All foreigners entering Guyana need a passport and a return ticket. Visas are not required for nationals of the US, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Greece, and Belgium for stays up to 90 days. Visit the Ministry of Home Affairs in Georgetown if you want an extension.

Health and Safety

All travelers are advised to have comprehensive health insurance for trips to Guyana. The best private hospitals are found in Georgetown. Medical care is limited and sanitation is poor in some facilities, particularly in rural areas. Bring your own prescription medications.

The chlorinated tap water in most cities is generally safe to drink, but tourists should buy bottled water to be sure. Do not eat or drink dairy products that are likely to have been created from unboiled milk. It is okay to eat vegetables, fruits, seafood, poultry, and meat, but make sure they have been washed and well cooked.

Take precautions when exploring the Amazon basin to avoid hepatitis B and D. There is a risk of tuberculosis, jungle yellow fever (in forested areas), chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), dengue fever, and rabies. If you are at a high risk, be sure to get vaccinated before arriving. If you are bitten by an animal, seek medical care immediately. You will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are coming from an infected area in Africa or Latin America.

There are petty criminals on the streets of Georgetown, so do not wear flashy jewelry that may attract unnecessary attention. Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Some of the high-risk areas include Tiger Bay, Albouystown and Ruimveldt. If possible, have a trustworthy native escort you or travel in a large group.

Many rural areas and the interior regions of Guyana are completely safe. However, you still need to be vigilant. Homosexuality is illegal and a conviction could result in a life prison sentence. Avoid discussions about ethnic relations, socio-economic issues and politics while in Guyana.