Guyana

Violent crime

Violent crime resulting in serious injury or death is a problem, particularly in Georgetown. Incidents include:

• armed robbery
• kidnapping
• shooting
• carjacking

Armed robberies and assaults can occur in:

• shopping areas
• private cars
• taxis
• hotels
• other businesses

Law enforcement is generally cooperative but can't respond effectively to serious crimes.

Hotspots for crime include:

• the Stabroek Market, South Georgetown, the Botanical Gardens and the Tiger Bay areas of Georgetown
• East Coast Demerara, particularly near the villages of Buxton, Lusignan Friendship and Annadale
• the East Bank Demerara region
• New Amsterdam
• Bartica
• Essequibo River tourist resorts

To protect yourself from crime:

• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night.
• avoid Georgetown sea wall after dark
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour

Personal safety

Avoid travelling or walking alone.

Security risks increase after dark. Be careful:

• on the road from the Cheddi Jagan Airport to Georgetown
• on the Timerhi-Linden Highway
• in East Coast Demerara region
• in the East Bank Demerara region

Muggings and shootings have occurred in these areas.

Hotel safety

To protect yourself in case of an emergency, if you stay at a hotel in Georgetown:

• find the hotel emergency procedures
• know your evacuation route
• speak to hotel staff

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping is not common in Guyana. Most incidents in Guyana occur in Georgetown. Armed ‘pirate’ attacks against fishing boats in and around the waters of Guyana have occurred. 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Border areas

Tension between Guyana and Venezuela has increased. The security situation may deteriorate in the area near the Venezuelan border. 

If you choose to travel in this area, you should:

• monitor media to stay informed on the situation
• follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests

Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can turn violent.

Monitor the media for news on possible civil unrest. Avoid crowds and demonstrations.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

More information:

• Terrorism

Severe weather risks

Guyana has 2 rainy seasons:

• May to August
• November to January

Serious flooding can occur, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. River levels can rise very quickly. Roads may not be safe.

If severe weather occurs:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor local media and other sources

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Guyana. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Check if you need DFAT to certify your medical documents.

Don't bring medicine without these documents. If you do, you risk refusal of entry or prosecution.

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases are also widespread. These include:

• dengue
• chikungunya
• zika virus
• yellow fever
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• malaria
• oropouche

Risk of these diseases increases during the wet seasons

• May to August
• November to January

To protect yourself from disease:

• ​​​make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
• get vaccinated for yellow fever before you travel

Other health risks

HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions before you do anything that exposes you to the risk of infection.

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• leptospirosis
• rabies

More severe outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• ​​drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Seek urgent medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Guyana are very limited. They lack trained specialists and medical equipment. Hygiene standards are poor.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll be evacuated to a place with better facilities, such as the US. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences in local jails.

Prison conditions are harsh. Pre-trial detention can last for years.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ travellers

Guyana doesn't recognise same-sex marriage.

You'll have no legal protection from discrimination based on:

• sexual orientation
• gender identity

Same-sex relationships are illegal. If convicted, you'll face up to 10 years in prison.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ people

Other laws

Serious crime, such as murder, may attract the death penalty.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Guyana recognises dual nationality.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visa conditions

Australians visiting Guyana don't require a visa to enter. 

Visitors are generally given 30 days to remain in Guyana, and extensions can be requested from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Georgetown. The Guyanese authorities are very severe on visitors who overstay or abuse the conditions of their stay. 

Visa conditions

Entry and exit conditions change regularly. Contact the High Commission of Guyana for details about visa, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Departure tax

Departure tax is incorporated into your ticket, so you are no longer required to make this payment at the airport.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Guyana. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

Travel via the United States

If you travel through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements.

Check our US travel advice for entry conditions.

Travel via Canada

If you transit or travel via Canada by air, you'll need a Canadian eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation).

Check our Canada travel advice for entry conditions.

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The Guyanese dollar is the official currency of Guyana.

Declare money you're carrying if it's more than US$10,000, or equivalent. Do this on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

The interior regions of Guyana can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• dense jungle or savannah
• sparse population
• poor access to services, including emergency services
• unreliable mobile phone reception

Take safety gear if travelling to interior regions. This may include:

• all-weather jackets
• first aid kits
• a satellite phone

Border crossings

Border disputes take place along:

• the Suriname to Guyana border
• the Venezuela to Guyana border

If you need to cross the Guyana border:

• only use official border crossing points between countries
• take scheduled ferry services at official river crossings

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Guyana than in Australia.

Driving in Guyana can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• aggressive driving
• inadequate street lighting
• flooding on roads

Pedestrians are often killed on roads.

Crime increases at night on the road from Georgetown to Cheddi Jagan International Airport. This includes armed robbery.

If you plan to drive in Guyana:

• book flights that arrive or depart during the day
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when driving

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Taxis are generally safe if you use a reputable company.

Ask airport and hotel staff about official taxi services.

Don't hail taxis from the roadside. Robberies and assaults have occurred.

Public transport

Buses are often overcrowded and poorly maintained.

Avoid using minibuses. They:

• drive dangerously
• are involved in most road accidents, including fatal ones

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

It's illegal to use an independent boater to enter Suriname. You may be fined, detained or deported.

Piracy occurs on Guyana's coastal waters.

To protect yourself while travelling by sea:

• avoid using water taxis to travel to other countries
• get an entry stamp in your passport if you travel into another country

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Guyana's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 912.

Medical emergencies

Call 913.

Police

Call 911.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Guyana. Consular assistance is available from the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.

Australian High Commission, Port of Spain

18 Herbert Street, St. Clair
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago

Phone: +1 868 235 7950
Website: trinidadandtobago.highcommission.gov.au
Email: ahc.portofspain@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: AusHighComTT

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia