________________________________________________________________________ 

TREATIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ACTS SERIES 20-1201 

DEFENSE 

Status of Forces 

Agreement Between the 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

and GUATEMALA 

Effected by Exchange of Notes at Guatemala November 25 

and December 1, 2020 

Entered into force December 1, 2020 
NOTE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

Pursuant to Public Law 89—497, approved July 8, 1966 

(80 Stat. 271; 1 U.S.C. 113)—

“. . .the Treaties and Other International Acts Series issued

under the authority of the Secretary of State shall be competent 

evidence . . . of the treaties, international agreements other than 

treaties, and proclamations by the President of such treaties and 

international agreements other than treaties, as the case may be, 

therein contained, in all the courts of law and equity and of maritime 

jurisdiction, and in all the tribunals and public offices of the 

United States, and of the several States, without any further proof 

or authentication thereof.”
No. 363 

The Embassy ofthe United States ofAmerica ("Embassy,,) presents its 

compliments to the Minjstry of Foreign Affairs ofthe Republic ofGuatemala 

("Ministry") and has the honor to refer to recent discussions between 

representatives of our two Governments regarding issues related to United 

States ("U.S.") military and civilian personnel (defined as members of the 

U.S. Anned Forces and civilian employees ofthe U.S. Department of 

Defense, respectively, hereafter referred'to collectively as U.S. personnel) and 

U.S. contractors (defined as non-Republic of Guatemala companies and firms, 

and their employees who are not nationals ofthe Republic ofGuatemala, 

under contract with the U.S. Department ofDefense) who may be temporarily 

present in the territory ofthe Republic ofGuatemala in connection with ship 

visits, training, exercises, humanitarian ai.;tivities, and other activities as 

mutually agreed. 

DIPLOMATIC NOTE 
- 2 -

As a result ofthese discussions, and noting the longstanding military 

and technical cooperation between the two governments, including under the 

General Agreement for Technical Cooperation between the Government ofthe 

United States of America and the Government ofGuatemala, signed at 

Guatemala City September 1, 1954, as well as the Bilateral Military 

Assistance Agreement between the Government of the United States of 

America and the Government of Guatemala, signed at Guatemala City June 

18, 1955, the Embassy proposes that U.S. personnel be accorded the 

privileges, exemptions, and immunities equivalent to those accorded to the 

administrative and technical staff of a diplomatic mission under the Vienna 

Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961; that U.S. personnel 

may enter and exit the territory ofthe Republic of Guatemala with U.S. 

identification and with collective movement or individual travel orders; that 

the Republic of Guatemala shall accept as valid all professional licenses 

issued by the United States, States thereof, or their political subdivisions to 

U.S. personnel for the provision of services to authorized personnel; and that 

the Republic of Guatemala authorities shall accept as valid, without a driving 

test or fee, driving licenses or permits issued by the appropriate U.S. 

authorities to U .S. personnel for the operation of vehicles. The Embassy 

further proposes that U.S. personnel be authorized to wear uniforms while 
- 3 -

performing official duties and to carry anns while on duty if authorized to do 

so by their orders. 

The Government ofthe Republic of Guatemala recognizes the particular 

importance of disciplinary control by U.S. Armed Forces authorities over U.S. 

personnel and, therefore, authorizes the Government ofthe United States of 

America to exercise criminal jurisdiction over U.S. personnel while in the 

territory ofthe Republic of Guatemala. 

The Embassy further proposes that the U.S. Department ofDefense and 

U.S. personnel shall not be liable to pay any tax or similar charge assessed 

within the territory ofthe Republic of Guatemala and that the U.S. Department 

ofDefense and U.S. personnel may impo1t into, export out of, and use in the 

territory ofthe Republic of Guatemala any personal property, equipment, 

supplies, materiel, technology, training, or services in connection with 

activities under this Agreement. Such importation, exportation, and use shall 

be exempt from any inspection, license, other restrictions, customs duties, 

taxes, or any other charges assessed within the territory of the Republic of 

Guatemala. The Governments of the United States of America and the 
- 4 -

Republic ofGuatemala shall cooperate to take such measures as may be 

necessary to ensure the security and protection ofU.S. personnel, property, 

equipment, records, and official information in the territory ofthe Republic of 

Guatemala. 

