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.
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.
Current safety advisory
High
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
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
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.
Level 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution
High crime rates in Georgetown; violent incidents targeting foreigners reported. Use hotel-recommended transport and avoid showing signs of wealth.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
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
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted 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.
How to avoid: Only use hotel-arranged taxis or licensed companies. Call Pooran's Taxi (+592 225-7744) or Joe's Taxi (+592 226-5566) directly.
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.
How to avoid: Buy gold and gemstones only from licensed jewelers on Main Street who can provide authentication certificates.
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.
How to avoid: Book all tours through licensed operators (Wilderness Explorers, Trans Guyana Airways, Roraima Airways) or through your hotel. Check Guyana Tourism Authority licensing.
ATM skimming
Card skimming devices have been reported on some Georgetown ATMs. Large transactions at compromised machines result in card cloning and unauthorized use.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours rather than street-facing machines. Shield PIN entry always.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
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 travellers
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+ travellers
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.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 913
- Embassy
- US Embassy: +592 225-4900 (100 Young & Duke Streets). UK High Commission: +592 226-5881 (44 Main Street). Canadian High Commission: +592 227-2081.
- Tourist Police
- Guyana Tourism Authority: +592 499-4298