Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Reading Time: 6 Minutes
Entry into Guyana has become significantly easier for nationals of many countries as no visa is required. This convenience has made Guyana an increasingly attractive destination for vacationers, leisure travelers, and business or corporate tourists. The new visa-free policy now allows 76 countries hassle-free entry into Guyana. For vacationers and leisure travel enthusiasts, Guyana offers an abundance of natural beauty, including the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls, the lush Iwokrama rainforest, and abundant wildlife, ensuring a memorable, hassle-free vacation experience. The visa-free and ease of entry also benefits business and corporate travelers, making it easier to plan and attend conferences, meetings, and corporate retreats. Guyana’s ever-growing infrastructure, coupled with its unique mix of cultural heritage and modern amenities, provides an ideal setting for business engagements while also providing ample opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Overall, the visa-free entry policy enhances Guyana’s appeal as a prime destination for all kinds of travel, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors from around the world.
Anup Kumar Keshan, Editor-in-Chief, TTW said: ““The implementation of Guyana’s visa-free policy for 76 countries, including Schengen countries, has been a transformative force in the tourism industry. This strategic move has not only simplified the entry process for millions of people, but also broadened Guyana’s appeal across various travel sectors. Additionally, the policy has revitalized niche travel markets such as culinary tourism, adventure travel and wellness retreats, enriching the travel experience and stimulating significant economic growth and cultural exchange.”
Below is a list of countries that do not require a visa to enter Guyana, organized by category for the specified number of days, if applicable:
Schengen countries
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Other countries
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina – 90 days
- Aruba – 90 days
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh – 30 days for diplomatic, official and special passport holders
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia – Diplomatic/Service/Official passport holders can get a tourist visa on arrival while ordinary passport holders can get a tourist visa on arrival.
- Botswana – 90 days
- Brazil
- Canada
- Cape Verde – Diplomatic/Official passport holders
- Cayman Islands – 30 days
- Chile – 90 days
- China – Diplomatic/Official passport holders
- Columbia – 90 days
- Costa Rica – 30 days for tourism purposes
- Cuba – Diplomatic, official and service passport holders
- Cyprus – Diplomatic/Official passport holders
- Dominica
- dominican republic – 30 days
- Ecuador
- Egypt – Diplomatic passport, service/special passport holders for 30 days
- Georgia – 90 days for diplomatic, official and service passport holders
- Ghana – 90 days
- Grenada
- Guatemala – 90 days for diplomatic/official passport holders and US permanent resident card or valid US/Canada/Schengen visa holders
- Haiti – 90 days for diplomatic, official and special passport holders
- Honduras – Holders of a US permanent resident card or a valid US/Canada/Schengen visa can stay for 90 days
- Hong Kong – 90 days
- India – Diplomatic/Official passport holders
- Indonesia – 30 days
- Iran – Diplomatic and special passport holders
- Ireland
- Israel – Diplomatic/Official passport holders
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Republic of Korea (Korea) – 30 days
- Lesotho – 14 days
- Malaysia – 60 days
- Mexico – 90 days for diplomatic/official/service passport holders and 90 days for US permanent residents or valid US/Canada/Schengen visa holders
- Montserrat
- new zealand
- north korea
- Panama – 180 days for tourism purposes
- Peru – 90 days for diplomatic, official and tourist passport holders
- Russian Federation – 90 days for diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders
- South Africa – 30 days for tourism or business
- Kitts and Nevis (Saint Kitts)
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Swaziland – 60 days
- Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
- turkey – 90 days for diplomatic, official and special passport holders
- Turks and Caicos Islands – 30 days
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- united states of america
- Uruguay – For diplomatic, official and service passport holders, 90 days for ordinary passport holders
- Venezuela – Diplomatic, official and service passport holders
Guyana Destination Management Company (DMC) and MICE Travel Advisors
- Wilderness Explorer
- Services: Custom tours, adventure travel, MICE services.
- Dagron Tour
- Services: Ecotours, cultural tours, business trip arrangements.
- Evergreen Adventure
- Services: Wildlife tours, nature exploration, MICE travel services.
- Rainforest Tour
- Services: Nature tours, cultural experiences, corporate travel planning.
- Old Fort Tour
- Services: Historical tours, MICE travel, customized itineraries.
Hotels in Guyana
- Marriott Hotel Guyana
- Features: Luxurious accommodation, business facilities and dining options.
- Pegasus Hotel Guyana
- Amenities: Meeting facilities, fine dining, swimming pool, fitness center.
- Herdmanston Lodge
- Features: Boutique hotel, event space, garden restaurant.
- Cara Lodge Hotel
- Features: Historic charm, business services, dining facilities.
- Kings Hotel & Residence
- Features: Modern facilities, meeting rooms, restaurant and bar.
- Sleepin Hotel and Casino
- Features: Budget-friendly, casino, event space.
These DMCs, MICE travel advisors and hotels offer a wide range of services and accommodations, making it easy for tourists to plan and enjoy their stay in Guyana, whether for leisure or business purposes.
