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Guatemala reopens it borders to Mexico businesses, travelers

Guatemala City, Guatemala — The Government of Guatemala has announced the reopening of its main airport in Guatemala City. The reopening of the country’s La Aurora International Airport began September 18, when they opened their border via air travel after being shut for nearly six months due to the Covid pandemic.

“Having opened the border does not mean that we are completely free to do whatever we want,” said Ruben Balcázar, head of Migration in Guatemala. “We only ask that travelers bring the PCR test document that protects you to arrive in good health.”

Ruben Balcázar added that the test must be dated no more than 72 hours before landing in Guatemala otherwise travelers will have to comply with a 14-day quarantine under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health.

On March 15, the Guatemalan government made the decision to close its border with Mexico as a result of the increase in coronavirus cases, paralyzing the regional marketing of both countries.

“Those of us who live in Tapachula know that the Guatemalan population is an important source of income for the local economy and that is why, in my point of view, I consider that with the pertinent sanitary measures, this reopening of the border represents a development for our municipality,” said Viridiana Figueroa García, president of the Security Commission in Tapachula, Chiapas.

The reopening of the Guatemalan border will favor commercialization in municipalities such as Ciudad Hidalgo, Tuxtla Chico, Unión Juárez and Tapachula, one of the cities where 70 percent of trade is generated by Guatemalans.

However, given the current situation due to COVID-19, the Government of Guatemala has announced new measures to prevent the spread of the virus which includes the mandatory use of mouth masks or face masks in public places. Travelers found not wearing one will be considered as an offense against public health, which could lead to fines.

People entering Guatemala must either submit the negative result of a COVID-19 test, which must be performed within 72 hours prior to arrival or stay 14 days in isolation upon arrival in the country. It is also important to note that the extension of the state of calamity is until October 5, 2020.