How Does the CA-4 Agreement Work for Traveling in Central America?

Maxime Boudrias  Best answer Updated: Feb. 10, 2025

Guatemala is part of the CA-4 agreement, which allows free movement between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua for up to 90 days total.

• Your 90-day limit starts from the moment you enter any of these countries.
• Immigration officers record your remaining days in your passport when crossing borders within the CA-4 region.
• To avoid fines or penalties, you must leave the CA-4 region before your 90 days expire.

Extending Your Stay in the CA-4 Region

If you want to stay longer, you have two main options:

1. Exit the CA-4 region (e.g., to Mexico, Belize, or Costa Rica) and return after at least 24 hours. This will reset your 90-day allowance.
2. Apply for a visa extension at an immigration office in major cities like Guatemala City or Managua. However, this process can be time-consuming.

In Guatemala City, for example, if you overstay your visa, you'll need to pay a fine at a bank first before applying for an extension, which can take several hours. Because of this, many travelers find it easier to leave the CA-4 zone briefly and return to get a fresh 90 days. Border crossings by land often have fewer restrictions for re-entry.