Guyana Travel Information Guide: Political Situation · Safety Risks · Health and Vaccinations Summary
Guyana is an attractive country in northern South America bordering the Caribbean Sea, offering unique experiences where Amazon rainforest travel, Kaieteur Falls tourism, and Caribbean culture coexist. However, it is also a destination carrying significant risks, including crime rates in Guyana, travel safety, and healthcare.
For those planning a trip to Guyana, we've compiled all the essential information travelers must know: security, political situation, health and medical tips, travel infrastructure, and emergency contacts.
Guyana “Country Overview & Political Situation”
- Irfan Ali was inaugurated as president in the 2020 election, but allegations of electoral fraud arose during the campaign.
- Ethnic Tensions: Conflict between the Indian (approx. 50%) and African (approx. 30%) populations contributes to political instability.
- Corruption hinders administration and economic growth, and Guyana remains classified as one of the poorest countries in South America.
- Disputes with Neighboring Countries:
- Venezuela claims sovereignty over two-thirds of Guyana's territory
- Ongoing border dispute with Suriname
Guyana “Security & Crime”
Crime Rate
- Fourth highest homicide rate in South America, frequent violent crime
- Major crime areas in Georgetown: Stabroek Market, Tiger Bay, South Georgetown, Robstown District
- Traveling between the airport and Georgetown, and on the Linden Highway at night, is particularly dangerous.
Types of Crime
- Armed robbery, carjacking, pickpocketing, purse snatching, hotel theft
- Organized crime intensified by drug trafficking and weapons proliferation
- Issues with police corruption and delayed response
👉 Travel Tips: Avoid displaying valuables, remain vigilant when visiting ATMs/banks, refrain from using unreliable taxis/minibuses
Guyana “Health & Medical Care (including vaccinations)”
Medical Infrastructure
- Cities: Basic medical services available, but quality varies by hospital
- Rural/Inland Areas: Almost no medical facilities → Overseas medical evacuation required in emergencies
- Travel insurance is essential (including medical evacuation option)
Risk of Infectious Diseases
- Mosquito-borne diseases:
- Waterborne/Foodborne Infections: Typhoid, Hepatitis (A/B), Leptospirosis, Rabies
- HIV/AIDS prevalence rate approx. 2%
Vaccinations & Guidelines
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: Mandatory
- Recommended: DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Meningitis (A+C+Y+W135)
- Use mosquito nets and DEET spray routinely; consume only bottled water and cooked food
Guyana “Travel Infrastructure & Safety Guidelines”
- Paved Roads: Only 3 nationwide → Poor transportation conditions
- Airports: Avoid late night/early morning use (robbery/accident risk)
- Transportation: Avoid minibuses; must book reputable taxis
- Boats: Avoid nighttime use
- Avoid political protests and gatherings at all costs
- Insel Airlines Avoid use due to reported safety issues
Guyana “Emergency Contacts & Emergency Numbers”
Guyana's emergency services have limited response capacity; it is safer to simultaneously seek assistance from hotels, embassies, and travel agencies.
- National Emergency Number: 999
- Police: 911
- Ambulance: 912
- Fire Department: 911
⚠️ Some sources list ambulance as 913 and fire as 912, so be sure to confirm the latest numbers upon arrival.
📌 Final Summary
✅ Politics: 2020 presidential election fraud allegations, instability rooted in racial tensions → heightened tension during election period
✅ Terrorism: No reported activity, but consider potential spillover from neighboring countries
✅ Crime: 4th highest homicide rate in South America; Georgetown, airport roads, Linden Highway dangerous → avoid nighttime travel
✅ Healthcare: Vulnerable medical care outside cities, inland areas nearly inaccessible → Travel insurance including medical evacuation essential
✅ Vaccinations: Yellow fever mandatory + DTP, typhoid, hepatitis, meningitis recommended
✅ Hygiene: Beware mosquito-borne diseases (malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika), drink only bottled or boiled water
✅ Travel Infrastructure: 3 paved roads, minibuses prohibited, use reliable taxis, avoid nighttime boat travel
✅ Emergency Contacts: Emergency 999 / Police 911 / Ambulance 912 / Fire 911
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