Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Requirements
Q: Do I need a passport or visa to enter Guyana?
A: Yes, all visitors need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity. Visas are required for most visitors, except nationals of certain countries (e.g., Commonwealth nations, USA, Canada, EU, Japan, Korea). Always confirm with your nearest Guyana Embassy or Consulate.
Q: How long can I stay in Guyana?
A: CARICOM nationals may stay up to six months, while non-CARICOM nationals may stay up to three months (90 days). For extended stays, apply for an extension at the Central Immigration Office in Georgetown.
Q: Are there departure fees when leaving Guyana?
A: No. Departure fees are already included in your airline ticket.
Flights & Accessibility
Q: How long does it take to reach Guyana?
A: Travel time depends entirely on your departure location, stops, and layovers. Flight durations can range widely, from a few hours for nearby regional trips to 10+ hours from Asia or longer-haul destinations. When booking, always check the total journey time, including connections and layover durations.
Q: Which airlines fly to Guyana?
A: JetBlue, American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Copa Airlines, Surinam Airways, InterCaribbean Airways, British Airways, SkyHigh Dominicana, Fly Allways Airlines, United Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
General Information
Q: What language is spoken in Guyana?
A: English is the official first language. Creolese and several Indigenous dialects are also spoken.
Q: What’s the climate like?
A: Tropical and warm year-round (24°C–31°C / 75°F–87°F). Rainy seasons are from May to July and December to January.
Q: What is the voltage in Guyana?
A: The standard voltage in Guyana is 240V at a frequency of 60 Hz. However, some areas may use 110V or 220V, so checking your devices’ voltage requirements before use is crucial to avoid damage.
Q: Will my mobile phone and internet work?
A: Roaming works mainly in urban areas. For better service, purchase a local SIM card or e-card (Digicel or One Communications). Internet is widely available in towns but limited in remote areas.
Health & Safety
Q: Do I need vaccinations to visit Guyana?
A: A yellow fever vaccine is required if arriving from a risk country. Standard recommended vaccines include hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, and tetanus.
Q: Is medical help available?
A: Yes. Hospitals and private clinics are available across the country. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly advised.
Q: Is Guyana safe for visitors?
A: Guyana is generally safe, but we always urge travellers to take precautions just as they would in any other destination. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables secure, and use official taxis. Travel to the interior is best arranged with tour operators.
Money Matters
Q: What’s the exchange rate, and where can I exchange money?
A: Official currency exchange rates are on the Bank of Guyana website. Use official banks or licensed Cambios to exchange money. Always keep receipts for currency exchange.
Q: Can I use credit/ATM cards in Guyana?
A: Yes, at major hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, and ATMs. However, much of the country, especially the interior, operates on cash.
Tourism Highlights
Q: What activities can I do in Guyana?
A: Guyana offers over 60 unique tourism experiences. You can go birdwatching (with more than 820 species), spot wildlife like jaguars, giant otters, and anteaters, take river tours, stay in eco-lodges, or attend cultural events. Popular highlights include visiting Kaieteur Falls, kayaking in the Linden Blue Lakes, ATV rides in the Yarrowkabra Savannahs, bicycle tours in Georgetown, or exploring the Rupununi. You can also experience national events like Phagwah, Diwali, Mashramani, the Rupununi Rodeo, and the Bartica and Linden Regattas.
Q: Is there a list of licensed tourism businesses?
A: Yes, there is an official list of licensed tourism businesses in Guyana. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) maintains a comprehensive directory of approved operators, including tour guides, eco-lodges, resorts, and other tourism service providers. This list is regularly updated to ensure that travellers engage with businesses that meet safety and quality standards.
A: Licensed tour operators can be found here to guide you through your booking.
Contact
Q: How can I learn more?
- Website: www.guyanatourism.com
- Email: info@guyanatourism.com
- Facebook: @GuyanaTourismAuthority, @DiscoverGuyana
- Phone: +592 219 0093-6
- WhatsApp: +592 638 5128
- Address: National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Greater Georgetown