Whether you are planning to visit for business or pleasure, obtaining a Guyana Visa is an essential step in the process. As of 2023, the Guyana government has implemented a new visa process for all foreign visitors to the country. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the new visa process, including the requirements, application process, and important deadlines. Whether you are a first-time traveler to Guyana or a seasoned visitor, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully obtain your visa and explore all that this amazing country has to offer.
Who must have a Guyana Visa to enter and stay in Guyana?
Foreign nationals who wish to enter and stay in Guyana for any purpose, including tourism, business, study, or work, are generally required to obtain a visa from a Guyanese embassy or consulate prior to their arrival in the country. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as citizens of Commonwealth countries, who may be eligible for visa-free entry for short stays.
Nationals of the following mentioned countries are eligible to visit and stay in Guyana for up to 90 days;
- Antigua and Barbuda (up to 6 months)
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados (up to 6 months)
- Belgium
- Belize (up to 6 months)
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica (up to 30 days)
- Cuba
- Denmark
- Dominica (up to 6 months)
- Dominican Republic (up to 30 days)
- Ecuador
- Eswatini (up to 60 days)
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada (up to 6 months)
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia (up to 30 days)
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica (up to 6 months)
- Japan
- Lesotho (up to 14 days)
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia (up to 60 days)
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Korea
- Norway
- Panama
- Peru
- Portugal
- Russia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis (up to 6 months)
- Saint Lucia (up to 6 months)
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (up to 6 months)
- South Africa (up to 30 days)
- South Korea (up to 30 days)
- Spain
- Suriname (up to 6 months)
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Trinidad and Tobago (up to 6 months)
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
Nationals of the following mentioned countries are eligible to visit and stay in Guyana for up to 90 days if they have a visa from any Schengen country;
- Guatemala
- Haiti (for business travelers)
- Mexico
Types of Guyana Visa for Short-stays
For short stays in Guyana, there are several types of visas that may be applicable based on the purpose of your visit. Here are some of the most common types of Guyana visas for short stays:
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
- Student visa
- Transit visa
Types of Guyana Visa for Long-stays
For individuals who plan to stay in Guyana for an extended period of time, there are several types of visas that may be applicable. Here are some of the most common types of Guyana visas for long stays:
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Business visa
- Family visa
- Retired Person Visa
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Documents required to get a Guyana Visa
The documents required for a Guyana visa application may vary based on the purpose of your visit. Here are some of the most common documents required for each type of visa, listed in bullet points:
Tourist Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Round-trip airline tickets or travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation in Guyana, such as hotel reservations
- Bank statement or other proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Business Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Business letter from the applicant’s employer detailing the purpose and duration of the trip
- Invitation letter from the business contact in Guyana
- Proof of accommodation in Guyana, such as hotel reservations
- Round-trip airline tickets or travel itinerary
- Bank statement or other proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Student Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution in Guyana
- Proof of payment of tuition fees
- Bank statement or other proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the study program
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Work Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Offer of employment from a company registered in Guyana
- Work permit issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Guyana
- Bank statement or other proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the employment contract
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Family Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Proof of relationship to the Guyanese citizen or permanent resident, such as marriage or birth certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Guyana, such as a rental agreement or deed
- Bank statement or other proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Retired Person Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Proof of retirement income or pension
- Proof of medical insurance coverage for the duration of stay in Guyana
- Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin or residence
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Procedure to apply for a Guyana Visa
Here is a general procedure to apply for a Guyana visa:
- Determine the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourist, business, student, work, family, retired persons).
- Gather all the required documents based on the type of visa you are applying for. These may include a valid passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photographs, proof of travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, bank statements or other proof of financial means, and any other documents specific to your visa type.
- Submit your application and supporting documents to the nearest Guyanese embassy or consulate in your country or region. Alternatively, you may apply online through the Guyana Visa Application System (GVAS).
- Pay the visa application fee, which may vary based on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
- Wait for your visa application to be processed, which may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the visa type and the volume of applications being processed by the embassy or consulate.
- Once your visa application is approved, you will be notified and given instructions on how to collect your visa. This may involve picking it up in person from the embassy or consulate or receiving it by mail.
- Upon arrival in Guyana, present your valid passport and visa to immigration officials to be granted entry into the country.
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Validity and Extension of Guyana Visa
The validity and extension of a Guyana visa may vary depending on the type of visa you have been granted. Here are some general guidelines:
Validity:
- Tourist visas are typically valid for up to 3 months.
- Business visas may be valid for up to 1 year, with the option to request multiple entries.
- Student visas may be valid for the duration of the study program.
- Work visas may be valid for the duration of the employment contract.
- Family visas may be valid for up to 2 years.
- Retired person’s visas may be valid for up to 1 year.
Extension:
If you wish to extend your stay in Guyana beyond the duration permitted by your visa, you may be able to apply for an extension. The availability and requirements for visa extensions may vary based on the type of visa you hold, as well as other factors such as your reason for the extension and your compliance with Guyanese immigration laws.
To request a visa extension, you should contact the Guyanese immigration authorities or the nearest embassy or consulate for information on the application process and requirements.
How much Guyana Visa cost?
The cost of a Guyana visa may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Here are some general guidelines:
- Tourist visa: US $50 to US $100
- Business visa: US $250 to US $400
- Student visa: US $50 to US $100
- Work visa: US $100 to US $400
- Family visa: US $50 to US $100
- Retired person visa: US $50 to US $100
List of embassies of Guyana around the world
- Embassy of Guyana in Washington D.C., United States
- Consulate General of Guyana in New York, United States
- High Commission of Guyana in Ottawa, Canada
- Consulate General of Guyana in Toronto, Canada
- High Commission of Guyana in London, United Kingdom
- Embassy of Guyana in Brasilia, Brazil
- Embassy of Guyana in Beijing, China
- Embassy of Guyana in Havana, Cuba
- Embassy of Guyana in Georgetown, Guyana
- Embassy of Guyana in New Delhi, India
- Embassy of Guyana in Caracas, Venezuela
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Fun facts about Guyana
- Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America and is located on the northern coast of the continent.
- Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls is one of the largest single-drop waterfalls in the world, with a height of 741 feet (226 meters). It is located in the Kaieteur National Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
- The official currency of Guyana is the Guyanese dollar (GYD), which has the unique feature of having coins with different shapes and sizes for each denomination.
- Guyana is one of the most forested countries in the world, with over 80% of its land covered by rainforest. The country is also known for its rich biodiversity, with over 900 species of birds and numerous other animals and plants.
- The capital city of Guyana, Georgetown, is known for its unique architecture, which combines elements of Dutch, British, and Caribbean styles. The city also has a vibrant market culture and is famous for its street food.
- Guyana is the only country in South America with a coastline on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
- Guyana was once a British colony and gained independence in 1966. The country is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Union of South American Nations.
- Guyana has a diverse population, with people of African, Indian, European, and indigenous descent, among others. This diversity is reflected in the country’s culture, food, and traditions.
- Cricket is the most popular sport in Guyana, and the country has produced several world-class cricketers, including Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Clive Lloyd, and Lance Gibbs.
- Guyana is home to the Rupununi savannah, a vast grassland region that is home to many indigenous communities and a diverse array of wildlife, including jaguars, giant otters, and anacondas.
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