If you have left your country and are afraid to return because your life, integrity, liberty, or security is in danger, you have the right to request protection as a refugee. This is also called an application for asylum or a request for refugee status.
Watch this video to learn how to apply for refugee status in Guatemala.
Download an infographic outlining how to apply for refugee status in Guatemala.
In Guatemala City you can approach the Department for the Recognition of Refugee Status (DRER): 7a Avenida, 14-44, Zona 9, Edificio La Galería, Office 15B, second level.
Please note that:
- Access to the right to seek and receive asylum must be guaranteed without discrimination. In other words, any person needing protection may file an asylum application regardless of nationality, age, gender, political opinion, religion, race, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics. Children and adolescents also have this right, even when travelling alone..
- It is not possible to apply for asylum from your own country of origin. You must have left your country of origin or usual residence to apply for asylum in another country.
- Each country has its own procedure for requesting and recognizing refugee or international protection status for you and/or your family group.
- The application is free of charge and your case must be evaluated on an individual basis by the relevant authorities of the country where you submit your application.
- All information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with persons or authorities in your home country.
- The submission of documents or evidence is not a requirement to apply. However, if you have them, do not hesitate to present them.
- It is a process that takes time. Submitting your application to the relevant authority is only the first step in the process of obtaining recognition as a refugee by a country.
Non-return:
States are obliged not to return any person to a country or territory where their life, integrity, liberty or security is at risk. This is called the principle of non-refoulement and it means that you cannot be returned to your country of origin without first having the right to submit your asylum application and have it examined by the relevant authorities. No public official should deny you access to Guatemalan territory, and you should not be expelled to the country you are afraid to return to