Guyana Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Guyana trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Guyana requires vigilance, particularly in Georgetown where street crime, armed robbery, and carjacking occur regularly. The interior eco-tourism areas are generally safer. Exercise increased caution, avoid walking at night, use only hotel-arranged taxis, and keep valuables out of sight.
Guyana is South America's hidden gem, where pristine rainforests meet the Atlantic coast. Home to the world's tallest single-drop waterfall, Kaieteur Falls, this English-speaking nation offers unparalleled ecotourism adventures, rich multicultural heritage, and some of the continent's most untouched wilderness.
Current Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution. Georgetown has significant crime including armed robbery, carjacking, and muggings targeting both locals and visitors. The Venezuela border area poses additional risks. Interior travel is generally safer but requires proper preparation for remote conditions.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Crime is a significant concern in Georgetown and surrounds. Violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, occurs. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not hail taxis on the street.
Canadian Government (Travel.gc.ca)
High crime rates in Georgetown; violent incidents targeting foreigners reported. Use hotel-recommended transport and avoid showing signs of wealth.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed street taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis approach travelers outside the airport and at Stabroek Market quoting low prices then demanding much more, or taking indirect routes. Some incidents have escalated to robbery.
Gold jewelry fraud
Street vendors near Stabroek Market offer to sell gold jewelry or gold nuggets at 'amazing prices' — the items are usually gold-plated brass. Guyana genuinely produces gold but legitimate sales only occur at licensed Main Street jewelers.
Tour operator overcharging and fake tours
Unlicensed 'guides' at Cheddi Jagan Airport or near Stabroek Market offer Kaieteur Falls tours or interior trips at prices that seem competitive but involve substandard aircraft, unlicensed guides, or no actual delivery.
ATM skimming
Card skimming devices have been reported on some Georgetown ATMs. Large transactions at compromised machines result in card cloning and unauthorized use.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid walking or driving at night in Georgetown
Don't display signs of wealth or expensive jewelry
Use only reputable taxis booked through hotels
Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs
Keep valuables in hotel safe
Stay away from Venezuela border area due to tensions
Book tours with established operators for rainforest trips
Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival in Georgetown; the US Embassy is at 100 Young and Duke Streets (+592 225-4900), UK High Commission at 44 Main Street
Be aware of yellow fever and malaria risks; consult a travel health clinic at least 4-6 weeks before visiting and take prescribed malaria prophylaxis for any interior travel
Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and exercise caution at bars and nightlife venues; drink spiking has been reported especially on Sheriff Street entertainment strip
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel in Georgetown requires vigilance. Stay in established accommodation, never walk at night, use hotel taxis exclusively, and keep a low profile. The interior eco-lodges are much safer for solo travelers as you are always with guides. Solo female travelers need extra precautions in the capital. Consider joining organized group tours for Georgetown evening activities.
Female Travelers
Female travelers should exercise caution in Georgetown, particularly in markets and on public transport where harassment can occur. Avoid walking alone after dark under any circumstances. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) reduces unwanted attention. Interior eco-lodges and organized tours are much safer environments. The Rupununi and indigenous communities are generally very respectful to female visitors.
Families
Families are generally safe in Georgetown if they use hotel-arranged transport and avoid night-time street walking. Interior eco-lodges are excellent for families with older children and are very safe. Malaria prophylaxis is mandatory for children visiting interior regions — consult a pediatric travel health clinic. The Botanical Gardens, Seawall, and Georgetown restaurants are family-friendly daytime options.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relations are technically illegal in Guyana under colonial-era laws, though enforcement against tourists is rare. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract negative attention. The LGBTQ+ community is largely invisible publicly. Discretion is advised. The Marriott and Pegasus hotels are welcoming to all guests regardless of orientation.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Required: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic countries (check current list). Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (for those in remote areas). Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended for all interior travel; consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Water Safety
Not safe to drink from taps. Use bottled water exclusively, including for brushing teeth. Bottled water widely available for GYD 200-400 ($1-2) per bottle. Hotels typically provide filtered water.
Food Safety
Street food from busy morning market stalls is generally safe when freshly cooked. Avoid raw vegetables washed with tap water, undercooked meats, and food from stalls with no refrigeration. Stick to piping hot freshly cooked items.
Medical Facilities
Georgetown Marriott has an on-site medical clinic. Georgetown Public Hospital (Carifesta Avenue) is the main public hospital — adequate for emergencies. Woodlands Hospital (private, 110 Carmichael Street) is recommended for non-emergency care. Interior regions have very limited medical facilities; evacuation insurance is essential.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Guyana
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide