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Insight Horizon Media

Why are Guatemalan adoptions closed?

Author

Rachel Hickman

Published Mar 13, 2026

Why are Guatemalan adoptions closed?

In January 2008, intercountry adoption closed in Guatemala. It came after mounting international pressure pushed the country to become party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, an international agreement to safeguard intercountry adoptions.

Can I adopt a child from Guatemala?

Guatemala allows both single individuals and couples over the age of 25 to adopt. Persons with previous divorces are permitted and welcome to adopt as are persons who already have a child or children in their home. There are also no upper age restrictions to adopt from Guatemala.

Can you adopt Guatemala 2020?

Intercountry adoptions are not currently possible between Guatemala and the United States because the Government of Guatemala is not processing intercountry adoptions with any country at this time.

How long does it take to adopt a child from Guatemala?

between 7-12 months
Typically it takes families and individuals between 7-12 months to complete the international adoption process in Guatemala, but the timeline varies from adoption to adoption.

How much does it cost to adopt a baby in Guatemala?

The average cost to adopt a child from Guatemala is between $25,000 and $38,000.

When did Adoptions stop in Guatemala?

January 1, 2008
Money was the key to international adoption in Guatemala. The country closed to international adoption on January 1, 2008, so that its system could be reformed.

How much does adoption cost in Guatemala?

What country is it easiest to adopt from?

According to the list, China is the number one easiest country to adopt from. This is due to their stable and predictable program. Adopting is a life-changing decision.

How much does it cost to adopt a baby from Guatemala?

How many orphans are in Guatemala?

500,000 orphans
There are currently over 500,000 orphans in Guatemala and one child is abandoned in Guatemala City every 4 days. Vulnerable families are especially in need of our support.

When did Guatemala Close adoption?

How long does it take to adopt a child in Guatemala?

Typically it takes families and individuals between 7-12 months to complete the international adoption process in Guatemala, but the timeline varies from adoption to adoption.

Why can’t I get a Hague Adoption Certificate from Guatemala?

The Department of State remains unable to issue Hague Adoption Certificates or Hague Custody Declarations for new intercountry adoptions from Guatemala, because as of April 1, 2008, when the United States joined the Convention, Guatemala did not and still today does not have a Hague process in place.

Can a child from Guatemala immigrate to the United States?

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa. Guatemala also has consulates in: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Providence and San Francisco.