Guyana

Guyana is a developing nation on the northern coast of South America.  Few tourist facilities exist other than hotels in the capital city of Georgetown and a small number of eco-resorts in the rugged interior of the country. The vast majority of the Guyanese population lives along the coast, leaving the interior largely unpopulated and undeveloped. Travel within the interior of Guyana can be difficult; many interior regions can only be reached by plane or boat, and the few roads are often impassable in the rainy seasons.  English is the national language.  Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Guyana for additional information on U.S.- Guyana relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Guyana, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Drivers use the left side of the road in Guyana.  Driving in Guyana can be hazardous  , and the rate of traffic accident fatalities in Guyana is significantly higher than in the United States. Cars, large commercial vehicles, horse drawn carts, bicyclists, motorcycles, free range livestock, stray dogs, pedestrians, and aggressive "mini-buses" all share narrow, poorly maintained roads. Aggressive, speeding vehicles on the same roads with slow-moving vehicles makes driving in Guyana especially dangerous. Driving at unsafe speeds, tail-gating, quick stops without signaling, passing at intersections, and passing on crowded streets is commonplace. Driving at night poses additional concerns as many roads are not lit, some drivers do not lower high beam lights, livestock sleep on the road and many pedestrians congregate by the roadside. You should exercise caution at all times while driving and avoid driving outside of Georgetown at night when possible.

The Traffic Division of Guyana's National Police Force is responsible for road safety but is ill-trained and ill-equipped. The Department of State recommends that Embassy staff travel in groups of two or more vehicles when traveling outside Georgetown.

Penalties for drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death are severe, including life imprisonment. If involved in an accident, call 911 for police and 913 for an ambulance. Please note, however, that these numbers are not always operational, police may be slow to respond, and an ambulance may not be available.

Seatbelt use is required by law and is enforced; failure to use a seatbelt when riding in the front seat of any vehicle can result in a fine. Currently, Guyana has no laws concerning child car seats, but the use of age-appropriate seats is strongly recommended for child passengers. Both drivers of and passengers on motorcycles must wear protective helmets that meet certain specifications. Talking on cellular telephones while driving is illegal; however, it is legal if a driver uses a hands free set.

Mini-buses (small 12- to 15-passenger vans) ply various routes both within and between cities. Mini-bus drivers have come under severe criticism from the government, press, and private citizens for speeding, aggressive and reckless driving, overloading of vehicles, poor vehicle maintenance and repair, and offensive remarks directed at passengers. Mini-buses have been involved in the majority of fatal vehicular accidents in recent years, and official U.S. government personnel are barred from using them. Travelers should use taxis for transportation.

Please refer our Road Safety page for more information.  Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety. 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Guyana, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Caribbean Airlines and Surinam Airways, both not registered in Guyana, are the only two scheduled airlines with direct service to the United States from Guyana.  Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Demonstrations and protests are not uncommon in Georgetown.  Though U.S. citizens have not been the targets of past demonstrations, U.S. citizens in Guyana should nevertheless remain alert and take prudent personal security measures. Avoid areas where crowds have congregated and maintain a low profile when moving about Georgetown.  The U.S. Embassy recommends exercising particular caution in the neighborhoods of Buxton, Stabroek, and Bourda; in and around the National Park; and along the sea wall west of the Pegasus Hotel and east of the Shell station on Rupert Craig Highway. 

Demonstrations and protests can occur more frequently during election seasons. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to be cautious and vigilant, particularly near any sites associated with political activity.  Limited transportation and communications may hamper the ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist in an emergency situation.

 To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Guyana on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Serious crime, including murder and armed robbery, is a major problem in Guyana. The per capita murder rate in Guyana is three times higher than that of the United States.

Armed robberies can occur in business and shopping districts. Hotel room break-ins also occur; use caution when opening your hotel room doors and keep your valuables in the hotel safe. When traveling in a vehicle, keep the doors locked and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, assault, and robbery can occur in all areas of Georgetown.  Crimes often occur along the sea wall and the adjacent areas. Visitors are advised to avoid this area after dark. Avoid leaving any valuables in vehicles left unattended and remember to lock your vehicle at all times. The National Park in Georgetown and the sea wall from Sheriff Road to UG Road are frequented by joggers, dog walkers, and families and are generally considered safe during daylight hours, but are not recommended after dusk.

Petty crimes also occur in the general area of Stabroek Market and to a lesser extent in the area behind Bourda Market. Safeguard your personal property when shopping in these markets. There are pickpockets in the area around St. George's Cathedral, and you should avoid the area after dark. Guyana's commercial downtown between Main Street and Water Street from Lamaha Road to Stabroek Market, including "Tiger Bay," is largely deserted outside of business hours and should also be avoided after dark.

Avoid walking around Georgetown alone, even in the main areas and especially after dark. Although bandits have been known to attack taxis, they are generally safe and remain the safest means of getting around town and to and from the airport. Only use taxis that are connected to major hotels or are painted yellow. All yellow taxis are registered with the Government of Guyana's licensing office. Exercise constant vigilance, and prior to entering any taxi, make note of the vehicle's license plate. This can be used to track down the driver in the event you are overcharged or if your luggage is lost.  Using public minibuses is discouraged due to widespread unsafe driving and poor maintenance.

Use caution traveling to and from Cheddi Jagan International Airport, especially at night.  In 2014, the Embassy received several reports of U.S. citizens followed home from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at night and robbed as they entered their residences.  Take care not to widely announce your arrival plans, and arrange for taxi pick-up prior to arrival.  The Department of State recommends that Embassy staff use official vehicles when traveling this route between dusk and dawn.

Local law-enforcement authorities are generally cooperative but lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. We encourage crime victims to contact the police as well as the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are these goods illegal in the United States, buy buyers may also be breaking local law. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

The local equivalent to the "911" emergency line in Guyana is 911.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.