If a cruise is on your 2025 travel plans, take note: The U.S. State Department has just updated and reissued a severe Level 3 travel warning for countries included on some upcoming cruise itineraries.
The State Department issues country-specific travel warnings to help U.S. citizens understand the security risks in each country and get clear advice on how to stay safe when traveling abroad. Travel warnings are set from level 1, the lowest warning level, to level 4, the highest level.
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When a Level 3 or higher travel warning is issued for a country, the State Department wants travelers to know that there are serious safety risks in that country. While the Level 3 travel advisory does not state that U.S. citizens should not travel to the country, it does warn of significant threats and advise travelers to reevaluate their decisions about visiting destinations.
Cruise lines often ignore Level 3 warnings. This is often because, in many ports, activities are limited to a certain area and cruise lines can ensure the safety of passengers.
That’s why, for example, several cruise lines are calling in Roatan, Honduras, even though it’s under warning level 3. Now, the State Department has added another cruise destination to the list.
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Guatemala reissues level 3 travel warning
On December 30, the State Department updated and reissued a travel warning for Guatemala. Cruise ships on the Panama Canal route regularly call at Puerto Quetzal, the Central American country’s Pacific cruise port. Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are all set to call at the port, which is considered the gateway to interior Guatemala destinations such as Antigua.
The U.S. State Department has placed Guatemala on a Level 3 travel advisory, advising travelers to reconsider travel to the country due to crime concerns. The advisory also stated that U.S. citizens should not travel to San Marcos Province (except San Marcos City), Huehuetenango Province (except Huehuetenango City), Guatemala City District 18 and Villanueva City, etc. Travel to high risk areas due to crime.
The advisory states:
“Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, robberies, carjackings, drug trafficking and violence. Local law enforcement may not always respond well to serious crime, resulting in lower arrest and conviction rates. Although tourists are not typically targeted , but they can still become victims of opportunistic crime.
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The advisory also provides information on programs designed to help travelers stay safe when visiting Guatemala.
“Guatemala has a program called the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) that is designed to help protect tourists. ASISTUR is in partnership with Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Barrios, and Corso In cooperation with the tourist police (DISETUR) in popular areas, they also have an emergency call center that speaks Spanish and English. Tourist groups with safety concerns can always call 1500 or ( Contact them at 502) 2290-2810 or via WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.
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Is it safe to take a cruise to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala?
To stay safe while visiting Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, or other crime-warned cruise destinations in Central America, such as Roatan, Honduras, and Puerto Calimon, Costa Rica, it’s best to book shore excursions directly with the cruise line.
Cruise ship passengers traveling to Puerto Quetzal should be sure to follow the Department of State’s guidance for visiting Guatemala, which includes recommendations for using certified tour guides and trusted taxi services, among other ways to stay safe.
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The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory recommends that if you decide to travel to Guatemala:
- Do not travel outside Guatemala City at night as the roads are poorly lit and the risk of a serious accident is high.
- When visiting Lake Atitlan, use a certified guide and travel between villages on a chartered boat. The trails around the lake can be dangerous and difficult to access. Emergency services were unable to arrive quickly enough to assist.
- Avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean as currents and countercurrents are very strong and there are not many lifeguards.
- Never leave drinks unattended at bars and restaurants, and refuse invitations to private parties from strangers.
- Consider staying at a hotel with secure parking, doormen, and professional security staff.
- Use a trusted taxi service such as Taxis Amarillo Express, Taxi Seguro or Uber, and only use INGUAT-approved taxis at the airport “SAFE” station, hotel taxis or vetted private drivers. Avoid public transport and white taxis, as well as “chicken buses”.
- Do not hike or hike the volcano without a qualified local guide as muggings can occur and help can be difficult to obtain.
- Avoid using public ATMs and don’t wear signs of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry. Also, try not to use your phone in public places.
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