The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Guyana at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Georgetown does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The ACS Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Guyana-specific webpage for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is serious risk from crime in Georgetown. The general crime rate in Guyana is above the U.S. national average. Serious crimes (e.g. murder, armed robbery) are common. The most recent information from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime lists Guyana’s 2016 homicide rate as 18.37 per 100,000 people -- the fourth highest murder rate in South America behind Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. Guyana’s murder rate is four times higher than that of the U.S. As of August 2018, local media reports indicated a 7% decrease in overall serious crimes, but a 23% increase in robberies without a weapon.

Criminals regularly use weapons, despite a rigorous licensing requirement to own firearms. Handguns, knives, machetes, or cutlasses tend to be the weapons of choice. Criminals may act brazenly, and police officers have been both victims and perpetrators of assaults and shootings. Criminals are increasingly willing to resort to violence while committing all types of crimes. If confronted by an armed criminal, do not argue or attempt to confront him/her. Criminals are often organized, travel in groups of two or more, and conduct surveillance on their victims. Criminals generally will not hesitate to show multiple weapons as an intimidation tactic during a robbery. Quickly relinquish your valuables and do not resist, unless you believe your life is in imminent danger.

Armed robberies including carjacking occur regularly, especially in businesses and shopping districts. Armed robberies of business/patron establishments occur frequently in Georgetown.

There are reports of robberies/attacks on U.S. citizens and in areas expatriates frequent. Criminals view foreigners in general as targets of opportunity, but do not target U.S. travelers specifically. Foreigners are very visible in public, and should take precautions when visiting downtown areas. Most violent crimes against foreigners have occurred in the capital.

There have been reports of hotel room break-ins; use caution when opening hotel room doors, and safeguard valuables left in hotel rooms. There have been reports of criminal incidents near the major hotels U.S. government employees and tourists use. Avoid walking alone outside after dark, even in the immediate vicinity of major hotels.

Remain alert and exercise particular caution in the neighborhoods of Agricola, Buxton, Stabroek, and Bourda; in and around the National Park; and along the sea wall due to criminal activity. Petty crimes such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, assault, and robbery can occur in all areas of Georgetown, particularly, in the general area of Stabroek Market and behind Bourda Market. Safeguard your personal property when shopping in these markets.

Residential burglaries are less common when homes have guards who pose a deterrent.

Change currency only at legitimate exchanges at hotels or airports. Only a few locations in Georgetown accept credit cards. PIN theft is common after using credit or ATM cards. Avoid exchanging currency on the street, which can be a dangerous practice; only exchange currency with banks, hotels, or licensed money exchange houses (cambios).

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime is not a major concern. Local computer use is low, as is the level of sophistication with computers. Always exercise caution, though, as cybercrime is an international concern.

Other Areas of Concern

The press and some contacts are reporting that the Guyana-Venezuela border area has seen an increase in violent attacks allegedly perpetrated by Venezuelan criminal gangs against Guyanese fishers, miners, and general citizenry. Assault, robbery, extortion, and murder have reportedly occurred in towns on both sides of the border, with fishing villages and mining camps being the most victimized.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road conditions and road safety standards are below U.S standards. Authorities rarely maintain roads, and street lighting is sporadic. Vehicle accidents are very common, as are accidents involving pedestrians. Traffic enforcement is rare to non-existent.

Traffic accidents are a major concern in Georgetown, with speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol contributing factors. Local drivers often drive recklessly, often ignoring stop signs and traffic signals. Drivers should remain very cognizant of other cars, large commercial vehicles, minibuses, horse-drawn carts, bicycles, mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, stray dogs, sleeping animals, free-range livestock, and pedestrians, as they all share narrow, poorly maintained roads. Few roads have sidewalks. A combination of very aggressive and inexperienced, very timid vehicle operators makes driving especially dangerous. Speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, cutting across lanes and stopping quickly without signaling, passing at intersections, and passing on crowded streets are commonplace. Driving at night poses additional concerns due to poor street lighting and road conditions, drivers not lowering high-beam lights, livestock, and pedestrians congregating by the roadside. Maintain a high level of vigilance, consider security issues when planning activities throughout Guyana, and avoid traveling at night, when possible. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s report, Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

The law requires persons involved in a traffic accident to remain at the scene until the police arrive to take a report. Consider your safety in deciding whether to remain at an accident scene or to proceed to a police station if you perceive an imminent threat. Guyana does not have trained medical personnel who routinely respond to accidents; ambulances generally do not have medical personnel or equipment on board to provide adequate medical care, and are only for transportation. People injured in accidents are must transport themselves to a hospital by taxi.

