If you plan to travel outside Guatemalahe Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM) recommends checking first if you have a roots. This query is completely free and from 2024 you can perform online.
According to information from the institution, the measure seeks to ensure that users know their immigration status before starting other procedures or presenting themselves at an airport or border post, avoiding last-minute setbacks.
What is the difference between consultation and certification?
Although both procedures are related to the rootsthey are not the same.
The roots consultation allows you to verify, free of charge, if there is a restriction that prevents leaving the country. It is an information service available to anyone from the IGM platform.
Instead, the roots certification It is an official document that certifies the result of that consultation and requires payment of the corresponding rate before requesting it.
For this reason, the IGM recommends carrying out the free consultation first and managing the certification only when an institution or a specific procedure requires it.
How to check for free if you have roots?
The procedure can be done from any computer or phone with internet access.
You just have to enter the portal Immigration Control of the IGM, provide the requested data and check if you have any roots current. You just need to provide your full name, date of birth, and provide either email or phone number.
Performing this consultation before traveling can prevent a person from being detained at an immigration post due to a restriction that they were unaware of.
How to request roots certification?
If you need the official roots certificationyou must first generate the payment slip on the platform Migrapagos of the IGM. With the generated order you can make the payment at an agency of the National Mortgage Credit (CHN). The cost of certification is US$10equivalent to approximately Q76.20according to the current exchange rate.
To generate the payment slip of the roots certificationthe system of Migration Institute requests to enter the Unique Identification Code (CUI) and the birthdate of the applicant. Once issued, the ballot has a validity of 48 hours; If the payment is not made within that period, it will be necessary to generate a new one before continuing with the process.
After making the payment you must enter the IGM site tool to request the issuance of the certification that you will receive to your email.
Why should you consult before traveling?
IGM spokespersons explain that, verifying for free if there is a roots can avoid:
- The inability to leave the country.
- Delays or detentions at airports and borders.
- The cancellation of flights or international trips.
- Unnecessary expenses due to itinerary changes.
Remember that if you do not need a official certificationthe free consultation may be enough to know your immigration status.