The Embassy proposes that aircraft, vessels, and vehicles operated by 

or, at the time, exclusively for the U.S. Department ofDefense may enter, 

exit, and move freely within the territory ofthe Republic of Guatemala, and 

that such vehicles (whether self-propelled or towed) shall not be subj ect to the 

payment of overland transit tolls. Vessels and aircraft owned or operated by 

or, at the time, exclusively for the U.S. Department ofDefense shall not be 

subject to the payment of landing, parking, or port fees, pilotage charges, 

lighterage, and harbor dues at facilities owned and operated by the 

Government ofthe Republic of Guatemala. Aircraft owned and operated by 

or, at the time, exclusively for the U.S. Department ofDefense shall not be 

subject to payment of navigation, overflight, terminal, or similar charges when 

in the territory ofthe Republic ofGuatemala. The U.S. Department of 

Defense shall pay reasonable charges for services requested and received at 

rates no less favorable than those paid by the Armed Forces ofthe Republic of 
- 5 -

Guatemala. Aircraft, vessels, and vehicles ofthe U.S. Government shall be 

free from boarding and inspection. 

The Embassy also proposes that the U.S. Department ofDefense may 

contract for any materiel, supplies, equipment, and services (including 

construction) to be furnished or undertaken in the te1Titory of the Republic of 

Guatemala without restriction as to choice of contractor, supplier, or person 

who provides such materiel, supplies, equipment, or services. Such contracts 

shall be solicited, awarded, and administered in accordance with the laws and 

regulations ofthe Government of the United States of America. Acquisition 

of articles and services in the territory of the Republic ofGuatemala by or on 

behalfofthe U.S. Department of Defense in connection with activities under 

this Agreement shall not be subject to any taxes or similar charges in the 

territory ofthe Republic of Guatemala. 

The Embassy fu rther proposes that U.S. contractors shall not be liable 

to pay any tax or similar charge assessed within the territory of the Republic 

of Guatemala in connection with activities under this Agreement and that such 

contractors may import into, export out of, and use in the territory ofthe 
- 6 -

Republic ofGuatemala any personal property, equipment, supplies, materiel, 

technology, training, or services in fulfillment of contracts with the U.S. 

Department ofDefense in connection with activities under this 

Agreement. Such importation, exportation, and use shall be exempt from any 

inspection, license, other restrictions, customs duties, taxes, or any other 

charges assessed within the territory of the Republic ofGuatemala. 

The Embassy proposes that U.S. contractors shall be granted the same 

treatment as U.S. personnel with respect to professional and drivers' licenses. 

The Embassy proposes that U.S. personnel shall have freedom of 

movement and access to and use of mutually agreed transportation, storage, 

training, and other facilities required in connection with activities under this 

Agreement. 

The Government ofthe Republic ofGuatemala recognizes that it may 

be necessary for the U.S. Armed Forces to use the radio spectrum. The U.S. 

Department ofDefense shall be allowed to operate its own telecommunication 

systems (as telecommunication is defined in the 1992 Constitution and 
- 7 -

Convention ofthe International Telecommunication Union). This shall 

include the right to utilize such means and services as required to ensure full 

ability to operate telecommunication systems, and the right to use all 

necessary radio spectrum for this purpose. Use ofthe radio spectrum shall be 

free of cost to the U.S. Government. 

Further, the Embassy proposes that the Parties waive any and all claims 

( other than contractual claims) against each other for damage to, loss of, or 

destruction ofthe other's property or injury or death to personnel of either 

Party's armed forces or their civilian personnel arising out ofthe performance 

of their official duties in connection with activities under this 

Agreement. Claims by third parties for damages or loss caused by U.S. 

personnel shall be resolved by the U.S. Government in accordance with U.S. 

laws and regulations. 

