Security travel advice for Guyana

How safe is Guyana?

Threat level: Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Guyana

There are reported cases of the coronavirus in Guyana and as a result of this, entry is banned to foreign travellers and commercial flights have been halted. To tackle the spread of the virus, a curfew is in effect between 18:00 and 06:00, people must self-isolate unless going out for essentials and social activities are not permitted. See our healthcare section for advice.

Security in Guyana

The general travel advice for Guyana is that tourists should stay alert at all times and aware of their surroundings. Crime and violence are not usually aimed at tourists, but the overall crime rate in Guyana is very high. Guyana also has the fourth highest murder rate in the South American region. While there is no present risk of terrorism in Guyana, the threat from general security concerns is very high.

If you are arriving to the country by air, you should avoid travelling to your accommodation late at night or before dawn if at all possible, as there have been reports of violent activity and erratic driving during the night. Occasionally gangs may follow cars from the airport to the visitor's accommodation and mug them when they arrive. Remain wary of your surroundings.

Intelligent Protection International Limited provides Executive Protection services in South America. If you are interested in these services, please visit: Bodyguards in Latin America.

Year on year, there has been an increase in crime against persons of which are of a serious nature, including violent weapon driven robberies, some resulting in murder. A majority of these crimes happen within the capital.

Crime is rife in some areas, even during the daylight hours and include acts such as theft from vehicles and muggings. Police will respond with firearms, if they feel they are being threatened or attacked. The overall travel advice for Guyana is that it is advised that you do not carry valuables and keep a low profile.

Despite Guyana being rich in natural resources such as gold and diamonds, it remains a very poor country with a corrupt government that is barely functioning. The country's main export is sugar and the off-shore oil industry is in its infancy.

Many travellers are drawn to Guyana for the country's rain forest, wildlife and waterfalls in areas such as the Kaieteur National Park. Whilst it does have a lot to offer for the seasoned traveller, personal security remains a concern and should be seriously considered before and during your visit.

Violent crimes, robberies, rapes and murders are common place in Guyana, as the Police do not have sufficient resources, manpower or training to tackle most of the crime. In 2010, the Guyana Police released its recent crime figures; the country recorded 119 murders, an increase of 7%. Armed robberies using a firearm saw a 13% increase. During the same period, 13 people died in Road Traffic Incidents (RTA's) a 33% increase in deaths from the previous year.

GUYANA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

There are ongoing border disputes with Venezuela and Suriname, Guyana however is not engaged in any armed conflicts in the region and is pursuing diplomatic conversations and pushing for resolutions.

There is an issue with the smuggling of cocaine through Guyana, many young Guyanese risk their lives, prosecution and incarceration to smuggle drugs out of the country. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) does operate in Guyana in support of the Guyana government, offering expertise and support in their fight on the “war on drugs”.

TRAVELLING AROUND GUYANA

Avoid travel in the night time hours to and from the Georgetown Cheddi Jagan international airport, there have been previous road incidents and attacks on victims travelling during this time.

Road travel can be hazardous in the country. Care should be taken when planning any journey. Roads can flood and be washed away very quickly, leaving travellers stranded, so it is an idea to ensure that you have extra food, fuel, water and good maps with GPS.

Weather conditions can be of a tropical nature and flash flooding can occur during the periods of December to January and May to July.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

EMERGENCY SERVICES IN GUYANA

Police emergency: 911
Fire emergency: 912
Medical emergency: 913
Medical emergency: 226 9449 (Georgetown hospital)

GUYANA OVERVIEW

Capital: Georgetown
Official languages: English
Religion: Christianity 57%, Hindu 28% & Islam 7%
Currency: Dollar

CONSULAR INFORMATION FOR GUYANA

U.S. Embassy Georgetown
100 Young and Duke Streets,
Kingston,
Georgetown,
Guyana
Telephone: +592 225 4900/9
Email: BrasiliaACS@state.gov
Email: acsgeorge@state.gov

British High Commission Georgetown
44 Main Street,
Georgetown,
Guyana
Telephone: +592 226 5881
Emergency 24hr Telephone: +592 226 5882
Email: bhcguyana@networksgy.com

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR GUYANA

Most visitors to Guyana do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to the country. You will generally be allowed to stay for up to 30 days upon entry. It is extremely important that you get your passport stamped upon arrival, failure to do so can cause difficulties when leaving the country. Further advice can be found here: Visa advice Guyana

It is advised that visitors to Guyana are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Yellow Fever vaccinations, as there is a risk of infection throughout the country. If you are planning to only stay within the capital city, Georgetown, the vaccination is generally not recommended. You should check with your local health professional prior to your departure as the yellow fever vaccine is not suitable for all travellers.

Health Care and Immunisations

COVID-19 cases have been reported in Guyana. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection is through preventive measures, to avoid contracting the disease, self-isolate, wear a face mask in public, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid public gatherings and unnecessary travel.

The Zika virus, Chikungunya fever and Dengue fever have all been confirmed in the area and suitable precautions are advised. All three diseases are transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. There is no vaccine and prevention is through avoidance of mosquito bites.

You can find more about the Zika virus here: Zika virus facts

More information on Dengue fever, see: Dengue Fever facts

Information about the Chikungunya Fever, see: Chikungunya Fever facts

It is advised that all visitors to Guyana take precautions against Malaria, including the use of Malaria mosquito nets and anti-Malaria medications.

Personal hygiene must be paramount, the local water supply avoided at all costs and bottled water inspected prior to consumption. There have been a number of cases of bottled water being refilled with tap water and re-sold.

Cholera outbreaks have occurred in areas with unsanitary conditions, but precautions are recommended everywhere. The use of medical alcohol wipes to regularly clean hands and face is recommended, and keeping hydrated with clean water (boiled or trusted) is paramount.