South America and South Atlantic Islands
Guyana
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Still current at: 21 July 2008
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Updated: 06 May 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Guyana). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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You should exercise caution when travelling in Guyana. There have been recent attacks by armed criminal gangs in the vicinity of the villages of Buxton, Lusignan and Friendship, and the town of Bartica on the Essequibo River. Further attacks could take place anywhere in the country. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
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There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
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Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Guyana in 2007 were: replacing lost or stolen passports; dealing with hospitalisations or deaths; and arrests, mostly for drugs offences.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Crime levels in Guyana are high. There are frequent indiscriminate shootings and armed robberies. There are regular armed attacks against businesses and individuals where the perpetrators often use extreme violence.
Since January 2008 there has been an upsurge in violent criminal activity. An army patrol was ambushed in Buxton (East Coast Demerara) on 23 January 2008. The police headquarters in Georgetown was attacked on 25 January and 11 people were shot and killed in house raids in the village of Lusignan (East Coast Demerara) on 26 January. A further attack on the town of Bartica (Essequibo River) on 16 February resulted in the deaths of three policemen and 10 civilians. Further attacks elsewhre in the contry cannot be ruled out. While the situation persists, and the perpetrators remain at large, you are also advised to exercise caution when travelling in Guyana, particularly on the East Coast in the vicinity of the villages of Buxton, Lusignan and Friendship and the town of Bartica on the Essequibo River.
Many of Guyana’s difficulties are common to countries with wide disparities in wealth and where the perception is that all foreigners are wealthy. Exercise due care and common sense. Guyana successfully hosted six of the Cricket World Cup matches in March and April 2007. There were no reported incidents involving the thousands of visitors to Georgetown during this period.
Burglary and theft from cars are commonplace. Take extra precautions to protect your passports, money, tickets and other valuables. Even if staying with family, do not leave these possessions in view. Keep them somewhere less obvious than your baggage. If staying in a hotel, make use of hotel safes. You should be particularly vigilant when leaving local banks to ensure that you are not being followed.
Exercise caution in the Stabroek Market and Tiger Bay areas and all of south Georgetown. You should also be extra vigilant in the area around St George’s Cathedral as there have been a number of incidents there since February 2006. If you must walk along the sea wall avoid the more deserted stretches and walk at times when other walkers are most likely to be about, e.g. around 17:00 hours to 18:00 hours. Avoid the sea wall after dark. Carry nothing to draw attention to yourself and do not carry valuables.
Avoid walking alone around Georgetown, even in the main areas and especially at night. Although some taxis have been the target for robbers, they remain the safest means of getting about town for visitors. Only taxis from reputable companies should be used (see Local Travel section below). Exercise constant vigilance. Do not dress ostentatiously. Do not carry valuables, large quantities of money, video cameras, or other obvious signs of wealth. There have been a number of muggings of expatriates, and some have taken place in broad daylight.
There have been armed attacks against boats in and around the waters of Guyana. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Elections were last held on 28 August 2006. They passed off peacefully and the situation is quiet. Local government elections are expected to be held during 2008.
You shouldavoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings.
Local Travel
The north coast of Guyana is below sea level and protected by a sea defence and dam system. In January and early February 2005, there was widespread flooding in Georgetown, east coast Demerara and several coastal regions. Any future heavy rainfall could lead to flooding. The main rainy seasons are May/June and December/January.
Avoid using minibuses. They are extremely dangerous and are responsible for the majority of road accidents in Guyana. Only use taxis from reputable companies. Do not hail taxis from the roadside.
There have been no reports of problems being encountered by travellers to the interior of Guyana visiting sites in the eco-tourism sites.
Road Travel
Driving in Guyana can be dangerous because of poor road conditions in some areas and poor driving habits and some unroadworthy vehciles. You should exercise caution at all times while driving. Driving at night should be restricted as much as possible.
