some lawyers/tramitadores in Antigua who can do it . Wouldn't be a bad idea to stay away from public offices and big crowds .
And remember , starting tomorrow we have a corfu nationwide between 4pm and 4am .
Hope this helps