Guyana entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 12, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days in Guyana. Entry is straightforward, but you must meet standard immigration requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Guyana. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Guyanese immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guyana | Immigration officers at Cheddi Jagan International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they will check the date matches your intended 90-day stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash to show you can support yourself. There is no fixed minimum amount published, but having at least CAD 1,000–2,000 available is a safe benchmark for a short visit. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Guyana requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly. Renew before booking.
Travel insurance is a smart buy
While not mandatory, medical costs in Guyana can be high. A basic travel insurance policy costs around $30–50 CAD and covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip disruption. It's cheap peace of mind.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO)
Most Canadian visitors fly into Georgetown's main airport. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single hall. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Join the visitor queue
There are separate lines for Guyanese citizens and visitors. Join the 'Visitors' or 'Foreign Passports' line. Wait times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
3
Present documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with an entry date — check it's correct before walking away.
4
Collect baggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. Customs is usually a green channel for most tourists — you only need to declare if you have large sums of cash or restricted goods.
Download Guyana Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostGYD 10,000 (~$48 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a formal entry; apply at Guyanese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostGYD 20,000 (~$96 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity; apply at embassy.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostGYD 50,000 (~$240 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Guyana Work Permit and Visa
1 year, renewable
GYD 50,000 (~$240 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Guyana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence and work.
student visa
Guyana Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
GYD 15,000 (~$72 USD)
For enrolled students at a Guyanese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows stay for the academic program.
investor visa
Guyana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
GYD 100,000 (~$480 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of GYD 10 million (~$48,000 USD) in Guyana. Requires business plan and approval from the Guyana Office for Investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstay. | GYD 5,000 (~$24 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Guyana
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders transiting through Guyana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsCheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) · Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL)
Health & vaccines for Guyana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent throughout Guyana, especially in urban areas.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in interior regions (e.g., mining areas); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in interior regions (e.g., Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); prophylaxis recommended for those areas. Low risk in coastal Georgetown.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Georgetown
Guyana Immigration Department (Head Office)
Camp Street, Georgetown, Guyana
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring all original documents.
Georgetown
Cheddi Jagan International Airport Immigration Office
Timehri, Guyana
24 hours
For entry/exit issues and transit queries.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalGeorgetown
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyGuyanese dollar (GYD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 209.19 GYD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,D,GTypes A (2-pin flat), B (3-pin flat), D (3-pin round), G (3-pin rectangular)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or extension before your 90 days expire — contact the Guyana Immigration Department in Georgetown. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Not if you're arriving directly from Canada. However, if you've recently traveled to a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, parts of Africa), you'll need proof of vaccination. Check the latest requirements before you go.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Guyanese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for short trips.
No. You must show a return or onward ticket. Immigration officers check this at the border. If you don't have one, you may be refused entry and sent back.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
The local currency is the Guyanese dollar (GYD). US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger businesses, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in Georgetown but may have low limits. Bring some cash for smaller towns.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online registration required for Canadian passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.