Moving to Guatemala from New York City can be challenging. Sea & Air provides comprehensive international moving services to make the process easier. Our experts can handle packing and shipping services, customs clearance, and more. We can also help with paperwork, including visas and customs documents. With our help, you can move smoothly and successfully to Guatemala.
Our Experts Specialize in International Moves
Choosing to hire a professional international moving company can take the stress out of relocating. It provides peace of mind that all the necessary paperwork, shipping, and customs clearance will be taken care of. Professional movers also have the knowledge and experience to ensure the move is done safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage to your belongings. Additionally, they can provide advice on the moving process and help to ensure it is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Information Required to Move to Guatemala
To move to Guatemala from the United States, you will need to make sure you have all the necessary documents, including a valid passport and visa. Additionally, proof of residence in the U.S. and proof of employment or financial stability. You may also need to produce proof of health insurance and any other documents requested by the Guatemalan government.
Reasons to Live in Guatemala
Guatemala is a great place to live for those looking for affordable healthcare, a low cost of living, and the opportunity for a high quality of life. The country also has a vibrant music and arts scene, as well as an abundance of outdoor activities and natural beauty. Additionally, Guatemala offers a welcoming and diverse community, making it an ideal destination for people interested in relocating.
Let Us Help You Move
With Sea & Air, you can rest assured that all of the necessary paperwork, shipping, and customs clearance will be taken care of. Our experienced team of professionals has the knowledge and experience to ensure the move is done safely and efficiently. We also provide advice on the moving process to ensure everything runs smoothly. Contact us today to request a free quote, and let us help you with your international move to Guatemala. You can click here for a complete list of our international moving list.
Customs Information
PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS
Firearms, pornography material of any kind, liquor (*certain restrictions apply, see below)
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Household goods, personal effects, and vehicles are subject to paying taxes/duties. According to the customs regulations in Guatemala, it is not necessary to have a work permit; only a tourist visa is enough. There are no differences between Guatemalan citizens and foreign citizens
Diplomats of accredited foreign Embassies and Officials of International Organizations are exempted from customs taxes/duties. Their shipments are subject to customs inspection to proceed with customs. They have to submit a diplomatic franchise, and it should be processed by the Embassy or International Mission in Guatemala before shipment can be released
Air, Sea, and Land Freights
Air and sea consolidated; shipments are cleared directly in a bonded warehouse under the informal entry, providing the original documents for clearing the shipments. All shipments are subject to a physical inspection from customs authorities. This could take between 5 to 10 working days, depending if it arrives via air, sea, or land and the size of the shipment. It is necessary to unload the container and trailer trucks in a bonded warehouse previous to customs clearance.
Sea shipments – FCL –
Shipments must be cleared at the port of entry. The customs authorities will make the physical inspection at the port of entry, and they will determine the amount of the import taxes to be paid. The port authorities will collect additional charges for unloading the container at the port. Our crew will supervise the inspection and seal the boxes the officials opened. Customs clearance takes three to five working days.
Note: All shipments cannot be delivered until duties have been paid.
The customer has to be in Guatemala to clear the shipment through customs; any demurrage, additional charges, and payment of the taxes/duties are for the customer’s account.
Automobiles (POV)
POV with foreign plates may circulate in the country with a temporal permit of (30 days), but the owner cannot leave the country unless his car has been re-exported or all import duties have been paid.
All POVs must be cleared at the POE. (Not in Guatemala City bonded warehouse). Customs authorities will perform an inspection of the POV and documents prior to placing the value of the duties/taxes to be paid. Customs clearance takes two weeks. The following documents are required and should be provided to us prior to the arrival of the shipment:
Documents must be originals; otherwise, customs will not consider them.
We need a copy of the related documents via fax prior to shipment arrival.
Air and Sea shipments
- Air waybill or two originals of the bill of lading
- Original packing list in English or Spanish
- The original of the Owner’s passport with the entry stamp
- Delivery and billing instructions, including insurance information Nit number.
We can process this document. We need the original cedula (identification card) if the shipper is Guatemalan. If a foreigner, we need the original passport.
Surface Shipments
- Original of Cargo Manifest
- Original Packing list
- The original Owner’s passport
- Original of International Transit Guide
- Delivery and billing instructions, including insurance information.
Nit number. We can process this document. If the shipper is Guatemalan, we need the original cedula (identification card). If a foreigner, we need the original passport.
Automobiles (POV)
- Original bill of lading
- Original Car title as proof of ownership
- Original commercial invoice
- The original Owner’s passport
- Delivery and billing instructions, including insurance information.
- Nit number. We can process this document, we need the original cedula
- (identification card) if the shipper is Guatemalan. If a foreigner, we need the original passport.
Please send us the following POV information in your pre-advise:
- No. of Chassis
- No. of Motor
- No. of doors
- Make
- Year
- Style
- No. Cylinder
- Vin Number
- Fuel
- Color
- Cubic centimeter (c.c.)
Note: If we do not receive the above information before the arrival of the POV or if this information is incorrect, the customer will have to pay US $100.00 for inspection. The Nit is a personal identification number that the shipper must obtain from the Finance Ministry in Guatemala City. The customer will obtain this application form and present his original passport. It is not possible to clear the shipment without the NIT.
In general, it is not necessary to have the documents legalized at the Guatemalan Consulate at the origin.
Important Information
Ship container Door to Door
Show as consignee on B/L or AWB
Name of customer
c/o INTERMUD, S.A
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Tel. (502) 4745174
Please refer the shipment to our rate reference number on the consignment letter.
The Bill of Lading or AWB must show freight charges.
All incoming shipments to Guatemala City will be inspected at the port of entry if customs requires it.
POV has a different customs procedure than household goods and personal effects
New items will be considered as commercial entry and, therefore, subject to normal customs duty, paying full taxes/duties. A commercial invoice is necessary and must cover duties/taxes, which range from 5% to 40% of CIF value plus 12% of valued added tax
Used items will be assessed by customs taking into consideration prices listed in the packing list, and subject to physical inspection.
Pets
Pets require a health/vaccination certificate from origin dated within 30 days prior to arrival.
WARNING:
Making a false or misleading statement to the Authorities is an offense and may involve heavy penalties. Drug trafficking is against the law, and severe penalties apply.
Important: This information is intended for general guidance. Sea & Air International cannot, however, take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such, it is advisable to contact the nearest Australian customs office for full and current information prior to importation.