Public bus accidents due to equipment failure or human error are frequent. Americans are frequent victims of pickpockets and robbers on public buses. Prospective adoptive parents are urged to check with the Consular Section to be sure that their child's adoption is complete before traveling to Guatemala to apply for their child's immigrant visa. Adoptive parents are also urged to carry with them complete adoption paperwork when traveling with their adopted child to, from, and within Guatemala. Care should be taken in swimming in the waters along the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.
Riptides are frequent and the undertow is strong.
There were three reported drownings of American citizens in the first six months of 1997 alone. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Guatemala's air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The Department of Defense does not permit U.S. military personnel to use carriers from Guatemala for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the U.S., or in extenuating circumstances. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at tel. U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, and may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Guatemala.