The Embassy proposes further that the two Governments, or their 

designated representatives, may enter into implementing arrangements to 

carry out the provisions ofthis Agreement. 
- 8 -

This Agreement, upon its entry into force, shall supersede, 1) the 

Agreement regarding the status ofU.S. personnel who may be temporarily 

present in Guatemala in connection with Special Operations Training, effected 

by exchange ofnotes at Guatemala City December 21 and 27, 2010, and 

subsequently extended by exchanges of notes dated December 26 and 28, 

2012, November 26, 2014, November 2 and December 16, 2016, and 

November 30 and December 17, 2018; and 2) the Agreement regarding the 

status ofU.S. personnel who may be temporarily present in Guatemala in 

connection with projects under the U.S. Southern Command Humanitarian 

Assistance Program (HAP), effected by exchange ofnotes at Guatemala City 

December 17 and 27, 2010, and subsequently extended by exchange of notes 

dated December 26 and 28, 2012, November 26 and December 14, 2014, 

November 2 and December 22, 2016, and November 30 and December 17, 

2018. 

It is understood that the activities under this Agreement do not 

constitute the free entering of a foreign army into the territory ofthe Republic 

of Guatemala, or the establishment offoreign bases in it. 
- 9 -

If the foregoing is acceptable to the Government ofthe Republic of 

Guatemala, the Embassy proposes that this note, together with the Ministry's 

reply to that effect, shall constitute an agreement between the two 

Governments, which shall enter into force on the date of the Ministry's reply. 

Embassy of the United States of America, 

Guatemala, November 25, 2020. 
MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES 

REPOBUCA DE GUATEMALA, C.A. 

11-5/Am.10 

3686-2018 

EBICL 

DITRAl-960-2020 

El Mlnisterio de Relaclones Exteriores de la Republica de Guatemala tiene el honor de 

saludar a la Honorable Embajada de los Estados Unidos de America y acusa recibo de la 

Nota Verbal numero 363 de fecha 25 de noviembre de 2020, que literalmente dice lo 

siguiente: 

"La Embajada de los Estados Unidos de America ("Embajada'J presenta sus 

saludos al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la Repub/ica de Guatemala 

("Ministerio'J y tiene el honor de referirse a las recientes discusiones entre representantes 

de nuestros dos gobiernos sobre /os asuntos relativos al personal militar y civil de /os 

Estados Unidos {definido como miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas de /os Estados Unidos 

y empleados civi/es def Departamento de Defensa de /os Estados Unidos, 

respectivamente, en adelante referidos colectivamente como personal de /os Estados 

Unidos) y de los contratistas estadounidenses (definidos como compani as y firmas no 

radicadas en la Republica de Guatemala, y sus emp/eados que no sean nacionales de la 

Republica de Guatemala, bajo contrato con el Departamento de Defensa de los Estados 

Unidos) que puedan estar presentes temporalmente en el teffitorio de la Republica de 

Guatemala con relaci6n a visitas de buques, entrenamiento, ejercicios, actividades 

humanitarias y otras actividades mutuamente acordadas. 

HONORABLEEMBAJADA 

DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA 

CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA 
MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES 

REP0BLICA DE GUATEMALA, C.A. 

Como resultado de estas discusiones y considerando la hist6rica cooperaci6n 

militar y tecnica entre ambas gobiernos, incluyendo la prestada al amparo de/ Canvenia 

General de Caaperaci6n T ecnica entre el Gabierna de Guatemala y el Gabierno de las 

Estadas Unidas de America, firmada en la Ciudad de Guatemala el 1 de septiembre de 

1954, y def Convenio Bilateral de Asistencia Militar entre el Gobierno de Guatemala y el 

Gabierno de los Estadas Unidos de America, firmado en la Ciudad de Guatemala el 18 de 

Junia de 1955, la Embajada propane que al personal de los Estados Unidas le sean 

otorgados privilegias, exenciones e inmunidades equivalentes a los atargados al personal 

administrativo y tecnico de las misianes diplomaticas baja la Canvenci6n de Viena sabre 

