Risk level

Safety and security

Border with Venezuela

There are no official border crossings with Venezuela. The security environment is volatile along the border between Guyana and Venezuela due to the ongoing discord over the Guyana Essequibo region and gang-related violence.

• Exercise a high degree of caution near the border with Venezuela
• Only use the official border crossings with Brazil and Suriname
• Monitor local media for the latest information
• Follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces

Crime

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Criminals target foreigners and returning Guyanese citizens.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence.
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Violent Crime

Violent crime is prevalent across Guyana. It is often associated with illegal drug trafficking.  Homicides, assaults, break-ins, armed robberies, theft from cars and carjackings are common.

Criminals often travel in groups of two or more and often surveille their target for days prior to any confrontation.

Foreigners have been robbed at gunpoint and attacked after withdrawing money at banks, in shopping districts and in hotels.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Do not change money in the street with street changers

Exercise increased caution in Georgetown, particularly in the following neighbourhoods:

• the area 2 km south of Brickdam Street
• Agricola
• Albouystown
• Albertown
• Bourda
• Buxton
• East Ruimveldt
• Sophia
• Stabroek
• Tiger Bay
• West Ruimveldt

Criminals often target the following tourist sites:

• Stabroek Market
• Bourda Market
• Botanical Gardens
• the National Park
• the sea wall

Outside of Georgetown, violent incidents occur in the East Coast Demerara region, particularly near:

• the villages of Buxton and Friendship
• the East Bank Demerara region
• the New Amsterdam area.

To minimize the risk of violent crime:

• do not walk alone after dark
• avoid deserted or under-populated areas
• pay attention to your surroundings, especially when entering or leaving vehicles, residences and public places
• keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times
• stay in accommodations with good security
• always verify the identity of a visitor before opening the door 

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Ecotourism

If you intend to trek:

• never practice this activity alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Roads are poorly lit and drivers do not respect traffic laws. Drinking and driving is prevalent. Roaming livestock pose further hazard. Accidents causing fatalities are common.

In the case of an accident, the law requires persons involved in a traffic accident to remain at the scene until the police arrive to take a report. Response time may be slow due to a lack of resources. Injured persons are frequently transported to hospitals or the nearest medical facility by bystanders, unless they are seriously injured. Local authorities are cooperative, but assistance is limited and may only be available during business hours.

Travel to the interior (also known as the hinterlands) is not safe due to low police presence.

• Travel in convoys, particularly when visiting the hinterlands
• Avoid driving at night

Public transportation

Minibuses

Avoid using public minibuses, as they tend to be overloaded, poorly maintained and badly driven. Minibuses are often involved in accidents.

Taxis

Taxis are the safest means of transportation, however, robberies and assaults occasionally occur.

• Do not hail taxis from the roadside
• Only use taxis that are connected to major hotels or from a reputable company
• Make note of the vehicle’s licence plate before entering, in order to track down the driver in the event of overcharging or lost luggage

Water taxis

Avoid using water taxis to cross international waters. Use the scheduled ferry service, which has a formal border control check point.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Guyanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guyana.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Ensure that authorities stamp your passport on arrival. Failure to do so could result in difficulties leaving the country or even jail time.

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required
Student visa: not required

If you are travelling to Guyana on business, you must bring a business letter with all pertinent information concerning the reason for your visit.

Border crossings

It is illegal to use the services of independent boaters to cross into Suriname. Foreigners have been fined and, in some cases, detained and subsequently deported.

• Cross the border only at official ports of entry
• Use only official ferry services and ensure that you receive an entry stamp in your passport
• Avoid using water taxis

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are limited outside of Georgetown. Care in private hospitals and clinics is better than in public hospitals.

Medical evacuation to neighbouring countries, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences, which must be served in Guyana. 

Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry any items that do not belong to you.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Imports and exports

The importation/exportation of restricted items, including firearms and ammunition, without the proper permits may result in heavy fines and prison sentences.

Many birds are protected species. You may not export an exotic bird unless you have been a legal resident of Guyana for at least a year and received permission from the Ministry of Agriculture.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Guyana law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex and other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality.

Those convicted can face jail sentences.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Guyana.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Guyana.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Guyana, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Guyana.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Guyana by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Guyana to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

Vehicles drive on the left.

You should carry an international driving permit (IDP). If you cannot obtain an IDP before leaving Canada, you may apply for a local permit based on a valid Canadian driver’s licence.

Penalties for drivers responsible for an accident causing injury or death are severe and may include imprisonment. Ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage to drive in Guyana.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the Guyanese dollar (GYD). The U.S. dollar is widely accepted.

Only major hotels accept credit cards. There are a few ATMs that accept international bank cards.

• Carry enough cash to cover anticipated expenses
• Exchange foreign currency only at banks, hotels and established money exchange bureaus (cambios)

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy seasons

There are two rainy seasons in Guyana: from May to July and from November to January. However, flooding occurs year round and can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services, particularly in coastal areas. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

The coast of Guyana is below sea level and protected by a sea defence and dam system. Infrastructure, including drainage systems, is poorly maintained.

Monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons