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Guyana Visa Policy

Guyana has specific requirements for visitors based on their nationality and the purpose of their visits. All visitors are required to have at least 6 months of passport validity as a bare minimum, no matter how long they plan to stay in the country. Furthermore, visitors are divided into two groups; visa exempt and non visa exempt visitors.

Visa-exempt visitors are those who don’t require visas to enter the country. There are close to 60 countries and territories whose citizens can enter and stay in Guyana for up to 90 days without needing visas unless in special cases. The majority of these countries are Schengen nations, Canada, and the United States. Fellow South American countries are also part of the visa-exempt categories.

Guyana doesn’t require visas from visitors who were born in the country and have Guyanan documents to prove their nationality, even if they have a passport of a foreign nation.

Visa On Arrival

There is another category of visitors who qualify for a visa on arrival. Nationals from these countries can travel without a visa but will get one at the entry point. Holders of this visa can stay up to 30 days, but they will need a sponsor or host in Guyana to issue them an invitation letter. This latter must be approved by the Immigration Department, which will be converted to a visa at the entry point. Those who may wish to stay in Guyana longer must apply for an extension.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers flying to another country can make brief stops in Guyana as long they have onward flight tickets, but the maximum time they can remain at the airport is 7 hours. If they will stay longer, they need a visa.

No Visa Exempt Visitors

Visitors who are not passport holders of visa-exempt countries must apply for visas in advance before arriving in Guyana; otherwise, they will not be allowed into the country. Most nationals fall into this category and will require visas for short and long-term visits. If they decide to stay longer than their visa will allow, they must apply for an extension of stay at the local immigration office.

Key Information About Guyana And Other Travel Tips

Traveling to Guyana can be a worthwhile experience if you know what to expect before your arrival. We conclude the article by compiling helpful tips to serve as a guide.

Safety Precautions

Guyana is largely a safe place for foreigners, but crimes are not uncommon, especially in large cities. 

When out in the open, including in Georgetown, which serves as the capital, do well to protect your belongings. Don’t wear expensive jewelry, and never wander through isolated streets at night without doing your research first. It is always best to go with a local who knows the area well. You can use your mobile phone but always be aware of your environment in public. Avoid dangerous spots like Albertown. In case you are accosted by robbers, don’t resist but report to the police immediately.

Keep Your Travel Documents Safe

Always keep your passport and ticket safe, including other valuable items. The spot should be one you can easily reach in case of emergency and the need to leave the country as soon as possible.

Safe Areas

If you love water sports, you will find Guyana a thrilling destination; however, not all rivers are safe for swimming and other sports. Always seek advice from locals before venturing into any water body, as they may not be as safe as you think.

Vaccination

Malaria remains a serious health risk in Guyana, so make sure you bring anti-malaria drugs with you, especially if you visit interior regions. Other vaccination like yellow fever may be advisable, but seek medical advice before taking anyone.

Avoid Coastal Areas

Coastal regions are vulnerable to floods during the rainy season, so avoid such regions during your visit. If you must stay in those regions, follow the advice of local authorities.

Respect Local Laws

Guyana has local laws that may not be as open as what is being used in your home country. The law doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages or relationships, which are viewed as illegal. There are no special laws that protect gay people from discrimination. There are also harsh laws for drug offenses, often leading to long prison sentences. Pre-trials may last for years, and pinion is quite harsh by international standards. Serious crimes like murder attract the death penalty.

Dual Nationality

The Guyanese constitution recognizes dual nationality, which means that if you have another nationality, you can still enter the country visa-free as long as you have a Guyanese passport or other document to prove it. Note that the passport must be valid for a minimum of six months for your visit. If you plan to stay for longer, your passport must cover the duration of your stay.

Extension

Applications for extension must be submitted at least a few days before your current visa expires. Applications submitted after an expired visa will not be accepted. Visitors can get 30 days extensions twice, but they must leave the country after that.

Employment

Only persons who visit with employment visas will be allowed to work in Guyana. If you do, you will be breaking the labor laws, and a sanction will not be out of place.

These are some of the tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your trips to Guyana. Adhere to them, and you will have no problems.

How To Apply For A Visa

The two ways to apply for a visa are on arrival or a foreign mission.

On Arrival: This method is available to persons who are eligible for arrival visas based on their nationality. Once they arrive in Guyana, they must show their Immigration Department-approved visa issued by their sponsor, who may be a Guyana citizen or permanent resident. The officers will review the letter and their passports, and if they meet all the requirements, they will receive a 30-day visa for entry.

Foreign Missions: if you don’t qualify for visa-free entry and your nationality makes you ineligible for a visa on arrival, applying to a Guyana embassy or consulate abroad is your only option. This process takes a few weeks before the visa will be issued, and it requires the submission of all your documents for vetting.

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The Co-operative Republic of Guyana is open to foreigners coming for short or long-term visits as long as they meet the requirements for such visits. The Northeastern South American country has its own set of independent laws for visitors from different countrie.