Flying private to Guatemala: permits, paperwork and handling
Guatemala requires foreign private and business aircraft to obtain permits from the civil aviation authority before landing or overflying, and its main airport, La Aurora (MGGT), requires both slots and ground handling. This guide covers what you need, how far in advance to ask, and which airports accept international arrivals, using live data from the i-Handler airport directory, sourced from each country's AIP.
Authority: Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC Guatemala) · Reviewed: 2026-09-26
Permits: who issues them and when to apply
Landing and overflight permits for foreign civil aircraft are issued by the DGAC of Guatemala. Requests are processed on business days; plan on a minimum of 48 business hours before the flight, and more around weekends and holidays, since the authority does not normally process requests outside office hours.
The approved permit number must be referenced in your ICAO flight plan (item 18). File the plan only after the permit is confirmed.
Private non-revenue flights and charter (revenue) flights follow different tracks; charter operations require additional commercial documentation, so start earlier.
Documents you will be asked for
Aircraft: certificate of airworthiness, certificate of registration, international insurance certificate with coverage valid for Guatemala, and noise certificate.
Crew: pilot licenses and current medical certificates.
Passengers: passports (6 months validity is the safe standard) and a General Declaration (GENDEC) for arrival.
The i-Handler App generates the GENDEC, passenger manifests and the ICAO flight plan from your trip data, so the paperwork above is produced in minutes instead of retyped per flight.
MGGT La Aurora: slots and mandatory handling
La Aurora International (MGGT / GUA), the main airport of entry in Guatemala City, requires arrival and departure slots and ground handling is mandatory: you must have a handler or FBO arranged before you arrive.
Mundo Maya International (MGMM / FRS) near Flores and Tikal is the other airport of entry, with customs available and no mandatory handling.
Guatemala airports at a glance (live from the i-Handler directory)
| Airport | Entry | Customs | Handling | Slots | Fuel | Providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGBNIzabal/Bananera | No | No | No | No | NO FUEL | 0 |
| MGGTGuatemala City/La Aurora International | Yes | Yes | Mandatory | Yes | AVGAS JET | 8 |
| MGMMMundo Maya International | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 2 |
| MGPBPuerto Barrios | No | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 0 |
| MGRBRubelsanto | No | No | No | No | NO FUEL | 0 |
| MGRTRetalhuleu | No | No | No | No | JET | 0 |
| MGSJPuerto de San Jose | No | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 0 |
Live data from the i-Handler directory; each ICAO links to the airport page with contacts, frequencies and live METAR/TAF.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a landing permit for a private flight to Guatemala?
Yes. Foreign private and business aircraft need a landing permit from DGAC Guatemala, requested through business-day channels, typically at least 48 business hours in advance. The permit number goes in item 18 of your ICAO flight plan.
Is ground handling mandatory at MGGT La Aurora?
Yes. MGGT requires ground handling and arrival/departure slots. Arrange a handler or FBO before you fly; the i-Handler directory lists the providers currently operating there with phone contacts.
Which airports in Guatemala accept international arrivals?
Plan your first landing at an airport of entry: MGGT La Aurora (Guatemala City) or MGMM Mundo Maya (Flores), both with customs and immigration. Other fields such as MGPB Puerto Barrios or MGSJ San Jose show customs in the AIP data, but they are not designated airports of entry: use them only as onward stops after clearing in, unless DGAC authorizes otherwise.
What documents does a GENDEC in Guatemala require?
The General Declaration lists crew and passengers with passport details for customs and immigration. The i-Handler App generates it automatically from your trip, along with passenger manifests and the ICAO flight plan.
How do I find a handler or FBO in Guatemala?
The i-Handler airport directory lists ground handlers and FBOs per airport with phone numbers, and pilots can contact and chat with them directly through the free i-Handler App.
Do the paperwork once, not per flight
The free i-Handler App organizes the trip, generates the GENDEC, manifests and ICAO flight plan, and connects you by chat with the handlers and FBOs listed at your destination. Create your pilot account at i-handler.app.
Create your free pilot accountLast reviewed 2026-09-26 against operational sources. Requirements change: always confirm current rules with DGAC Guatemala or your handler before the flight. This page is operational guidance, not legal advice.