Relacianes Dip/omaticas def 18 de abril de 1961; que el personal de los Estados Unidos 

pueda entrar y salir de/ territario de la Republica de Guatemala con identificaci6n de las 

Estados Unidos y con 6rdenes de movimiento calectiva o de viaje individual; que la 

Republica de Guatemala aceptara como validas todas las licencias profesionales emitidas 

por los Estados Unidos, sus estados o sus subdivisiones politicas para dicho personal de 

los Estados Unidos con vistas al suministro de servicios a personal autorizado; y que las 

autoridades de la Republica de Guatemala aceptaran como validas, sin prueba de 

conducir o cuota, las licencias o permisos de conducir emitidos por las autoridades 

correspondientes de los Estados Unidos al personal de los Estados Unidos para la 

operaci6n de vehiculos. La Embajada ademas propane que el personal de los Estados 

Unidos este autorizado a vestir uniforme mientras este cump/iendo obligaciones oficiales 

y portar armas mientras se encuentre en servicio, si asi le fuese autorizado por sus 

6rdenes. 

El Gobierno de la Republica de Guatemala reconoce la importancia particular de 

que las autoridades de las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos tengan control 

disciplinario sabre el personal de los Estados Unidos y, por lo tanto, autoriza al Gobierno 

de los Estados Unidos de America a ejercer jurisdicci6n penal sabre dicho personal 

mientras este se encuentre en el territorio de la Republica de Guatemala. 
MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES 

REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA, C.A. 

La Embajada ademas propone que el personal def Departamento de Defensa de 

/os Estados Unidos y de /os Estados Unidos no sera responsable de pagar ningun 

impuesto o cargo similar aplicado dentro def territorio de la Repub/ica de Guatemala y que 

dicho personal pueda importar a, exportar desde, y usar en el territorio de la Republica de 

Guatemala cua/quier bien personal, equipo, suministros, pertrechos, tecnologia, 

entrenamiento o servicios en relaci6n con actividades al amparo def presente Acuerdo. 

Dicha importaci6n, exportacion y uso estaran exentos de cua/quier inspecci6n, licencia, 

otras restricciones, tasas de aduanas, impuestos o cua/quier otro cargo aplicado dentro 

de/ territorio de la Republica de Guatemala. Los Gobiernos de los Estados Unidos de 

America y de la Republica de Guatemala deberan cooperar para tomar las medidas que 

puedan ser necesarias para garantizar la seguridad y la protecci6n de/ personal de /os 

Estados Unidos, sus bienes, equipos, registros e informaci6n oficial en el territorio de la 

Republica de Guatemala. 

La Embajada propane que las aeronaves, /os buques y las vehiculos operados par 

el Departamento de Defensa de /os Estados Unidos, o que en ese momenta esten 

operados exclusivamente para dicho departamento, puedan entrar al territorio de la 

Republica de Guatemala, sa/ir de el y desplazarse libremente par el mismo, y que dichos 

vehiculos (sea que se desplacen par sf mismos o tirados con grua) no estaran sujetos al 

pago de peajes par transito terrestre. Los buques y aeranaves de propiedad de dicho 

departamento, operados por este, o que en ese momenta esten operadas exclusivamente 

para el, no estaran sujetos al pago de cuotas de aterrizaje, parqueo, puerto, cargos de 

practicaje, gabarraje u otros derechos portuarios en instalaciones de propiedad de/ 

Gobierno de la Republica de Guatemala y operadas por este. Las aeranaves de 

propiedad de/ Departamento de Defensa de los Estados Unidos y operadas por este, o 

que en ese momenta esten operadas exclusivamente para dicho departamento, no 

estaran sujetas al paga de cargos de navegaci6n, sobrevuelo, terminales o cargos 

similares mientras esten en el territorio de la Republica de Guatemala. El Departamento 

de Defensa de las Estados Unidas debera pagar cargos razonables por las serviciOS-flt;fe--_. 

