Before you go to Guyana: what to know
Must know
- Complete the official online immigration/customs form before entry and exit. It is free; avoid sites charging to submit it.
- Carry GYD cash for interior travel; card acceptance and ATMs are concentrated in larger towns.
- Use official border crossings and check security advice near Venezuela and Suriname.
Entry and visas
Check nationality-specific visa eligibility with Guyanese Immigration. Visitor visas and extensions are handled through the official Immigration Support Services platform. The separate electronic entry/exit form is required before travel. Carry a valid passport, onward arrangements and any visa or yellow-fever evidence required for your route.
Online arrival forms and permits
- Guyana immigration/customs form ↗ required
Before each entry/exit; confirm the portal’s current 48-hour submission window · Fee: Free · Travellers entering or leaving Guyana.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: portal.gov.gy ↗, moha.gov.gy ↗, smartraveller.gov.au ↗, diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- Major hotels and businesses in Georgetown accept cards, but cash is used across most of the country.
- Use banks or licensed exchanges; rural ATMs are uncommon.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, smartraveller.gov.au ↗, diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Do not exchange currency through unlicensed street operators.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions coexist; religious festivals are important community occasions.
Clothing: Ask hosts about dress for religious and community visits; pack for tropical heat and rain.
Etiquette
- Respect local religious traditions and community hosts.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗, guyanatourism.com ↗
Climate
Tropical and warm year-round. Rain patterns differ between coast and interior: tourism guidance identifies coastal wet periods around May–mid-July and mid-November–mid-January, and interior rains around mid-May–August.
Month by month
- January: Jan: rain risk varies by coast/interior; check route conditions
- February: Feb: often drier; rainfall still possible
- March: Mar: often drier; rainfall still possible
- April: Apr: often drier; rainfall still possible
- May: May: rain risk varies by coast/interior; check route conditions
- June: Jun: rain risk varies by coast/interior; check route conditions
- July: Jul: rain risk varies by coast/interior; check route conditions
- August: Aug: rain risk varies by coast/interior; check route conditions
- September: Sep: often drier; rainfall still possible
- October: Oct: often drier; rainfall still possible
- November: Nov: rain risk varies by coast/interior; check route conditions
- December: Dec: rain risk varies by coast/interior; check route conditions
Best season: Tourism guidance favours interior travel January–early May and September–December; check access before remote trips.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: guyanatourism.com ↗, guyanatourism.com ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
What to pack
- Clothing suited to the local climate
- Personal medication and copies of travel documents
- A cash reserve kept separately from cards
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Depending on a single payment method
Practical
Plugs: Supplies vary locally; confirm voltage and sockets before connecting appliances.
Water: Confirm the local drinking-water supply; carry safe water for outings.
Traffic: drives on the left
Mobile and eSIM: Urban roaming is more reliable than interior coverage; local SIM/eSIM options include Digicel and One Communications.
Insurance: Include medical evacuation and your planned interior activities.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: guyanatourism.com ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗, travelguyana.gy ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.