Guyana
South America • GUY
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Guyana is an untamed paradise on the northern coast of South America, renowned for its incredible biodiversity, vast rainforests, and rich cultural heritage. It is the perfect destination for adventurous travelers seeking to explore pristine ecosystems, dramatic waterfalls, and a unique fusion of Caribbean and South American traditions.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of many Western nations, including the USA, Canada, and the UK, can enter Guyana visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Return or onward travel tickets
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Popular Attractions
Kaieteur Falls: This is the world's largest single-drop waterfall by volume, located deep within the pristine Kaieteur National Park.
Mount Roraima: A majestic tabletop mountain that offers challenging trekking opportunities and breathtaking views of the surrounding 'lost world' landscape.
Shell Beach: A crucial nesting site for sea turtles, this stretch of coastline provides a rare chance to observe marine life in a protected environment.
St. George's Cathedral: Situated in Georgetown, this is one of the world's tallest wooden structures and stands as a symbol of the city's colonial architecture.
Iwokrama Forest: A vast protected area offering unparalleled opportunities for bird watching, jaguar spotting, and deep immersion into the Amazonian rainforest.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Greet others with a friendly smile and a polite 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' to show respect.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites by covering your shoulders and knees.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people or their property.
Guyanese hospitality is warm, so accept offers of a drink or snack if you are invited into someone's home.
Public displays of affection are generally considered inappropriate in rural or conservative areas.
Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone at night in Georgetown and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
Keep your valuables, such as jewelry and large amounts of cash, secure and out of sight.
Use only registered taxis arranged by your hotel rather than hailing random cars on the street.
Stay hydrated and use insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne diseases prevalent in tropical areas.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Proof of vaccination is required for travelers aged 1 year or older.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel for protection against preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.
View sourceMalaria prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent malaria in areas where the disease is present.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Make sure vaccinations are current, especially if traveling with children.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date with routine vaccines before traveling.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for protection against COVID-19 while traveling.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Check that you are up to date on routine vaccines before your trip.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Essential to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes (e.g., Zika, Dengue, Malaria) by using EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Precautions are necessary to prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses (e.g., eat only fully cooked food, drink bottled or boiled water).
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Necessary to prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses such as traveler's diarrhea.
Eat only hot, cooked foods; drink bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water.
View sourceMalaria prevention measures
Source: CDC
Malaria is present in Guyana; preventive measures should be taken.
View sourceTyphoid vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to risk of hepatitis A transmission.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Considered for those who will be involved in outdoor activities that could expose them to animals.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Strongly recommended for all travelers to protect against COVID-19 transmission.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
To reduce risk of insect-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika virus.
View sourceTravel insurance
Source: CDC
Highly recommended for all travelers to cover health care costs.
View sourceRabies vaccination
Source: CDC
Consider if you plan to visit remote areas or involve in outdoor activities.
Vaccination is suggested for those at high risk.
View sourceMalaria prevention
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers to certain areas due to malaria risk.
Consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate prophylaxis.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may be exposed to blood or body fluids.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities and rural areas.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through contaminated food or water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Yellow Fever (vaccination)
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers aged 9 months or older going to areas with risk of yellow fever transmission in Guyana.
Check specific regional recommendations within the country.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To avoid food and waterborne illnesses.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: CDC
Recommended for travel to areas with malaria risk, consult with healthcare provider for specific medications.
Options include Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities like caving or those who may have direct contact with animals.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider if you may have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo, or have medical/dental procedures.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Especially if engaging in activities that could expose you to body fluids.
View sourceChikungunya prevention
Source: CDC
Due to risk of chikungunya virus from mosquito bites.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis (if visiting rural areas)
Source: CDC
Recommended for areas with malaria transmission, especially rural regions.
Consider Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.
View sourceRisk Area: Rural and interior regions, particularly in areas where mining and forestry are common.
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas and interior regions of Guyana
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Interior regions of Guyana (e.g., Potaro-Siparuni, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Interior regions of Guyana, particularly in forested areas
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas below 2000m
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country except coastal areas and Georgetown
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View source