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Guyana - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: The government is clamping down hard on drug trafficking, and there are heavy fines and prison sentences for those caught possessing drugs. The minimum sentence is three years. Visitors should ensure they pack their own luggage and must never carry packages through customs for a third party.

Social customs are flexible enough to include everyone, largely because of the multiracial background of the country.

Appointments for business meetings must be made and punctuality is important. Business cards are appreciated. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1200 and 1300–1630.

Immigration and customs: Citizens from the EU, USA, Australia and Canada do not need a visa. Passports must be valid for at least six months on arrival into the country. Visitors are advised to make a copy of the photopage of their passport, which they should have on them at all times.

Visitors are only permitted to stay for up to 30 days but extensions can be arranged from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Georgetown.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all those travelling from infected areas.

Departure tax is G$4,000 and must be paid in cash.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left. An international driving permit is recommended to drive in Guyana, although local driving permits are available for one month from the Licence and Revenue Office in Georgetown on presentation of a valid driving licence. Car hire is available in Georgetown. Seatbelts must be worn at all times. The best roads are found on the eastern coastal strip.

Guyana has regular bus services and the minibus terminal can be found at Georgetown’s Stabroek Market. The first buses leave at 0500 and run throughout the night in Georgetown.

Taxis are the safest means of travelling around towns, especially at night. Most fares are standard but over longer distances a fare should be agreed before travel.

Air travel is the only reliable means of getting around the interior. Ogle aerodrome on the east coast and CBJ International in Timehri are used by several local airlines.

Guyana has extensive waterways and state-operated steamers connect with the interior; there is also a coast-hopping service from Georgetown. Use only the scheduled services to cross the Corantyne river between Guyana and Suriname.

Travel health: Comprehensive travel and health insurance is recommended. Visitors should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America, and visitors will need insect repellent and appropriate protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. Visitors will also need anti-malaria tablets and should exercise the same preventative measures as for dengue fever. The latest advice on immunisations should be checked before departure.

All prescription drugs must be kept in their original packaging, clearly marked to avoid confusion.

Mains water is chlorinated, bottled water is widely available.

Money: Credit/debit cards are not widely accepted and it is worth considering bringing a mixture of US dollars and US travellers cheques. Foreign credit cards cannot be used in ATMs. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1230 and Fri 1500–1700.

There were 122,000 tourist arrivals in 2004.