Airlines and airports in Guyana
Major Airlines
- Caribbean Airlines
- Description: The national airline of Trinidad and Tobago, it operates frequent flights to and from Guyana, as well as connecting flights to the Caribbean and beyond.
- American Airlines
- Description: Provides international flights connecting Guyana with the United States, providing easy access for travelers.
- Copa Airlines
- Description: Connects Guyana to Latin America, enhancing regional connectivity.
- JetBlue
- Description: Offers direct flights between Guyana and the United States, making it especially popular with travelers from North America.
- Surinam Airways
- Description: Regional airline offering flights between Guyana and Suriname, as well as other Caribbean destinations.
Major Airports
- Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO)
- Location: Timehri, 41km south of Georgetown
- Description: It is Guyana’s main international airport and serves as the main gateway for international travelers.
- Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL)
- Location: Ogle, near Georgetown
- Description: Operates regional flights and small aircraft supporting domestic and some international travel.
Guyana Rail Connections
Guyana currently does not have a functioning passenger rail system. Historically, there was a rail line, but it has not been operational for several decades. The main modes of transport in the country are roads and rivers.
Benefits for Visa Exempt Travelers
Easy access for vacation and leisure travelers
Travelers from countries that do not require a visa to enter Guyana can take advantage of the extensive air route network to plan a spontaneous, hassle-free vacation. With direct flights available from major airlines, travelers can easily reach Guyana’s pristine rainforests, waterfalls and cultural heritage sites without the burden of visa applications.
Convenient business and corporate travel
For business travelers and corporate travellers, smooth visa-free entry and efficient air services make it much easier to plan and attend meetings, conferences and corporate events in Guyana. The main airport’s proximity to the business hub of Georgetown minimises travel time, increasing productivity and convenience.
Strengthened regional cooperation
A strong network of regional airlines, such as Caribbean Airlines and Surinam Airways, links Guyana to neighboring countries and the Caribbean, making it an accessible destination for travelers in the region. This connectivity is beneficial for tourism, trade and cultural exchange, facilitating closer ties within the region.
Guyana has a wealth of tourist attractions highlighting its natural beauty, cultural heritage and historical significance. Here are some of the top tourist destinations in Guyana:
Natural Attraction
- Kaieteur Falls
- Located on the Potaro River in Kaieteur National Park, this waterfall is one of the most powerful in the world.
- Highlights: Stunning scenery, unique flora and fauna, guided tours.
- Iwokrama Rainforest
- A vast protected rainforest offering ecotourism experiences.
- Highlights: canopy walks, wildlife watching, eco-lodges and guided hikes.
- Mount Roraima
- A stunning tabletop mountain located on the border of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.
- Highlights: Challenging treks, breathtaking views and unique geological formations.
- Essequibo River
- The longest river in Guyana, perfect for river cruises and wildlife watching.
- Highlights: scenic boat tours, visits to indigenous villages and bird watching.
- Shell Beach
- This pristine beach is also a nesting ground for four species of sea turtles.
- Highlights: turtle watching, beachcombing and wildlife tours.
Cultural and historical attractions
- Georgetown
- The capital city is known for its colonial architecture and bustling markets.
- Attractions: St. George’s Cathedral, Guyana National Museum, Botanical Gardens and Promenade Gardens.
- St. George’s Cathedral
- Located in Georgetown, it is one of the tallest wooden churches in the world.
- Highlights: Gothic architecture, historical importance, guided tours.
- Walter Ross Museum of Anthropology
- A museum dedicated to the cultural heritage of Guyana’s indigenous people.
- Highlights: Artifacts, Native American cultural exhibits and educational programs.
- Fort Zeelandia
- Historic Dutch fort on Fort Island in the Essequibo River.
- Highlights: Historical tours, Dutch colonial architecture, museum exhibits.
- Guyana National Museum
- It showcases Guyana’s natural and cultural history.
- Highlights: Geology exhibits, wildlife displays, cultural artifacts.
Adventure and Ecotourism
- Rupununi Savannah
- A vast savanna region offering adventure tourism and wildlife experiences.
- Highlights: Ranch stays, horse riding, bird watching and wildlife safaris.
- Kanuk Mountains
- A biodiverse mountain range perfect for hiking and wildlife exploring.
- Highlights: Hiking trails, unique wildlife, and guided nature tours.
- Slama Village
- Indigenous communities offering ecotourism experiences.
- Highlights: Cultural tours, traditional crafts, and community-led nature hikes.
A relaxing spot with beautiful scenery
- Orinduik Falls
- A beautiful waterfall on the Iren River near the Brazilian border.
- Highlights: Swimming, picnicking and beautiful views.
- Baltica
- Known as the ‘Gateway to the Interior’, this vibrant town offers beautiful riverside scenery.
- Highlights: River tours, gold mining history, local markets.
- Lethem
- This town on the border with Brazil offers unique cultural and natural attractions.
- Highlights: Rodeo, cultural festival, gateway to Rupununi.
Tags: business travel, Caribbean, corporate travel, global travel news, Guyana, international travel, leisure travel, MICE travel advisor, Schengen, Schengen countries, tourism, travel, travel news, visa, visa free