If planning to drive in Guyana, an International Driving Permit is recommended. Alternatively, a local driving permit, valid for one month can be obtained from the Licence and Revenue Office in Georgetown on submission of a valid British driving licence.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
River and Sea Safety
Although the UN’s International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea has recently ruled on the maritime border dispute Guyana and Suriname, there remains a dispute over land in the New River Triangle area in the South East of Guyana. Also, Venezuela does not recognise the legitimacy of its current border with Guyana. These issues are on a back burner, but if you are near the border areas you should keep this in mind. Only scheduled ferry services should be used when crossing the Corentyne River between Guyana and Suriname. Use of water taxis (backtracking) from Suriname to Guyana can lead to arrest and deportation.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
River and Sea Safety
Although the UN’s International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea has recently ruled on the maritime border dispute Guyana and Suriname, there remains a dispute over land in the New River Triangle area in the South East of Guyana. Also, Venezuela does not recognise the legitimacy of its current border with Guyana. These issues are on a back burner, but if you are near the border areas you should keep this in mind. Only scheduled ferry services should be used when crossing the Corentyne River between Guyana and Suriname. Use of water taxis (backtracking) from Suriname to Guyana can lead to arrest and deportation.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Local laws and customs
Drug trafficking is a serious problem. Possession and trafficking in drugs leads to lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. The minimum jail sentence for illegal drug offences is three years. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry any items that do not belong to you.
Increasingly people are being offered free air tickets to Guyana. On arrival the same people find their "sponsors" will only allow them to leave Guyana if they carry a "package" (usually cocaine). The Guyana anti-drug authorities are aware of this and will routinely stop or search Europeans travelling alone.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Increasingly people are being offered free air tickets to Guyana. On arrival the same people find their "sponsors" will only allow them to leave Guyana if they carry a "package" (usually cocaine). The Guyana anti-drug authorities are aware of this and will routinely stop or search Europeans travelling alone.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
British visitors do not need visas to enter Guyana. Visitors are generally given 30 days to remain in Guyana, but extensions can usually be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Georgetown.
Departure Tax
All passengers leaving Guyana must pay a compulsory departure tax/security levy. The current fee is G$4,000/£14/US$22 and must be paid in cash (Guyana dollars, Sterling or US dollars).
Health
Medical facilities are severely limited and you are strongly advised to ensure that your insurance covers the costs of medical evacuation.
Typhoid, malaria and dengue fever are common to Guyana. Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region. There have been numerous cases of dengue in Georgetown and the interior.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 11,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guyana were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 2.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Guyana and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Typhoid, malaria and dengue fever are common to Guyana. Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region. There have been numerous cases of dengue in Georgetown and the interior.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 11,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guyana were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 2.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Guyana and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
In view of the general security situation in Guyana, all long-term visitors are advised to register their presence with the British High Commission in Georgetown.
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
In view of the general security situation in Guyana, all long-term visitors are advised to register their presence with the British High Commission in Georgetown.
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Mobile phones
The following UK mobiles work with roaming services - tri-band or quad phones; Vodafone and O2.A 3G data service is also available.
Money
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Guyana and only the bigger hotels will accept them for payment. The Bank of Nova Scotia has recently upgraded its ATMs to accept international bankcards (Visa/Master Cards). You may wish to consider brining sufficient currency or travellers' cheques to cover your anticipated expenditure. American Dollars are more widely accepted than other foreign currencies (it is advisable that you carry some small denomination notes). Note: it is legal to change foreign currency at specified banks, cambios and tourist facilities.
Travel advice for this country
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contacts
Guyana, Georgetown, British High Commission
Address:
British High Commission
44 Main Street
(PO Box 10849)
Georgetown
Telephone:
(592) 226 5881
(592) 226 5882
Fax:
(592) 225 3555 Development/Commercial/Public Diplomacy/Management
(592) 225 0671 Consular/Immigration
(592) 223 7321 Chancery
Email: bhcguyana@networksgy.com
Office hours:
GMT:
Mon-Thu: 1130 1930; Fri: 1130-1730
Local Time:
Mon-Thu: 0730 1530; Fri: 0730-1330
Website: http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/guyana