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MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES 

REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA, C.A. 

solicite y reciba, a tasas no menos favorables que las pagadas por las Fuerzas Armadas 

de Guatemala. Las aeronaves, los buques y los vehiculos def Gobierno de /os Estados 

Unidos de America estaran exonerados de abordajes e inspecciones. 

La Embajada ademas propane que el Departamento de Defensa de los Estados 

Unidos pueda contratar cualesquiera pertrechos, suministros, equipos y servicios 

(incluidos /os de construcci6n) que se suministren o I/even a cabo en el territorio de la 

Republica de Guatemala sin restricciones en cuanto a la elecci6n de/ contratista, 

proveedor o persona que suministre esos pertrechos, suministros, equipos o servicios. 

Esos contratos se deberan solicitar, adjudicar y administrar de conformidad con las /eyes 

y regulaciones def Gobierno de los Estados Unidos de America. La adquisici6n de 

articulos y servicios en el territorio de la Republica de Guatemala por el Departamento de 

Defensa de los Estados Unidos o en su nombre en relaci6n con actividades al amparo def 

presente Acuerdo no estara sujeta a ning(m impuesto ni cargo similar en el territorio de la 

Republica de Guatemala. 

La Embajada ademas propane que los contratistas estadounidenses no estaran 

sujetos al pago de ningun impuesto o cargo similar aplicado dentro de/ territorio de la 

Republica de Guatemala en relaci6n con actividades al amparo def presente Acuerdo y 

que esos contratistas puedan importar a dicho territorio, exportar de el y usar dentro def 

mismo cualesquiera bienes persona/es, equipos, suministros, pertrechos, tecnologfas, 

entrenamiento o servicios en cump/imiento de contratos con el Departamento de Defensa 

de los Estados Unidos relacionados con actividades al amparo de/ presente Acuerdo. Esa 

importaci6n, exportaci6n y uso estara exonerada de cualquier inspecci6n, licencia, otras 

restricciones, tasas de aduanas, impuestos o cua/quier otro cargo aplicado dentro de/ 

territorio de la Republica de Guatemala. 

La Embajada propane que a los contratistas estadounidenses se Jes otorgara el 

mismo tratamiento que el otorgado al personal de /os Estados Unidos en cuanto a las 

licencias profesionales y de conducir. 
MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES 

REPOBLICA DE GUATEMALA, C.A. 

La Embajada propane que el personal de los Estados Unidos tendra libertad de 

movimiento y acceso a, y uso de, medias de transporte, almacenamiento, entrenamiento 

y otras instalaciones, mutuamente acordados, que se requieran en relaci6n con 

actividades al amparo def presente Acuerdo. 

El Gobierno de la Republica de Guatemala reconoce que las Fuerzas Armadas de 

las Estados Unidos pueden tener que usar el espectro radioelectrico. Al Departamento de 

Defensa de los Estados Unidos se le debera permitir operar sus propios sistemas de 

telecomunicaciones (el termino "telecomunicaciones" seg(m se lo define en la 

Constituci6n y Convenio de la Union Internacional de Telecomunicaciones, de 1992). Esto 

debera incluir el derecho de utilizar las medios y servicios que se requieran para asegurar 

plena capacidad para operar las sistemas de telecomunicaciones y el derecho de usar 

todas las frecuencias def espectro radioelectrico que sean necesarias para este prop6sito. 

El uso def espectro radioelectrico debera ser sin costo alguno para el Gobierno de /os 

Estados Unidos. 

Ademas, la Embajada propane que las Partes obvien cualquier reclamo (excepto 

los reclamos contractuales) entre sf por dano, perdida o destrucci6n de bienes de la otra 

Parle o por la lesion o muerte de miembros def personal de las fuerzas armadas de 

cualquiera de las Partes o su personal civil, que surja def cumplimiento de sus deberes 

oficiales en relaci6n con actividades al amparo def presente Acuerdo. Los reclamos de 

terceros por danos o perdidas causados por personal de Jos Estados Unidos seran 

resueltos por el Gobierno de los Estados Unidos de acuerdo con las /eyes y regulaciones 

de dicho pals. 

