Earthquake in Guatemala November 7th 2012

 Wednesday morning a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck on the pacific coastal waters of Guatemala.
It is the strongest quake felt in over 35 years, in the country. The population of San Marcos felt it more than anyone else. As of today, there are over 60 confirmed deaths and several hundred missing.

Relief efforts have already began throughout the country in order to provide food, water and shelter to those who need it. Communications were down for the day including land lines, cell phones, and Internet connections.

Roads and highways in the immediate San Marcos area are also on a restricted access to emergency vehicles only. Fire fighters, ambulances and police vehicles are the only ones who are being permitted to travel through the areas.

How to Renew your Visa for Guatemala through Mexico

If you are close to your 90 day visa expiration date, you might want to extend that by visiting Mexico and returning to Guatemala. A simple exit and re-entry will renew your visa for another 90 days in Guatemala.

Important details:

1- You must stay out of Guatemala for 72 hours in Mexico
2- If you overstay your 90 days you will be charged a fee of Q10 (approx. $1.35) for each day.
Do not overstay too long, or they will not let you leave without paying this fee.
3- Malacatan, San Marcos and Talisman / Chiapas border is the easiest to do this from
4- If you want, at your own risk, you can enter Mexico, return within 30 minutes and DO NOT STAMP on the Guatemalan side, they won't ask you to, or even care what or where you are going. All they want is there Q10 entry fee.

 Return in 3 days and stamp your passport with the Guatemalan side as if you are entering. This will make it look like you have been in Mexico for 3 days and are now coming back to Guatemala.

 I have many friends and relatives who have done it this way and never been bothered for doing it. It is not the correct way, but it works.

5- If you wish to avoid the border runs, you can apply for temporary residency at the U.S. / Guatemalan consulate in Guatemala City.