Source: U.S. State Department
Last updated: May 8th, 2024
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2023
Read the country’s information page for additional information on travel to Guyana.
A. Quick Facts
Passport Validity: 6 months
Blank Passport Pages: 1 page required for entry stamp
Tourist Visa Required: No
Vaccinations: COVID-19
Currency Restrictions for Entry: Failure to declare funds in excess of $10,000 USD can result in prosecution and possible forfeiture.
Currency Restrictions for Exit: Failure to declare funds in excess of $10,000 USD can result in prosecution and possible forfeiture.
B. Safety and Security
Crime: Criminal activity, including murder and armed robbery, is common in Guyana.
Exercise increased situational awareness in certain areas of Georgetown due to increased reports of robberies, sexual assaults and homicides. The neighborhoods of Agricola, Tiger Bay and Albouystown as well as Stabroek Market should be avoided at all times. During the day, exercise increased situational awareness at the National Park, Seawall and Bourda Market. At night, avoid the seawall east of Vlissengen Road, the National Park, and Bourda Market. Avoid walking in Georgetown after dark.
Sexual Assault: Verbal sexual harassment is common and usually takes the form of catcalling and using lewd and sexually suggestive language to describe women’s dress and appearance. This can occur anywhere groups of men congregate, for instance, bars, seawalls, construction sites, bus and car parks, and market areas. Reports of rape have increased within past year. Most victims knew their attacker. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the domestic and sexual violence hotline, 914, and contact the Embassy.
Domestic Violence: Domestic violence, especially against women, is common in Guyana. Some police stations may have a domestic violence unit; however, not all police officers are trained to handle these cases. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the domestic and sexual violence hotline, 914, and contact the Embassy.
Border Dispute: The ongoing dispute about the western border between Guyana and Venezuela has reportedly resulted in assaults, robberies, extortion, and murders in towns on both sides of the border. Fishing villages and mining camps are the most victimized. The Guyanese military and law enforcement lack the capacity to adequately face the challenges in this region.
International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at (+592) 225-2700, 226-4585 or (+592) 227-6123, and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+592) 225-4900/9. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Guyana is 911.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
– Help you find appropriate medical care
– Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
– Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
– Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
– Provide a list of local attorneys
– Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
– Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
– Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
– Replace a stolen or lost passport
C. Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Illegal Drugs: U.S. citizens should only carry items they personally purchase and pack. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, pre-trial detention can last for years, heavy fines are leveraged, and final sentences are lengthy.
Changing Currency and Credit Card Use: Credit cards are accepted in limited locations. Counterfeit U.S. currency is prevalent in Guyana. U.S. citizens should only exchange currency with banks, hotels or licensed money exchange houses.
Firearms: Do not enter Guyana with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Guyana Police Force. Visit the Guyana Police Force’s and U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more information.
Wildlife: An export permit is required by the Ministry of Agriculture to take an exotic animal or plant out of Guyana, and an import permit is required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to bring an exotic animal or plant into the United States.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
– Faith-Based Travel Information
– International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
– Human Rights Report – see country reports
– Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad
LGBTQI+ Travelers: Consensual same-sex sexual relations between men are criminalized in Guyana. It is not uncommon for local police to use the law to intimidate men known or perceived to be gay. There are no laws concerning same-sex sexual relations between women. There is no legal protection from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity under Guyanese law. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Guyanese law prohibits discrimination against disadvantaged persons and persons with disabilities. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Access to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is difficult for persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks are often unevenly paved. Buses and taxis do not have special accommodations. Newer buildings/ buildings in the city are more likely to have ramps, reserved parking, and accomodating sanitary facilities.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
D. Health
The Government of Guyana requires all non-Guyana citizens ages 18 and over entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The quality of medical care in Guyana remains low and inconsistent. Emergency care and hospitalization for major medical illnesses or surgery are limited due to lack of trained specialists and poor sanitation.
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas and activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Almost 80 percent of Guyana’s territory is covered by forest, beyond the area of paved roads. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide medical treatment.
Purchase medical evacuation insurance in advance of travel. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
For emergency services in Guyana, dial 913.
Health facilities in general: Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” or proof of insurance prior to service or admission. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited.
Ambulance Services: Are not widely available, especially in remote parts of the country. Training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulance services are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and are not staffed with trained paramedics and/or often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers are often taken to nearest hospital by taxi or private vehicle.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Prescriptions: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Guyana to ensure the medication is legal in Guyana. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
– World Health Organization
– U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
General Health Language
The following diseases are present:
– Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis)
– COVID-19
– Dengue
– Malaria
– Zika
Use the CDC recommended insect repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers, even for short stays.
Water Quality: In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
E. Travel and Transportation
Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions in Guyana differ significantly from those in the United States. Main roads are generally marked, though they often have potholes. Secondary rural roads tend to be narrow, are sometimes inadequately marked, and have potholes. Exercise caution when driving in Guyana and avoid driving after dark. Road accidents are common and sometimes severe. Drivers, especially those who drive public transportation, can be erratic and display disregard for road safety laws.
If an accident occurs, call 911 for the police and 913 for an ambulance. These numbers may not always be operational, that the police may be slow to respond. An ambulance may not always be available.
For more information about traveling in Guyana, visit the Guyana Tourism Authority website.
Tourism Safety: All travelers visiting Guyana should use only Guyana Tourism Authority approved tour companies and ensure any sub-contracted company or guide is also approved by the Guyana Tourism Authority. A list of approved operators is published on the website of Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce at Approved Tour Operators – MINTIC. Travelers should be diligent and closely follow the safety protocols administered by the tour operators and take reasonable steps to protect safety. We highly recommend travelers wear a personal flotation device that meets U.S. Coast Guard standards and carry appropriate communication equipment when engaging in water activities (link: https://www.nrs.com/learn/is-your-life-jacket-safe). U.S. embassy personnel are required to use only tour companies approved by the Guyana Tourism Authority and to follow their administered safety protocols.
Travel in the Interior: The interior of Guyana is under-policed, emergency services are generally not available, and there is no cellular phone reception in many places. Dirt roads in the interior may be impassable during the rainy season. Travelers visiting the interior should consider bringing their own safety gear, such as life jackets, first aid kits, and communications equipment (e.g., a satellite phone).
Traffic Laws: The use of seatbelts is required by law. There are no laws concerning the use of child car seats. Anyone on a motorcycle must wear a protective helmet. Talking on the cellular telephone while driving without using a hands-free set is illegal.
Public Transportation: Small buses, called “mini-busses” are privately owned, often crowded and tend to travel at excessive speeds. Avoid privately owned minibuses, as drivers frequently drive erratically. Taxis are generally safer to use. Use taxis that are connected to major hotels or that are painted yellow, which indicates they are registered with the Guyana Taxi Association.
See our Road Safety page for more information. The entity responsible for road safety in Guyana is within the Guyana Police Force. They can be reached at (+592) 227-2349.
Private roadside assistance is available through local Guyanese insurance companies. For travel outside of Georgetown, roadside assistance may be delayed or unavailable.
Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Guyana, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Airlines typically operate based on demand and can therefore delay, reroute, or cancel flights without notice. U.S. citizens should carry medication, valuables, and perishables in carry-on luggage.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Guyana should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.
F. If you decide to travel to Guyana:
– Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
– Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
– See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
– Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
– See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
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Visit our Discover Guyana page for all the information you need to plan your trip.
