Entry and practicalities
Disponible solo en inglés
Visas, passports, health entry rules, money, power plugs, driving, weather and staying safe in Guyana.
Rules change. Everything here was checked on 24 October 2026 against the official sources listed below. Confirm with your own government and the Guyana authorities before you travel.
Getting there
Most international flights land at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, south of Georgetown. Airlines listed on the airport's website include American, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Copa, JetBlue, KLM, United, Surinam Airways, InterCaribbean, Avianca, Aruba Airlines, LIAT, Sky High and Fly Allways. Check with the airline that it currently flies your route.[1]
The smaller Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, on the edge of Georgetown, handles regional and domestic flights.[2]
On arrival, CJIA asks travellers to complete the online Embarkation and Disembarkation (E/D) form.[1] The UK warns that gangs have followed cars from CJIA and attacked people at their destination. Avoid the airport road late at night and before dawn if you can, keep windows closed and doors locked, and arrange a hotel or licensed taxi in advance.[3]
By land, the Takutu River Bridge at Lethem links Guyana with Brazil. From Suriname, use only the scheduled ferry across the Corentyne River. Crossing by water taxi ("backtracking") is illegal.[3][4]
Visas and passports
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, CARICOM states, Japan, Australia and much of the EU, do not need a visa for a visit. Conditions apply. Check your passport against the official list | [5][6] |
| Length of stay | The UK says visitors can normally stay 30 days, with one-month extensions available; the US and Canada say up to 90 days. The immigration officer decides on arrival, so ask | [3][4][7] |
| Passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival | [3][4] |
| Yellow fever | A vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever | [3][4] |
| Cash | Declare amounts over US$10,000 | [4] |
| Overstaying | Can lead to arrest, a fine, prison and deportation | [3] |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs list (dated 17 July 2025) and the Immigration Support Services landing permit list do not always match. Check both if your nationality is not clearly listed.[5][6]
Money
- The currency is the Guyanese dollar (GYD). US dollars are widely accepted.[4][7]
- Change money only at banks or licensed cambios, never on the street.[3][4]
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres. CJIA has Scotia Bank and Republic Bank ATMs in the arrivals area.[1][3]
- Tipping of about 10% to 15% is usual.[8]
Power and plugs
120/240 V, 60 Hz. Plug types A, B, D and G are used, so bring a universal adapter.[8][9]
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. A UK photocard licence can be used; for longer stays, a 4-week foreign driving permit is available, and CJIA lists a driver's permit service at the Customs office.[1][3] Roads can be dangerous: drive with care, especially at night, and keep away from minibuses.[3]
Weather
Guyana is tropical. The UK says the main rainy seasons are generally May to June and December to January; other sources give slightly different months. The low coast can flood.[3][4]
Health
Medical facilities are very limited, even in Georgetown, and far more so in remote areas. Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.[3][4][7] The UK lists malaria in the interior and dengue among health risks; get advice from a travel clinic before you go.[3]
Staying safe
All three governments warn of serious crime, including armed robbery. The US currently rates Guyana Level 3, "Reconsider travel" (advisory dated 26 August 2026). Canada says "exercise a high degree of caution".[4][7]
- Areas named by the US and UK include Stabroek Market, Tiger Bay, Albouystown, Sophia, Buxton and Agricola. Avoid the Botanical Gardens and Sea Wall after dark.[3][7]
- Do not hail taxis on the street. Use a taxi booked by your hotel or from a reputable company, and agree the fare before you set off, as there are no meters.[3][4]
- Avoid "public" minibuses unless booked from a reputable source.[3]
- Keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes.[3]
- The US recommends using only Guyana Tourism Authority approved tour operators.[7]
- Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, though the laws are rarely enforced.[3]
Time and language
Guyana is on UTC-4 all year, with no daylight saving.[8] English is the official language.[10]
References
- Cheddi Jagan International Airport, official website: airlines, guidelines and contact pages. https://www.cjairport-gy.com/ (checked 24 Oct 2026) Open source Checked 24 Oct 2026.
- "Eugene F. Correia International Airport". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_F._Correia_International_Airport Open source
- "Foreign travel advice: Guyana" (entry requirements, safety and security, health). UK FCDO. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guyana (checked 24 Oct 2026) Open source Checked 24 Oct 2026.
- "Guyana travel advice". Government of Canada. https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/guyana (last updated 13 Oct 2026; checked 24 Oct 2026) Open source Checked 24 Oct 2026.
- "Visa Information". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Guyana. https://minfor.gov.gy/visa-information (list dated 17 July 2025; checked 24 Oct 2026) Open source Checked 24 Oct 2026.
- "Eligible countries for landing permit". Immigration Support Services, Guyana. https://eservices.iss.gov.gy/eligible-countries-landing-permit (checked 24 Oct 2026) Open source Checked 24 Oct 2026.
- "Guyana: Travel Advisory and country information". US Department of State. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Guyana.html (checked 24 Oct 2026) Open source Checked 24 Oct 2026.
- "Travel Facts: Guyana". CIA World Factbook 2023 archive. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2023/countries/guyana/travel-facts Open source
- "World plugs". International Electrotechnical Commission. https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs (checked 24 Oct 2026) Open source Checked 24 Oct 2026.
- "Guyana". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana Open source
Categories: Practical information | Travel guide
Text CC BY-SA 4.0. Based on the official sources listed under References. Always check the latest official advice before travelling. Images are credited under their own licences. Site contact: service@computingcore.net.