Guyana Travel Risk

Reconsider travel to Guyana due to crime.

Violent crime is common, especially at night. Crimes include murder and armed robbery. Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

• Stabroek Market is off limits to U.S. Government employees at all times due to crime.
• Bourda Market is off limits to U.S. Government employees during evening hours due to crime.
• Avoid National Park and Seawall after dark due to vehicle break-ins, poor lighting, and high pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
• Exercise caution in Agricola, Albouystown, and Tiger Bay due to high crime levels.
• Review the Travel Guidance in Guyana for additional information.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Guyana

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Guyana, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

There are occasional protests and political demonstrations throughout Guyana. Stay away from demonstrations as unrest can occur without notice.

Border areas

Venezuela disputes the legitimacy of its border with Guyana. Political tensions remain and the security situation along the border remains tense. There has also been an increase in organised criminality in these border areas.

There continues to be a dispute between Suriname and Guyana over the land in the New River Triangle area in the south-east of Guyana.

Organised crime in these border areas is common and increasing.

Check with local authorities if travelling near the border areas, both of which are in remote areas.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Guyana, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Guyana. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP). After 60 days you’ll need to buy a 4-week foreign driving permit.

If you’re planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.

Driving standards and road conditions

Driving in Guyana can be dangerous because of reckless drivers, frequent hazards, poor street lighting, and poor road conditions. Drive with caution and take extreme care if you choose to drive at night. Keep a safe distance from minibuses – minibus drivers are responsible for many of the road accidents in Guyana.

If possible, avoid travel to and from Cheddi Jagan International Airport late at night and before dawn. There have been fatal accidents caused by erratic driving.

Taxis and minibuses

Although private taxis can be targeted by robbers, they are the safest way for visitors to get around Georgetown. Use taxis from reputable companies and book them in advance or from official hotel taxi ranks.

Do not hail taxis from the roadside, and avoid using “public” minibuses unless pre-booked from reputable sources.

River and sea travel

There have been armed attacks against fishing boats in and around the waters of Guyana and Suriname, and those between Guyana and Venezuela. If you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.

If you are travelling on Guyana’s rivers, use registered boat services equipped with life jackets. Do not travel by boat after dark.

Only use scheduled ferry services when crossing the Corentyne River between Guyana and Suriname. Using water taxis (‘backtracking’) from Suriname to Guyana is illegal and can lead to arrest, imprisonment and then deportation.

Risk level

Guyana - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Guyana due to high crime rates.

Border with Venezuela

There are no official border crossings with Venezuela. The security environment is volatile along the border between Guyana and Venezuela due to the ongoing discord over the Guyana Essequibo region and gang-related violence.

• Exercise a high degree of caution near the border with Venezuela
• Only use the official border crossings with Brazil and Suriname
• Monitor local media for the latest information
• Follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces

Crime

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Criminals target foreigners and returning Guyanese citizens.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence.
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Violent Crime

Violent crime is prevalent across Guyana. It is often associated with illegal drug trafficking. Homicides, assaults, break-ins, armed robberies, theft from cars and carjackings are common.

Criminals often travel in groups of two or more and often surveille their target for days prior to any confrontation.

Foreigners have been robbed at gunpoint and attacked after withdrawing money at banks, in shopping districts and in hotels.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Do not change money in the street with street changers

Exercise increased caution in Georgetown, particularly in the following neighbourhoods:

• the area 2 km south of Brickdam Street
• Agricola
• Albouystown
• Albertown
• Bourda
• Buxton
• East Ruimveldt
• Sophia
• Stabroek
• Tiger Bay
• West Ruimveldt

Criminals often target the following tourist sites:

• Stabroek Market
• Bourda Market
• Botanical Gardens
• the National Park
• the sea wall

Outside of Georgetown, violent incidents occur in the East Coast Demerara region, particularly near:

• the villages of Buxton and Friendship
• the East Bank Demerara region
• the New Amsterdam area.

To minimize the risk of violent crime:

• do not walk alone after dark
• avoid deserted or under-populated areas
• pay attention to your surroundings, especially when entering or leaving vehicles, residences and public places
• keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times
• stay in accommodations with good security
• always verify the identity of a visitor before opening the door

圭亚那风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在圭亚那中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。