Public Transportation Conditions

Visitors unfamiliar with the country should not use of public transportation (minibuses). Reputable taxis (i.e. those offered through the major hotels and tourist agencies) are preferable, as they are usually safer, more reliable, and affordable.

Other Travel Conditions

Travel to the interior requires planning and caution; make use of well-established tour companies for safer experiences. Medical and law enforcement resources in many interior locations are significantly less than what is available in the capital. There have been reports of tourists and foreigners robbed while traveling in the countryside, and there are occasional reports of bandits on rural roads and piracy on the local rivers. A number of tour organizations arrange travel throughout the country, with varying degrees of service. None is off-limits for U.S. government personnel.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is moderate risk from terrorism in Georgetown. There are no known indigenous terrorist organizations, and Guyana is not a known base of support/sympathy for terrorists. While Guyana has experienced no terrorist incidents in the last decade, all visitors should be familiar with the contents of the Department of State’s periodic worldwide cautionary statement. There is no specific threat information concerning the presence of local, regional, and/or international terrorist groups in the country. Likewise, there is no specific threat information concerning U.S. private sector organizations in Guyana.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is moderate risk from political violence in Georgetown. Although Guyana has ongoing border disputes with its neighbors (i.e. Venezuela, Suriname), it is not engaged in any armed hostilities. The U.S. Embassy does not anticipate violence resulting from existing territorial or political controversies with neighboring countries. Guyana is pursuing a diplomatic resolution to its border controversies.

In 2015, Guyana held peaceful national elections local elections in 2018 were also peaceful. Minor protests and demonstrations sometimes follow announcement of the election results. Since 1992, domestic and international observer groups have deemed elections generally free and fair. Politically motivated violence does not target U.S. companies or individuals.

In December 2018, Parliament passed a vote of no confidence in the current coalition government. Following such a vote, the Guyana Constitution requires early elections, which would occur in 2019. Expect minor protests and demonstrations throughout the election cycle. 

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Guyana is a multicultural country. Ethnic groups, consisting mainly of people of East Indian and African descent and Amerindians, coexist peacefully. While incidents of violent crime appear not to be racially motivated, political differences tend to run along racial divisions. Broad-based civil and religious groups have publicly rejected racially charged statements made by prominent figures, particularly around elections. Ethnic and religious diversity have no directly link to incidents of violence in recent years.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

There are two main rainy seasons (December-January and May-July). However, even at other times of the year, heavy rains are possible, and flash flooding can occur. The coastal plain floods occasionally. There has also been isolated flooding on the east coast in each of the past several years.

Critical Infrastructure

Guyana has adopted a low-carbon development strategy. There are few large-scale industrial activities other than the state-controlled rice and sugar production. There has been increased activity in the mining and petroleum sectors.

Economic Concerns

There is an abundance of pirated merchandise for sale, readily available from street vendors.

Privacy Concerns

There are privacy laws that govern the release of personal information, but these are not regularly enforced.

Personal Identity Concerns

Hate-related crimes rarely occur, though some U.S. citizens have reported being the target of comments or actions because of their nationality or race.

Violence against women, particularly in a domestic context, is a pervasive problem.

The Constitution of Guyana defines marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman. There is no legal protection from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity under Guyanese law. Consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Guyana for men; it is not uncommon for the local police to use the law to intimidate men who are gay or perceived to be gay. There are no laws concerning same-sex sexual relations between women. Crossdressing is also illegal if done “for an improper purpose.” While legislation or judicial decisions have not explicitly defined this clause, the common understanding is that it refers to prostitution. There have been isolated incidents of violence that appear to be associated with sexual preference/identity.

The Guyana Constitution mandates the state to take measures to protect persons with disabilities, but there is no law that mandates provision of access for such persons. There is also a lack of appropriate access to public and private facilities alike.

Drug-related Crimes

Drug trafficking is a serious concern, and poses the biggest challenge to law enforcement in Guyana. Airport security and customs officials frequently detain and arrest individuals attempting to smuggle drugs out of the country. Apprehensions of drug mules, often U.S. citizens due to the perceived ease to which a U.S. passport holder can travel, have increased.

Travelers to the United States from Guyana have found narcotics planted in their luggage, both in bags registered under their names and in items they were carrying for others. U.S. citizens should carry items that are personally purchased and packed, and ensure that no one registers additional bags in their name. Drug laws in Guyana are strict, pre-trial detention can last for years, and final sentences are lengthy.