La Embajada ademas propane que ambos gobiernos, o sus representantes 

designados, puedan celebrar arreglos de implementaci6n para dar cumplimiento a las 

disposiciones def presente Acuerdo. 
MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES 

REPOBLICA DE GUATEMALA, C.A. 

En el momenta de entrar en vigencia, el presente Acuerdo reemplazara 1) al 

Acuerdo sabre el estatus de/ personal de los Estados Unidos que pueda estar presente 

temporalmente en la Republica de Guatemala con relaci6n a las Operaciones de 

Entrenamiento Especial, celebrado por canje de notas en la Ciudad de Guatemala los 

dias 21 y 27 de diciembre de 2010, y posteriormente prorrogado por canje de notas con 

fechas 26 y 28 de diciembre de 2012, 26 de noviembre de 2014, 2 de noviembre y 16 de 

diciembre de 2016 y 30 de noviembre y 17 de diciembre de 2018; y 2) al Acuerdo sobre el 

estatus def personal de los Estados Unidos que pueda estar presente temporalmente en 

la Repub/ica de Guatemala con relaci6n a proyectos bajo el Programa de Asistencia 

Humanitaria def Comando Sur (HAP, por sus siglas en ingles), celebrado por canje de 

notas en la Ciudad de Guatemala los dias 17 y 27 de diciembre de 2010, y 

posteriormente prorrogado por canje de notas con fechas 26 y 28 de diciembre de 2012, 

26 de noviembre y 14 de diciembre de 2014, 2 de noviembre y 22 de diciembre de 2016 y 

30 de noviembre y 17 de diciembre de 2018. 

Queda entendido que las actividades que se I/even a cabo al amparo def presente 

Acuerdo no constituyen la entrada fibre de un ejercito extranjero al territorio de la 

Republica de Guatemala, ni el establecimiento de bases extranjeras en dicho territorio. 

Si lo anterior es aceptable para el Gobierno de la Republica de Guatemala, la 

Embajada propane que esta nota, junto con la respectiva respuesta def Ministerio, 

deberan constituir un acuerdo entre ambos gobiernos, que entrara en vigor en la fecha de 

la respuesta def Ministerio. 

Embajada de los Estados Unidos de America, 

Guatemala, 25 de noviembre de 2020." 

El Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de/ Gobierno de la Republica de Guatemala tiene el 

honor de confirmar que las propuestas expresadas en la Nota de la Embajada son 

aceptables para el Gobierno de la Republica de Guatemala y que la Nota de la Embajad 

~:?-t.LACIO,v~ /'\<0' ,5'' _/q_~i'I{, I~ 1;:E - ,, "" -~ l ~ t 

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MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES 

REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA, C.A. 

la presente Nota constituyen un Acuerdo entre los dos Gobiernos que entrara en vigor en 

la presente fecha. 

El Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la Republica de Guatemala aprovecha la 

oportunidad para renovar a la Honorable Embajada de los Estados Unidos de America el 

testimonio de su mas a/ta y distinguida consideracion. 

Guatemala, 1 de diciembre de 2020 
II-5/Am.10 

3686-2018 

EB/CL 

Courtesy translation 

DITRAl-960-2020 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala has the honor to present its 

compliments to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America and 

acknowledges receipt of Note No. 363 dated on November 25, 2020 which literally states 

the following: 

"The Embassy of the United States of America ("Embassy'') presents its 

compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala ("Ministry'') 

and has the honor to refer to recent discussions between representatives of our two 

Governments regarding issues related to United States ("U.S.'') military and civilian 

personnel (defined as members of the U.S. Armed Forces and civilian employees of the 

U.S. Department of Defense, respectively, hereafter referred to collectively as U.S. 

personnel) and U.S. contractors (defined as non-Republic of Guatemala companies and 

firms, and their employees who are not nationals of the Republic of Guatemala, under 

contract with the U.S. Department of Defense) who may be temporarily present in the 

territory of the Republic of Guatemala in connection with ship visits, training, exercises, 

humanitarian activities, and other activities as mutually agreed. 

