Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Health Screening
Guyana has introduced stricter health protocols for 2026, including mandatory proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers from endemic areas. All visitors must complete an online health declaration form 48 hours before arrival, which is free and quick to process.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Guyana, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This ensures smooth processing at immigration checkpoints in Georgetown or Lethem.
Always verify with your issuing country for any additional re-entry validity requirements to avoid complications upon return.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU countries, and many CARICOM nations can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. This policy promotes regional travel and eco-tourism in Guyana's rainforests.
Upon arrival, you'll receive a free entry stamp; overstaying can result in fines or deportation, so plan your itinerary carefully.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply online through the Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa portal (fee around GYD 10,000 or $50 USD), providing proof of return ticket, accommodation, and sufficient funds (at least $100/day). Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
Include a passport photo and scanned documents; expedited options are available for an extra fee if travel is imminent.
Border Crossings
Most arrivals are via Cheddi Jagan International Airport near Georgetown, where immigration is efficient but expect questions about your itinerary. Land borders with Brazil (Lethem) and Suriname (Moleson Creek) require ferry or bus transfers and may involve longer waits.
Venezuela border is currently restricted due to geopolitical issues; always check travel advisories for safe crossings and carry multiple ID copies.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations (crucial in remote areas like the Rupununi), trip delays, and adventure activities such as jungle trekking or river kayaking. Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases and start from $30 for a two-week trip.
Ensure your policy meets Guyana's minimum requirements for emergency repatriation, as public healthcare is limited outside urban centers.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 30 additional days by applying at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Georgetown before your initial period expires, with a fee of about GYD 5,000 ($25 USD) and proof of onward travel. Extensions are granted for valid reasons like extended eco-tours or family visits.
Processing takes 3-5 days; multiple extensions are possible but scrutinized to prevent long-term stays without proper authorization.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Guyana uses the Guyana Dollar (GYD), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourist areas. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Georgetown by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for connections via the Caribbean or US.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street vendors or cookeries for pepperpot or curry under GYD 2,000, avoiding resort prices to save up to 60% on meals.
Local markets in Georgetown and Linden provide fresh fruits, fish, and spices at bargain rates for self-catering.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses or taxis at GYD 1,500-3,000 per leg, or arrange multi-day eco-tour packages that bundle transport for GYD 20,000.
Domestic flights on small carriers can be cost-effective if booked early, often under GYD 15,000 round-trip to Kaieteur Falls.
Free Attractions
Explore St. George's Cathedral, the seawall, and indigenous villages, which are free and immerse you in Guyana's culture and history.
Riverfront walks and community festivals offer authentic experiences without entry fees, especially during public holidays.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but carry USD cash for rural areas and markets where ATMs are scarce.
Exchange at banks or use ATMs in Georgetown for better rates; avoid airport exchanges to prevent high fees.
Group Tours & Discounts
Join group eco-tours to the Iwokrama Rainforest for shared costs around GYD 10,000/person/day, including meals and guides.
Student or senior discounts apply to national parks; it pays off after 2-3 activities in remote savannas.
Smart Packing for Guyana
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry cotton clothes for the humid tropics, including long sleeves and pants for insect protection during jungle excursions. Include modest attire for cultural sites in Georgetown and breathable layers for varying elevations in the Rupununi.
Swimwear and rash guards are vital for river swims, while a wide-brim hat shields against intense equatorial sun.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A/B, US-style), solar charger for remote areas without electricity, waterproof phone case, and offline maps like Maps.me for navigation in signal-poor zones.
Download birding apps and language translators, as Wi-Fi is limited outside urban centers; a portable hotspot can be a game-changer.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with antimalarials, bandages, and rehydration salts, plus vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis, and typhoid.
Include DEET insect repellent (30%+), water purification tablets, and a mosquito net for overnight rainforest stays to combat dengue and other risks.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for hikes, reusable water bottle with filter, hammock for eco-lodges, and binoculars for wildlife spotting in the Kanuku Mountains.
Bring passport copies, a money belt, and a dry bag for river crossings; lightweight luggage helps with rough terrain and small aircraft.
Footwear Strategy
Choose high-ankle hiking boots with good traction for muddy trails in Kaieteur National Park and lightweight sandals for urban exploration in Georgetown.
Waterproof options are essential due to frequent rains; break them in beforehand to prevent blisters on long savanna treks.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable soap, high-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe for coastal areas), antifungal powder for humid conditions, and a compact rain poncho.
Travel-sized toiletries reduce weight; add wet wipes and a headlamp for power outages in remote Amerindian communities.
When to Visit Guyana
Dry Season (February-April)
Perfect for savanna explorations in the Rupununi with low rainfall, temperatures averaging 25-30°C, and easier access to remote lodges.
Ideal for birdwatching migrations and cultural festivals among indigenous groups, with fewer mosquitoes and vibrant wildflowers.
Short Dry Period (August-September)
Prime time for rainforest treks and Kaieteur Falls visits with minimal rain, warm days around 28-32°C, and clear skies for photography.
Great for adventure activities like zip-lining in the Iwokrama Forest, though humidity remains high—pack extra water.
Wet Season 1 (May-July)
Lush greenery peaks with heavy showers (25-30°C), making rivers swell for dramatic boat tours but some trails slippery.
Fewer tourists mean better deals on eco-lodges; focus on indoor cultural experiences in Georgetown during downpours.
Wet Season 2 (October-January)
Budget-friendly for wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources, with temperatures 24-29°C and occasional floods adding adventure.
Christmas markets in Georgetown and holiday eco-retreats shine; prepare for mud with proper gear, avoiding peak holiday crowds.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Guyana Dollar (GYD). USD widely accepted in tourist spots; exchange at banks for best rates. ATMs available in major cities.
- Language: English is the official language, with Creole and indigenous dialects spoken regionally. Basic English suffices for most interactions.
- Time Zone: Guyana Time (GYT), UTC-4 year-round (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 110-120V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (North American two/three-pin)
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, ambulance, or fire services nationwide
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10-15% in restaurants, GYD 500-1,000 for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Boil or use filters in remote areas
- Pharmacies: Available in Georgetown and larger towns; stock up on essentials before heading to interior regions