Genvisec advises that travel to Guyana can continue with appropriate security advice.

 

 Crime

 

Crime levels are high and police capacity is low. There are regular armed and violent robberies against businesses and individuals. There is a risk of passers-by being caught up in such incidents - the Police tend to respond with firearms if shot at or threatened. There were 512 robberies under arms during the period January to October 2012 (a 15% increase from 2011). And in the same period 114 murders took place (in a country with a population of just over 750,000).

 

Many of the crimes in Guyana are common to countries with wide gaps in wealth and where the perception is that all foreigners are wealthy. Muggings have taken place in broad daylight. Burglary and theft from cars are commonplace. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Try to avoid showing obvious signs of wealth.

 

Take extra precautions to safeguard your passports, money, tickets, mobile phones and other valuables. Even if you are staying with family, do not leave valuables in view. Keep them somewhere less obvious than your baggage. Use hotel safes if possible. You should be particularly vigilant when leaving local banks to ensure that you are not being followed.

 

In Georgetown, avoid the Tiger Bay and Albouystown areas and take care in Sophia, all of south Georgetown, Buxton and Agricola. Take particular care in the Stabroek Market area where robberies are a daily occurrence and where in January 2011 there was a grenade explosion which killed 1 person. Avoid walking alone around Georgetown, even in the main areas and don’t walk anywhere at night.

 

A number of assaults have taken place in the Botanic Gardens. Birding enthusiasts should be particularly vigilant. If possible go with an organised group and avoid taking valuables with you.

 

If you walk along the sea wall, avoid the more deserted stretches and walk at times when other walkers are most likely to be about (around 5pm to 6pm).

 

Local travel

 

In July 2012 a demonstration in the town of Linden ended violently. Three demonstrators were shot dead and the town and surrounding area experienced civil disturbances for over a month. Roads in the town were blocked and vehicles and buildings set alight. The situation since then has been calm and free passage through Linden and on the road south from the town is possible. You should take normal precautions. Confirm the local situation in advance, avoid travel after dark, travel in convoy whenever possible and carry a means of communication.

 

Guyana is vulnerable to flooding. The coast of Guyana is below sea level and protected by a sea defence and dam system. Guyana also experiences heavy rainfall. The main rainy seasons are generally May/June and December/January. Infrastructure, including drainage systems, is poorly maintained.

 

Road travel

 

If possible, avoid travel to and from Georgetown Cheddi Jagan international airport late at night and before dawn. There have been incidents of violence and fatal accidents caused by erratic driving. There have also been incidents of violent theft by gangs who follow cars travelling from the airport, and attack their victims when they reach their final destination. Always drive with windows closed and doors locked.

 

Driving in Guyana can be dangerous because of poor road sense of road-users, frequent hazards, inadequate lighting and poor road conditions in some areas. Drive defensively and limit driving at night as much as possible. The worst incidents have almost inevitably involved minibuses. When driving at night take extra care to avoid cyclists, pedestrians and animals.

 

If you’re planning to drive in Guyana, an International Driving Permit is recommended. Alternatively, you can get a local driving permit, valid for 1 month, from the Licence and Revenue Office in Georgetown on submission of a valid British driving licence.

 

Avoid using minibuses. They are driven dangerously and are responsible for the majority of road accidents in Guyana.

 

Although some taxis have been the target for robbers, they remain the safest means for visitors to get around town. Only use taxis from reputable companies. Don’t hail taxis from the roadside. 

 

Air travel

 

Tourist travel can often involve flying in light aircraft. There have been several accidents in recent years on the main tourist routes, including Kaieteur Falls, Lethem and Linden - some with fatalities.

 

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Genvisec Aviation Safety page.

 

Genvisec can provide advice on the safety of individual airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. 

 

In 2007 the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Guyana.

 

River and sea travel

 

There have been armed attacks against boats in and around the waters of Guyana. Be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

 

Only use scheduled ferry services when crossing the Corentyne river between Guyana and Suriname. Using water taxis (backtracking) from Suriname to Guyana can lead to arrest, imprisonment and then deportation.

 

If you’re travelling on Guyana’s rivers use registered boat services equipped with lifejackets. Don’t travel by boat after dark.

 

Border areas

 

Although the UN’s International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in 2007 ruled on the maritime border dispute between Suriname and Guyana, there remains a historical border dispute between Suriname and Guyana over land in the New River Triangle area in the south east of Guyana. Venezuela does not formally recognise the legitimacy of its current border with Guyana, in the north west of Guyana. These issues are not high profile, and the border areas are remote, but you should keep these disputes in mind if you’re near the border areas.

 

Political situation

 

Demonstrations can turn violent. You should avoid all large political gatherings particularly in times of heightened tension, including around the time of elections.

 

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.

 

Electricity

 

Power cuts occur and you may find yourself without water or electricity for short periods of time. Consider packing a torch.

 

Money

Credit card use is growing in the retail and hospitality sectors but Guyana is still a largely cash-based economy. Scotia Bank’s ATMs accept most international bankcards (Visa/Mastercard). US Dollars are more widely accepted than other foreign currencies (carry some small denomination notes).

 

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. Prison conditions in Guyana are tough. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry any items that do not belong to you.

 

People are regularly offered free air tickets to Guyana. On arrival their ’sponsors’ will only allow them to leave Guyana if they carry a ’package’ (usually cocaine). The Guyana anti-drug authorities at the airport will routinely stop or search foreigners fitting a certain profile.

