DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT GUATEMALA?
It is unnecessary to have a visa to enter the country, since most countries have an agreement with Guatemala if you stay less than 60 days. For more information, visit:
http://www.minex.gob.gt/Visor_Pagina.aspx? PaginaID=21
HOW DO I BRING FILMING EQUIPMENT WITH ME ON THE AIRPLANE?
You are always allowed to bring filming equipment into the country if you bring it back to your country, declaring it at the airport. For more information, visit:
PERMITS AND PRE PRODUCTION
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I APPLY FOR PERMITS TO USE THE LOCATIONS?
Four weeks in advance at least for 3 or 4 days project and two months in advance for bigger project.
WHAT ARE THE FEES OR RATES FOR DIFFERENT LOCATIONS?
Each location has different cost and has to be processed separately. A fee must be paid directly to the state (in a case of national parks), ffilming in a town, streets, etc. it has to be paid to local municipality, or to the owner (if filming is to be done on private property).
Rates are three to four times less than that required in other countries. There are no additional tax payments to the state for filming because there is not a film law yet.
SECURITY IN GUATEMALA:
IS SECURITY A PROBLEM IN GUATEMALA?
There are high risk areas due to drug traffic, gangs and robberies, you should not visit them. The problem is mostly in the red areas of the Capital, Guatemala City.
IS THERE SOME TYPE OF SECURITY OFFERED?
They are well trained and equipped policemen who specialize in protecting foreign visitors, but they have to be contacted in advanced. Guatemala Film Commission ensures a POLITOUR escort for each project for safety.
We also have private security services, if required.
ACCES AND ROADS:
There is an excellent highway structure, But some of the locations, like the jungle, the Mayan temples and nature can be difficult to access and there are not facilities.
BY THE SEA:
There are ports on both oceans, ready for the arrival of big ships coming from USA and the rest of the world.