Police Response

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has resource and workforce limitations that inhibit its ability to deter or respond to criminal activity. Even on the occasions when the GPF responds to a crime scene, victims must go to the nearest police station to file a report and complete other investigative formalities. Confidence in the GPF is low due to the public’s perception of heavy handedness, ineffectiveness, and corruption.

 The public perceives corruption to be commonplace within many government agencies. Criminal elements reportedly bribe police officers to either assist or protect them. Limited resources strain the judicial system, which can be influenced by threats or bribes. Defendants linked to drug organizations often use attorneys who are effective in getting cases dismissed or postponed; as a result, criminals go free on a regular basis.

Crime Victim Assistance

There is one consolidated emergency telephone number (911) for police, fire, and rescue. The fire department generally provides a timely response, while police response, especially at night, is less dependable coming in 15+ minutes or not at all.

U.S. travelers who become victims of crime should contact American Citizen Services (ACS) at +592-225-4900 x4222, or the after-hours Embassy Duty Officer at +592-623-1992.

Medical Emergencies

Medical care is not equal to U.S. standards. Care is available for minor medical conditions, although quality of care is inconsistent. Emergency care and hospitalizations for major medical illnesses or surgery are very limited, due to the lack of appropriately trained specialists, below standard in-hospital care, and poor sanitation.

Bring prescription medicine sufficient for your length of stay; be aware that Guyana's humid climate may affect some medicines. Some prescription medicines (mainly generic) are available. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medications.

Contact emergency medical services by calling 913 for an ambulance from Georgetown Public Hospital; this number is not always operational, and an ambulance may not be available. There are very few private ambulances.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance webpage.

Available Air Ambulance Services

Fly Reva

1745 NW 51st Pl, Hanger 73, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

POC: Brian Weisz, bweisz@flyreva.com, 954-730-9300 Ext. 201

24-hour response center: 800-752-4195 or 954-730-9300

Email: operations@flyreva.com

Web: flyreva.com

International SOS

Philadelphia Office: 3600 Horizon Blvd, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19053

Tel: 215-942-8000 or 8226

Fax: 215-942-2338 or email: phlopsmed@internationalsos.com

Tricare Emergency (For Military Personnel)

Contact: 800-834-5514/ FAX: 215-354-2338

Call collect: 215-701-2800 or e-mail: tricarephl@internationalsos.com

Insurance Guidance

Serious illnesses/injuries often require medical evacuation (medevac) to where adequate medical attention is available. Such medevac services are very expensive and are generally available only to travelers who either have travel insurance that covers them or who are able to pay for the service in advance. The cost for medical evacuation may range from US$40,000 to $200,000.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Mosquito-borne viral infections (e.g. chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria, Zika) are a significant health risk. While chikungunya and dengue fever have become endemic, yellow fever and malaria are more prevalent in the interior. Travelers to regions 1, 7, 8, 9, and 10 should use malaria prophylaxis. All U.S. government personnel obtain yellow fever vaccination prior to travel. There are no prophylactic therapies for dengue and chikungunya. The most prudent strategy is to prevent mosquito bites through repellants, treated bed nets, window screens, and air-conditioning. For more information on mosquito mitigation, review OSAC’s report, What’s Bugging Your Staff: Mosquito-borne Diseases - Mitigation Tactics.

Incidences of water-borne diseases increase during periods of flooding. Only consume bottled or purified water. Take special precautions when eating fruits and vegetables, especially during the rainy seasons. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Leptospirosis, while not common, is a viral infection spread via rodent droppings and waste. Given the limitations of the sanitation system, exercise caution; this includes vigilant hand washing after outdoor contact, and vaccination of pets that may contract the disease from food bowls and other exposed surfaces rodents may traverse.

Pay special attention should to HIV/AIDS. In addition to elevated infection rates among high-risk populations (e.g. commercial sex workers, men who have sex with men, mobile populations such as miners or loggers), WHO data shows that Guyana has among the highest prevalence rates in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Guyana.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Georgetown Country Council currently meets twice during the year and has approximately thirty members. Please contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions or to join.  

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown

Embassy Contact Numbers

American Citizen Services: +592-225-4900 x4222.

RSO: +592-225-4900 ext: 4243. 

For emergencies after regular business hours or the Embassy Duty Officer +592-623-1992.

Website: https://gy.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

To register your stay in Guyana and ensure that you receive messages in an emergency, register with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Additional Resource: Guyana Country Information Sheet