Guyana

TRAVEL INSURANCE AND HEALTH

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling abroad. Irish citizens intending to travel to Guyana should ensure that they have comprehensive medical insurance prior to departure as treatment in Guyana may require cash payment in advance. While the standard of healthcare has improved and reliable primary care is available, medical facilities in Guyana remain limited. Citizens should ensure that their insurance policy covers the costs of medical evacuation. The Irish government will not provide funds for medical expenses, hospital charges, and emergency medical repatriation or for the repatriation of remains.   

The climate in Guyana can be extremely hot and humid, and can be difficult to deal with. Elderly people, or people with medical problems, should think carefully before travelling and ensure they have adequate insurance. The incidence of HIV/AIDS has increased in Guyana and precautions should be taken. Malaria and dengue fever are common in the interior, and typhoid is present throughout the country. Leptospirosis has become a serious problem during floods. Travellers should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Guyana. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of entering Guyana.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

CRIME, SAFETY & SECURITY

It should be noted that much of the violent crime in Guyana is related to the drugs trade.

Irish citizens travelling to Guyana are advised to exercise caution. Travellers are advised to carry just one credit card and a small amount of cash. Other money, traveller’s cheques, your passport and credit cards should be left in a secure place such as a hotel safe.  Leave copies of your passport, travel and insurance details with family or friends in Ireland. You may also want to keep a record of the details in your e-mail account, but check that your account is absolutely secure before you do this.

Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, do not travel by foot after dark, and do not carry valuables or show other signs of affluence. The areas of Tiger Bay, Stabroek Market and South Georgetown should be avoided. Violent attacks have occurred on the road between Georgetown and Chedi Jaggan International Airport and on the Linden Highway. Travellers should only use taxis from reputable companies, ordered for their sole use. Do not hail taxis from the roadside. Outside Georgetown, you should avoid areas along the East Coast Demerara (especially in the vicinity of the villages of Buxton, Friendship and Annadale), the East Bank Demerara region and the New Amsterdam area.

There is potential for civil unrest in Guyana, and you should avoid demonstrations, large crowds and political gatherings. 

The Emergency Number for the Police and Ambulance Service is 911.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Illegal Drugs

The Guyanese authorities take the issue of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and possession of even a small amount of a prohibited substance can result in imprisonment. Conditions in Guyanese prisons are extremely harsh.

ROAD SAFETY

Driving

The Department of Foreign Affairs encourages caution and vigilance when driving abroad. Traffic in Guyana keeps to the left as in Ireland, however much of the road network, especially outside the main cities, is in a poor state of repair. Travellers should exercise caution when driving in Guyana as the rate of road traffic accidents is high.

Travellers should not use minibus services, which tend to be overloaded and poorly maintained. Travellers should only use taxis from reputable companies, ordered for their sole use. Follow the advice in the crime, safety and security section above.

You must hold a full driving licence to drive in Guyana. Ensure that you have a valid Irish or international licence. Drive within the speed limit and do not drink and drive.

COMMUNICATIONS

The international code for dialling Guyana from Ireland is 00 592. 

To call Ireland from Guyana use the prefix 001 353.  For example to call the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin dial: 001 353 1 478 0822

If you are planning on using your mobile phone while in Guyana, you should check with your service provider to ensure that your phone is capable of operating there.  If you use a pre-paid mobile, such as Speakeasy, Ready to Go or Pay As You Go, ensure that you top it up with plenty of credit before you leave home.  You may wish to register with your provider to allow you to top-up via the internet, through your mobile, or by text.   

MONEY

The Guyanese dollar (G$) is the official currency. €1 is worth approximately G$269. Only major hotels accept credit cards, and only a few banks will issue cash advances. Travellers are advised to bring enough currency or traveller's cheques to cover anticipated expenses. US Dollars are widely accepted. Prior to travelling, you should check with your bank for information on ATM services in Guyana. Caution should be exercised when using ATMs due to the crime problems in Guyana discussed above.

If your credit card has been lost or stolen, you should cancel the relevant card(s) immediately, to prevent illegal use by phoning the following numbers:

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN GUYANA

The Department of Foreign Affairs does not have a resident Embassy in Guyana.  In case of emergency, please contact our Honorary Consulate.  Contact details for all Irish Missions (including Honorary Consuls) in Guyana are available here

You are also advised to read our "Before you go" and "Stay Safe Abroad" sections of our advice before travelling abroad.