HONORABLE 

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STA TES OF AMERICA 

GUATEMALA CITY 
As a result of these discussions, and noting the longstanding military and technical 

cooperation between the two governments, including under the General Agreement for 

Technical Cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the 

Government of Guatemala, signed at Guatemala City September 1, 1954, as well as the 

Bilateral Military Assistance Agreement between the Government of the United States of 

America and the Government of Guatemala, signed at Guatemala City June 18, 1955, the 

Embassy proposes that U.S. personnel be accorded the privileges, exemptions, and 

immunities equivalent to those accorded to the administrative and technical staff of a 

diplomatic mission under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 

1961; that U.S. personnel may enter and exit the territory of the Republic of Guatemala 

with U.S. identification and with collective movement or individual travel orders; that the 

Republic of Guatemala shall accept as valid all professional licenses issued by the United 

States, States thereof, or their political subdivisions to U.S. personnel for the provision of 

services to authorized personnel; and that the Republic of Guatemala authorities shall 

accept as valid, without a driving test or fee, driving licenses or permits issued by the 

appropriate U.S. authorities to U.S. personnel for the operation of vehicles. The Embassy 

further proposes that U.S. personnel be authorized to wear uniforms while performing 

official duties and to carry arms while on duty if authorized to do so by their orders. 

The Government of the Republic of Guatemala recognizes the particular 

importance of disciplinary control by U.S. Armed Forces authorities over U.S. personnel 

and, therefore, authorizes the Government of the United States of America to exercise 

criminal jurisdiction over U.S. personnel while in the territory of the Republic of 

Guatemala. 

The Embassy further proposes that the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. 

personnel shall not be liable to pay any tax or similar charge assessed within the territory 

of the Republic of Guatemala and that the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. 

personnel may import into, export out of, and use in the territory of the Republic of 

Guatemala any personal property, equipment, supplies, materiel, technology, training, or 
services in connection with activities under this Agreement. Such importation, exportation, 

and use shall be exempt from any inspection, license, other restrictions, customs duties, 

taxes, or any other charges assessed within the territory of the Republic of Guatemala. 

The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Guatemala shall 

cooperate to take such measures as may be necessary to ensure the security and 

protection of U.S. personnel, property, equipment, records, and official information in the 

territory of the Republic of Guatemala. 

The Embassy proposes that aircraft, vessels, and vehicles operated by or, at the 

time, exclusively for the U.S. Department of Defense may enter, exit, and move freely 

within the territory of the Republic of Guatemala, and that such vehicles (whether selfpropelled or towed) shall not be subject to the payment of overland transit tolls. Vessels 

and aircraft owned or operated by or, at the time, exclusively for the U.S. Department of 

Defense shall not be subject to the payment of landing, parking, or port fees, pilotage 

charges, lighterage, and harbor dues at facilities owned and operated by the Government 

of the Republic of Guatemala. Aircraft owned and operated by or, at the time, exclusively 

for the U.S. Department of Defense shall not be subject to payment of navigation, 

overflight, terminal, or similar charges when in the territory of the Republic of Guatemala. 

The U.S. Department of Defense shall pay reasonable charges for services requested and 

received at rates no less favorable than those paid by the Armed Forces of the Republic of 

Guatemala. Aircraft, vessels, and vehicles of the U.S. Government shall be free from 

boarding and inspection. 

The Embassy also proposes that the U.S. Department of Defense may contract for 

any materiel, supplies, equipment, and services (including construction) to be furnished or 

undertaken in the territory of the Republic of Guatemala without restriction as to choice of 

contractor, supplier, or person who provides such materiel, supplies, equipment, or 

services. Such contracts shall be solicited, awarded, and administered in accordance with 

the laws and regulations of the Government of the United States of America. Acquisition 

of articles and services in the territory of the Republic of Guatemala by or on behalf of the 
U.S. Department of Defense in connection with activities under this Agreement shall not 

be subject to any taxes or similar charges in the territory of the Republic of Guatemala. 

