Discover the Wonders of Guyana: A Tropical Paradise in South America
Guyana is a fascinating, friendly, lush tropical destination that draws adventure travellers and nature lovers in increasing numbers.
One of South America’s smallest countries, Guyana occupies a corner on the northeast coast of the continent. Travellers to Guyana will find that it is quite unlike any other country on the continent. For one, it is the only English-speaking nation, a legacy of its time as a British colony when it was known as British Guiana. It also has a distinctly Creole culture, and enjoys cricket as the national sport, making this a more Caribbean destination than its neighbours.
The capital Georgetown is famous for its 19th-century wooden houses on stilts, and its gently decaying colonial architecture. Inland, however, Guyana takes on the tropical jungle and Amazonian character of a true South American country, with vibrant rainforests and sprawling savannas in the south. Visitors will find ample trekking, biking and other eco-tourism activities in the hilly plains around the Pakaraima mountains and a multitude of rivers to raft on and fish in. This region is also home to some 120 Amerindian tribes that still live in relative isolation. The country’s star attraction though has to be the incredible Kaieteur Falls – five times higher than Niagara and, thanks to its lush rainforest location, immeasurably more impressive. This is the world’s highest free-flowing waterfall with a sheer drop of 741 feet (226m), and is 822 feet (251m) high.
Guyana is truly a fascinating destination that hasn’t allowed its corrupt and chaotic politicians to get in the way of its many tourist offerings. For those who visit little Guyana, the experience lives long in memory.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language in Guyana, but the vast majority of the population speaks Guyanese Creole.
- Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Guyana must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the county. Those without return/onward tickets may be required to deposit funds, as a security (with the amount depending on their country of origin). Visitors should ensure they have checked and travel with the necessary documentation required in order to obtain a visa on arrival prior to their trip to Guyana. A vaccination certificate is required if visitors older than one year of age are arriving in Guyana from a country with yellow fever. This is includes if they have transited for longer than four hours in a airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The Guyanese dollar (GYD) is the currency used in Guyana. Cash can be exchanged in hotels, banks and cambios (businesses that specialise in exchanging). Cambios normally offer the best exchange rate. Travellers should ask their tour leader for help in finding the best cambios to use. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Most major hotels and some restaurants will accept credit cards. US Dollars are best to bring for exchange. ATMs are not easily found in Guyana.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 240 volts, 60Hz. American two-pin plugs are generally used.
Health Notes when travelling to Guyana
Those who plan to travel in areas outside the main cities should consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, and typhoid. A vaccination certificate is required if visitors older than one year of age are arriving in Guyana from a country with yellow fever. This is includes if they have transited for longer than four hours in a airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. There is a risk of malaria, particularly in jungle areas, but prophylaxis is not necessary for travel to all areas. Medical advice should be sought at least three weeks prior to departure. Insect protection measures are vital to avoid both malaria and dengue fever, which is on the increase. Tap water should not be drunk, but bottled drinking water is available. Public hospitals suffer from a shortage of basic supplies, as do private hospitals and clinics. Health insurance is essential.
Customs in Guyana
Guyanese society is generally quite laid-back and accepting, and western travellers should not be unduly worried about ‘clashing’ with the social mores and customs that they will find in Guyana. Visitors should, however, note that the Guyanese favour a frank, direct communication style, and that the culture embraces public displays of affection or anger. They should also note that in Guyana, it is actually considered rude not to use your car’s hooter when passing another vehicle, travelling through an intersection, or driving past pedestrians. Homosexual activity is illegal; possession and trafficking in drugs leads to lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.
Duty Free in Guyana
Travellers to Guyana over the age of 18 may import up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco. 758ml of wine, 758ml of spirits and an amount of perfume reasonable for personal use is also allowed for import.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Guyana must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the county. Those without return/onward tickets may be required to deposit funds, as a security (with the amount depending on their country of origin). Visitors should ensure they have checked and travel with the necessary documentation required in order to obtain a visa on arrival prior to their trip to Guyana. A vaccination certificate is required if visitors older than one year of age are arriving in Guyana from a country with yellow fever. This is includes if they have transited for longer than four hours in a airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months, for British passports endorsed British Citizen. Holders of British passports with other endorsements should contact their nearest Guyanese embassy to confirm their visa requirements. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to three months. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Guyana. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 30 days. Passengers with confirmation of a pre-arranged business, employment, or student visa can pay for and obtain a visa on arrival.
Tourist Offices
Guyana Tourism Authority, Georgetown: +592 219 0094 or [email protected]
Guyana Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Guyana, Washington, United States: +1 202 265 6900
- In Canada:
Consulate General of Guyana, Ontario, Canada: +1 416 494 6040
- In the United Kingdom:
High Commission of Guyana, London, England: +44 20 7229 7684
- In South Africa:
High Commission of Guyana, Pretoria, South Africa: +012 941 1694 or [email protected]
Foreign Embassies in Guyana
- American Embassy
Embassy of the United States, Georgetown, Guyana: +592 225 4900
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Georgetown, Guyana: +592 227 2081
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Georgetown, Guyana: +592 226 5881
- Australian Embassy
Australian Honorary Consulate, Georgetown, Guyana: +592 665 1198
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Guyana): +1 876 620 4840
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