VaccineChecking
Back to all destinations

Guyana

Standard Coverage

South America • GUY

Last updated: September 13, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Guyana is a hidden gem of South America, renowned for its pristine rainforests, incredible biodiversity, and unique blend of Caribbean and South American cultures. It offers an adventurous destination for eco-tourists looking to experience raw nature, iconic waterfalls, and authentic indigenous traditions.

Visa Requirements

Visa-Free for Many Nationalities

Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and EU members, can enter Guyana visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days.

Typically Required Documents

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country

Popular Attractions

1

Kaieteur Falls is one of the world's most powerful and tallest single-drop waterfalls, located deep within the Amazon rainforest.

2

Baganara Island Resort provides a tranquil escape on the Essequibo River, perfect for relaxing and water-based activities.

3

The Rupununi Savannah offers vast, golden grasslands and wetlands that are prime locations for spotting giant anteaters and black caimans.

4

Georgetown, the capital, features colonial-era wooden architecture like St. George's Cathedral and the bustling Stabroek Market.

5

Shell Beach is a protected coastline where four species of endangered sea turtles come to nest throughout the year.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Greetings in Guyana are generally warm; a simple handshake and a smile are appropriate for meeting new people.

Guyanese people value modesty and respectful dress, especially when visiting religious sites or rural indigenous villages.

It is considered polite to ask for permission before taking photographs of locals, especially in smaller, remote communities.

Tipping is appreciated in restaurants but not always mandatory; a 10 percent tip is standard for good service.

Always remove your shoes when entering someone's home, as this is a common sign of respect in local households.

Punctuality is sometimes relaxed in Guyana, often referred to as 'island time', so patience is highly encouraged.

Safety Tips

Avoid walking alone at night in Georgetown, particularly in areas like Tiger Bay or near the seawalls after dark.

Use only reputable, licensed taxi services or those recommended by your hotel rather than hailing random cars on the street.

Keep your valuables, such as passports and extra cash, in a hotel safe rather than carrying them around with you.

Drink only bottled or treated water to prevent stomach-related illnesses, especially when traveling outside the capital.

Take necessary malaria precautions, including prescribed medication and mosquito repellent, particularly when visiting the interior rainforests.

Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded market areas like Stabroek to prevent pickpocketing.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.

View source

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.

View source
Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.

View source

Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before travel.

View source

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.

View source

Malaria prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent malaria in areas where the disease is present.

View source

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Make sure vaccinations are current, especially if traveling with children.

View source

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date with routine vaccines before traveling.

View source

COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for protection against COVID-19 while traveling.

View source

Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Check that you are up to date on routine vaccines before your trip.

View source

For Most Travelers

Insect Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, or zika.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use bed nets.

View source

Food and Water Safety

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent diarrheal diseases and other foodborne/waterborne illnesses.

Eat and drink safely by consuming only bottled, sealed, or treated water and choosing cooked foods served hot.

View source

Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

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 source

Malaria prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

Malaria is present in Guyana; preventive measures should be taken.

View source

Typhoid vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.

View source

Hepatitis A vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers due to risk of hepatitis A transmission.

View source

Rabies

Source: CDC

adult

Considered for those who will be involved in outdoor activities that could expose them to animals.

View source

COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

adult

Strongly recommended for all travelers to protect against COVID-19 transmission.

View source

Insect bite prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

To reduce risk of insect-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika virus.

View source

Travel insurance

Source: CDC

All ages

Highly recommended for all travelers to cover health care costs.

View source

Rabies vaccination

Source: CDC

adult

Consider if you plan to visit remote areas or involve in outdoor activities.

Vaccination is suggested for those at high risk.

View source

Malaria prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers to certain areas due to malaria risk.

Consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate prophylaxis.

View source

Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

View source

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may be exposed to blood or body fluids.

View source

Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas where exposure through contaminated food or water is likely.

View source

Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through food or water.

View source

Itinerary-Specific

Yellow Fever (vaccination)

Source: CDC

All ages

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 source

Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

To avoid food and waterborne illnesses.

View source

Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.

View source

Malaria prophylaxis

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travel to areas with malaria risk, consult with healthcare provider for specific medications.

Options include Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.

View source

Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites.

View source

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended if you might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or undergo medical procedures.

View source

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

adult

Especially if engaging in activities that could expose you to body fluids.

View source

Chikungunya prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Due to risk of chikungunya virus from mosquito bites.

View source

Malaria prophylaxis (if visiting rural areas)

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for areas with malaria transmission, especially rural regions.

Consider Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.

View source
Malaria Information

Risk Area: Rural areas and interior regions of Guyana

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk 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 source

Risk Area: Coastal areas (including Georgetown)

Chemoprophylaxis: No malaria risk

View source

Risk Area: Interior regions of Guyana, particularly in forested areas

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: Rural areas below 2000m

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: Entire country except coastal areas and Georgetown

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: No malaria risk

View source

Risk Area: Entire country

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source
Official Sources

Authoritative Resources:

View our data sources and disclaimer →