The Embassy further proposes that U.S. contractors shall not be liable to pay any 

tax or similar charge assessed within the territory of the Republic of Guatemala in 

connection with activities under this Agreement and that such contractors may import into, 

export out of, and use in the territory of the Republic of Guatemala any personal property, 

equipment, supplies, materiel, technology, training, or services in fulfillment of contracts 

with the U.S. Department of Defense in connection with activities under this Agreement. 

Such importation, exportation, and use shall be exempt from any inspection, license, other 

restrictions, customs duties, taxes, or any other charges assessed within the territory of 

the Republic of Guatemala. 

The Embassy proposes that U.S. contractors shall be granted the same treatment 

as U.S. personnel with respect to professional and drivers' licenses. 

The Embassy proposes that U.S. personnel shall have freedom of movement and 

access to and use of mutually agreed transportation, storage, training, and other facilities 

required in connection with activities under this Agreement. 

The Government of the Republic of Guatemala recognizes that it may be 

necessary for the U.S. Armed Forces to use the radio spectrum. The U.S. Department of 

Defense shall be allowed to operate its own telecommunication systems (as 

telecommunication is defined in the 1992 Constitution and Convention of the International 

Telecommunication Union). This shall include the right to utilize such means and services 

as required to ensure full ability to operate telecommunication systems, and the right to 

use all necessary radio spectrum for this purpose. Use of the radio spectrum shall be free 

of cost to the U.S. Government. 
Further, the Embassy proposes that the Parties waive any and all claims (other 

than contractual claims) against each other for damage to, loss of, or destruction of the 

other's property or injury or death to personnel of either Party's armed forces or their 

civilian personnel arising out of the performance of their official duties in connection with 

activities under this Agreement. Claims by third parties for damages or loss caused by 

U.S. personnel shall be resolved by the U.S. Government in accordance with U.S. laws 

and regulations. 

The Embassy proposes further that the two Governments, or their designated 

representatives, may enter into implementing arrangements to carry out the provisions of 

this Agreement. 

This Agreement, upon its entry into force, shall supersede, 1) the Agreement 

regarding the status of U.S. personnel who may be temporarily present in Guatemala in 

connection with Special Operations Training, effected by exchange of notes at Guatemala 

City December 21 and 27, 2010, and subsequently extended by exchanges of notes dated 

December 26 and 28, 2012, November 26, 2014, November 2 and December 16, 2016, 

and November 30 and December 17, 2018; and 2) the Agreement regarding the status of 

U.S. personnel who may be temporarily present in Guatemala in connection with projects 

under the U.S. Southern Command Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), effected by 

exchange of notes at Guatemala City December 17 and 27, 2010, and subsequently 

extended by exchange of notes dated December 26 and 28, 2012, November 26 and 

December 14, 2014, November 2 and December 22, 2016, and November 30 and 

December 17, 2018. 

It is understood that the activities under this Agreement do not constitute the free 

entering of a foreign army into the territory of the Republic of Guatemala, or the 

establishment of foreign bases in it. 
If the foregoing is acceptable to the Government of the Republic of Guatemala, the 

Embassy proposes that this note, together with the Ministry's reply to that effect, shall 

constitute an agreement between the two Governments, which shall enter into force on 

the date of the Ministry's reply. 

Embassy of the United States ofAmerica, 

Guatemala, November 25, 2020." 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Republic of Guatemala has the 

honor to confirm that the proposals set forth in the Embassy's Note are acceptable to the 

Government of the Republic of Guatemala and that the Embassy's Note and this Note in 

reply shall constitute an Agreement between the two Governments which shall enter into 

force on this date. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala takes this opportunity to 

renew to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its 

highest consideration. 

Guatemala, December 1, 2020