The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City is the headquarters of the U.S. Mission to Guatemala, overseeing a relationship primarily focused on addressing the drivers of irregular migration. The mission's priorities include promoting economic opportunity, strengthening security and justice sector institutions, combating corruption, and providing humanitarian assistance. The embassy's work is central to the U.S. strategy for Central America.
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Visa Services
The embassy processes a full range of nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. It handles an extremely high volume of applications, and visa fraud is a significant concern. The visa section plays a critical role in facilitating legal pathways for travel and immigration as an alternative to irregular migration.
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Consular Services
The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit provides a full range of services to the U.S. citizen community in Guatemala, which includes many dual nationals, missionaries, and business people. Services include passport renewals, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and assistance in a country with high crime rates.
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Trade & Export Support
The U.S. Commercial Service promotes U.S. exports to Guatemala, the largest economy in Central America. It focuses on sectors like agricultural products, machinery, and consumer goods, leveraging the CAFTA-DR free trade agreement.
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Investment Opportunities
The embassy supports U.S. investment as a tool to create economic opportunities that reduce the need for migration. It encourages investment in sectors like textiles and agriculture, but warns of challenges related to corruption and legal uncertainty.
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Business Support
The embassy's Economic Section analyzes the Guatemalan economy and advocates for U.S. businesses. A key focus is working with the Guatemalan government to improve the investment climate and rule of law to attract job-creating investment.
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Cultural & Educational Programs
The Public Affairs section manages cultural and educational programs that support at-risk youth, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen democratic values. These programs are a key part of the U.S. strategy to address the root causes of migration.
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Appointment Information
Appointments are mandatory for all consular services and must be scheduled online. Due to immense demand, visa appointment wait times can be very long.
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Special Notes
The embassy is located in a large, modern, and highly secure compound in Zone 16. The scale of the embassy and its extensive interagency presence (including USAID, DEA, and others) reflects the high priority the U.S. places on addressing the challenges in Guatemala.