Need help?

UK Customer Services0330 880 3600*

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.

*Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes.

Go back to:
All Country Guides

Other Guides

Guyana

Please note that if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have advised against all (or all but essential travel) to your destination, we cannot provide cover.
Click here to visit the FCDO's Foreign Travel Advice webpage.

Intro
Geography
Travel
Embassies & Visas
Currency
Health

Quick Facts

Official name: Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Capital city: Georgetown
Languages spoken: English, Creole, Hindi, Amerindian
Population: Around 800,000
Currency: Guyanese dollar (GYD)
Time zone: GMT-4
Driving side: Left
Climate: Hot and humid throughout the year, with heavy rains in May–June and November–January, and drier but still steamy spells in between

Guyana, tucked on the northern coast of South America, is often described as a blend of Caribbean and Amazonian cultures. With its lush rainforests, thundering Kaieteur Falls, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean and Indo-Guyanese traditions, the country offers a unique experience off the beaten track. Georgetown, the capital, mixes colonial wooden architecture with lively markets and a relaxed pace.

Guyana shares borders with Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname, and has a long Atlantic coastline. Much of the interior is dense rainforest, savannah and mountain ranges, including the Pakaraima Mountains. Its many rivers, particularly the Essequibo, play a vital role in transport and daily life.

Cheddi Jagan International Airport near Georgetown is the main entry point, with flights from the Caribbean and North America. Roads can be poor outside the capital, and many interior areas are only accessible by river or small aircraft. River travel is common, and minibuses serve short distances, though schedules are flexible.

UK nationals and many other visitors require a visa for entry, usually obtained in advance from a Guyanese consulate or embassy. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel. The British High Commission is based in Georgetown.

The Guyanese dollar (GYD) is the local currency. Credit card use is limited, and ATMs are not widespread outside Georgetown, so carrying US dollars as backup is recommended.

Medical facilities are basic, even in Georgetown, and serious conditions may require evacuation. Malaria and dengue are risks, particularly in rural and forested regions, so mosquito precautions are essential. Travellers should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance with evacuation cover, and be cautious with food and water hygiene.

Go back to: All Country Guides

Guyana

Quick Facts

Go back to:
All Country Guides