Guyana

Passport validity requirements

To enter Guyana, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will not be able to enter Guyana if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit Guyana. Visitors can normally stay for 30 days, but you can apply for one-month extensions from Guyana’s immigration and support services. 

The Guyanese authorities can arrest visitors who overstay or abuse the conditions of their stay. You could get a one-year prison sentence, a fine of up to 50,000 Guyana dollars (about 250 US dollars) and deportation – at your own expense – upon your release.

Check the requirements for work or student visas with the Guyana High Commission in the UK well before you travel.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Guyana guide.  

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Guyana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Guyana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Emergency services in Guyana

Ambulance: 913

Fire: 912

Police: 911

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Guyana
• dealing with a death in Guyana
• being arrested or imprisoned in Guyana
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Guyana on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

You can get lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines for possession or the trafficking of drugs. The minimum jail sentence for drug offences is 3 years, and prison conditions in Guyana are tough. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry any items that do not belong to you.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. In practice, these laws are rarely enforced, and there is growing local support for LGBT+ rights. You could receive negative attention for showing affection in public.   

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Hotel safety

Fires have occurred in Guyanese hotels, and some hotels have poor fire safety procedures. Check evacuation procedures and exit routes when you arrive, and speak to hotel management if you have any concerns.