 

Health

 

Medical facilities are very limited, even in Georgetown and non-existent in remote areas. Standards are low. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, and repatriation. Medical evacuation is recommended for any serious or invasive treatment.

 

In the 2013 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 7,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guyana were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. 

 

Malaria and dengue fever are common to Guyana and can occur throughout the year. You should take appropriate mosquito bite avoidance precautions.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 913 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

European nationals do not need visas to visit 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. The Guyanese authorities are very severe on visitors who overstay or abuse the conditions of their stay. Conviction for overstaying will result in one year imprisonment, a fine of up to G$50,000 (Guyana dollars) and deportation - at the deportee’s expense - upon release.

 

Check entry requirements with the Guyana High Commission in your home country before you travel.

 

 Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Guyana.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Guyana.

 

Departure tax

 

All passengers leaving Guyana must pay a compulsory departure tax/security levy. The current fee is G$4,000/£13/US$20 and must be paid in cash (Guyana dollars or US dollars).

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Previous travel to countries affected by Ebola

 

Entry restrictions may apply if you ordinarily live in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, or you have visited any of those countries in the previous 28 days. Check with the Guyana High Commission in your home country before you travel.

 

Consular Assistance

 

UK Citizens

 

British High Commission

44 Main Street

Georgetown

Guyana

Email

bhcguyana@networksgy.com

 

Switchboard

+592 226 5881/2

 

Facsmile (Management & Public Diplomacy Sections)

+592 225 3555

 

Facsmile (Consular and Visa Section)

+592 225 0671

 

Opening hours 

Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 12:00pm and 12:45pm to 4:00pm

Friday 8:00am to 1:00pm

 

The High Commission will observe the following Public Holidays during 2014:

 

Wednesday, January 1 New Year’s Day

Monday, February 24 in lieu of Republic Day

Monday, March 17 Phagwah

Friday, April 18 Good Friday

Friday, April 21 Easter Monday

Monday, May 5 UK May Bank Holiday

Monday, May 26 Independence Day & UK Spring Bank Holiday

Monday, July 7 CARICOM Day

Friday, August 1 Emancipation Day

Monday, October 6 In lieu of Eid-UI-Adha*

Thursday, October 23 Deepavali

Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day

Friday, December 26 Discretionary Day

 

 

US Citizens

 

Physical Address: U.S. Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana

 

Local Mailing Address: U.S. Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana, P.O. Box 10507

 

U.S. Mailing Address: U.S. Embassy, 3170 Georgetown Place, Washington D.C. 20521-3170

 

Telephone

 

Switchboard: 592-225-4900/9

Fax Number: 592-225-8497

 

The Embassy’s switchboard operator is unable to respond to visa inquiries. If you have a visa question, Please contact the Visa Inquiries Unit.

 

For routine American Citizen Services (ACS) please contact the ACS Unit.

 

For Emergency Services

 

Switchboard: 592-225-4900/9 (MON - FRI, 7:30 AM - 4:00PM)

 

Weekends and After Business Hours

 

After hours emergencies are handled by the Embassy's Duty Officer. Situations such as the arrest, serious illness, injury, destitution, or death of a U.S. citizen constitute emergencies.

 

Duty Officer (only after working hours): 592-623-1992

 

From the United States: 011-592-623-1992

 

Canadian Citizens

 

High Commission of Canada in Guyana

 

Street Address:

Young & High Streets

Georgetown, Guyana

 

Mailing Address:

P.O Box 10880

Georgetown, Guyana

 

Telephone: 592-227-2081

Fax: 592-225-8380

Email: grgtn@international.gc.ca

 

Hours of Operation

 

General Reception 

Monday – Thursday: 8:00AM to 12:00PM & 1:00PM to 4:30PM

Friday: 8:00AM to 1:30PM

 

Canadian Passport & Citizenship Office

Monday – Thursday: 8:30AM to 12:30PM

Friday 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

 

After hours emergency contact information

(for Canadian citizens only)

 

Call collect: (613) 996-8885 / (613) 944-1310 (TTY) - The Emergency Operations Centre of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An experienced officer is always available to respond to emergency calls from anywhere in the world.

 

You can also phone the numbers above and follow the recorded instructions to reach the Emergency Operations Centre.

 

In a number of countries, you can also call the 24/7 Operations Centre toll-free.

 

Statutory Holidays - 2014

 

Our offices are closed on the following days:

 

January 01 New Year’s Day

February 24 Republic Day

March 17 Phagwah

April 18 Good Friday

April 21 Easter Monday

May 26 Independence Day *

July 01 Canada Day

July 07 CARICOM Day *

August 01 Emancipation Day *

September 01 Labour Day

October 06 Eid-ul-Adha

October 13 Thanksgiving Day (CA)

December 25 Christmas Day

December 26 Boxing Day

 

Norwegian Citizens

 

Norwegian Consulate General in Georgetown, Guyana

 

364 Omai Street

Prashad Nagar

Georgetown

Guyana

 Telephone(+592) 223-5096

 Telefax(+592) 691-0225 

 E-maildacs1357@gmail.com

 Website

 Office Hours

 Head of Mission Mr Desmond Atelbert Sears, Consul General

 

Swedish Citizens

Honorary Consulate of Sweden, Georgetown 

Thirst Park, Georgetown, Guyana

 

CITY

Georgetown

PHONE

+592 225 4107

FAX

+592 226 6523 / +592 225 0919

EMAIL

georgetownsweden@banksdih.com

DETAILS

Honorary Consul: Clifford B Reis