Guyana

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 or +592-225-2700 for police.
• Dial 912 for fire.
• Dial 912 for ambulance.
• Dial 914 for toll-free domestic violence hotline and contact the U.S. embassy.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are not frequent but, when they occur, may quickly become volatile. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.

• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

• Violent crime can occur and happens mostly in urban areas.  It includes murder and armed robbery,  especially at night. Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams/internet romance scams occur in Guyana.  Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a “romantic” relationship online. Also be cautious when investing or starting business relationships, as it may be difficult to recover investments if defrauded. The U.S. Embassy’s Department of Commerce office can be of assistance in vetting potential business partners.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911 or +592-225-2700.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends, with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victims’ compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and the sexual and domestic violence hotline by dialing 914 for assistance.

Sexual harassment

Verbal sexual harassment is common. It usually takes the form of catcalling and using lewd and sexually suggestive language to describe women’s dress and appearance.

• This can occur anywhere groups of men gather like bars, seawalls, construction sites, bus and car parks, and market areas.

Domestic violence

• Domestic violence, especially against women, is common in Guyana. Some police stations may have a domestic violence unit. However, not all police officers are trained to handle these cases.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drones are legal to use in Guyana. However, all drones must be registered with Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• All travelers visiting Guyana should use only Guyana Tourism Authority-approved tour companies and ensure any sub-contracted company or guide is also approved by them. 
• U.S. embassy personnel are required to use only tour companies approved by the Guyana Tourism Authority and to follow their administered safety protocols.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Guyana seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual relations between men are criminalized in Guyana.

• Local police may use the law to intimidate men known or perceived to be gay.
• There are no laws concerning same-sex sexual relations between women.
• There is no legal protection from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation under Guyanese law.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Guyana prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, or mental disabilities. The laws are inconsistent and weakly enforced.

• The most common accessible areas may include newer buildings in the city which are more likely to have ramps, reserved parking, and sanitary facilities.
• Expect accessibility to be very limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guyana Traveler Information Page provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 912 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available, especially in remote parts of the country. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is generally free at public hospitals and health centers in Guyana. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Private hospitals and private doctors often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are of inconsistent quality throughout Guyana. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• Many public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.         
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Guyana Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Guyana.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Guyana to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is legal but largely unregulated in Guyana with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Guyanese courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Guyana via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Guyana.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions in Guyana are very different from those in the United States.

• Main roads are generally marked, though they often have potholes.
• Secondary rural roads tend to be narrow, are sometimes inadequately marked, and have potholes.
• Exercise caution when driving in Guyana and avoid driving after dark. Road accidents are common and sometimes severe.
• Drivers, especially those who drive public transportation, can be erratic and display disregard for road safety laws.
• The interior of Guyana is under-policed, emergency services are generally not available, and there is no cellular phone reception in many places.
• Dirt roads in the interior may be impassable during the rainy season. Travelers visiting the interior should consider bringing their own safety gear, such as life jackets, first aid kits, and communications equipment like a satellite phone.
• If an accident occurs, call 911 for the police and 912 for an ambulance. These numbers may not work and the police may be slow to respond. You may be able to contact the police at +592-225-2700 if the emergency line does not work. An ambulance may not always be available, and you may use private transportation to move injured people the nearest hospital. 
• For more information about traveling in Guyana, visit the Guyana Tourism Authority Website.

Traffic laws 

You can drive a car in Guyana with just a U.S. driver’s license. However, for stays extending beyond 60 days, you must apply for a temporary Foreign Driver’s Permit at the Guyana Revenue Authority.

• The use of seatbelts is required by law.
• Anyone on a motorcycle must wear a protective helmet.
• Talking on a cellphone while driving without using a hands-free set is illegal.
• Private roadside assistance is available through local Guyanese insurance companies. For travel outside of Georgetown, roadside assistance may be delayed or unavailable.
• Guyana is a right-hand side drive country. 

Taxis and ride-shares

Local ride-share apps are beginning to be used in Georgetown but are not used across the rest of Guyana.

• Regular taxis are available, especially in Georgetown.
• Taxis typically don't use meters. You must negotiate the fare before getting in.
• Use taxis that are connected to major hotels, through taxi dispatch services, or through ride-share apps.

Public and commercial transportation

Small buses, called “mini buses” are privately owned, often crowded, and tend to travel at excessive speeds.

• Avoid privately owned minibuses. Drivers frequently drive erratically. Taxis are generally safer to use.
• The entity responsible for road safety in Guyana is within the Guyana Police Force.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

There is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Guyana, but several U.S. airlines travel to and from Guyana daily.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Guyana should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Wildfires

Wildfire season runs during the dry season months of February to April. Air quality gets worse during this time. This leads to reduced visibility and disrupted travel.

Flooding

Flooding is common during the two rainy seasons from May to mid-August, and from November to January. Coastal areas, Georgetown, and other low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

Tropical storm

Tropical storm season runs from May to August. Tropical storms rarely affect Guyana, as it is located mostly to the south of the hurricane belt. However, the country still experiences heavy storms during these months. Travelers should take appropriate precautions.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates