US Embassy Guatemala points safety alert after gang assaults on police

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has issued a safety alert warning Americans to make use of “increased caution” when within the Central American nation. 

“The U.S. Embassy has lifted the shelter-in-place order for their staff,” says the alert, which was issued Sunday. “The situation remains tense with coordinated, armed attacks on police in several zones of Guatemala City.”

The Embassy recommends that Americans monitor native media for updates, keep away from crowds and demonstrations, and intention to maintain a “low profile.”

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Travelers are suggested to evaluate private safety plans and decrease pointless actions.

The alert comes as gangs have attacked Guatemalan police after seizing management of three prisons in coordinated riots, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

Over 2.9 million worldwide guests traveled to Guatemala between January and November 2025, based on the Guatemalan Tourism Institute.

President Bernardo Arévalo issued an emergency declaration after prisoners took 43 guards hostage, killing 10 officers.

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There had been “coordinated actions by self-named maras or gangs against state security forces, including armed attacks against civilian authorities,” the declaration famous. 

The violence has been linked to main felony gangs similar to Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), each labeled as terrorist organizations by Guatemala and the United States, based on AP.

At the time, the U.S. Embassy issued a press release to AP condemning the assaults.

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“These terrorists, as well as those who cooperate with them or are linked to them, have no place in our hemisphere,” the assertion learn.

“The security of the Guatemalan people and the stability of our hemisphere must prevail,” it continued.

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“We reaffirm our support for Guatemala’s security forces to curb the violence.”

The U.S. State Department lists Guatemala at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” standing. 

“We reaffirm our support for Guatemala’s security forces to curb the violence.”

The State Department has 4 journey advisory ranges to assist vacationers assess security dangers earlier than visiting different nations.

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The advisory ranges are: Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions; Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution; Level 3 – Reconsider Travel; and Level 4 – Do Not Travel.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.