Guyana customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Guyana is a major narcotics transit corridor, so customs officers are highly vigilant and penalties for drug trafficking can include life imprisonment. The country also has one of the lowest personal duty-free allowances in the Americas, and officers routinely inspect bags. If you are unsure whether an item is dutiable, declare it — the cost of a small duty payment is far lower than the cost of a seizure or fine.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
Travellers aged 18 or older may bring 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer duty-free. Amounts above this are subject to duty and 14% VAT.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
You must declare cash or negotiable instruments of GY$2,000,000 (about US$10,000) or more. Use the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) available on arrival or from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Undeclared amounts can be seized and penalties may apply.
Goods duty-free
$48
Personal goods up to GY$10,000 (about US$48) are duty-free. Above that, duty is charged at rates from 0% to 100% depending on the item, plus 14% VAT. There is no separate allowance for gifts or commercial goods.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (cocaine, heroin, marijuana, etc.) — penalties include life imprisonment.
  • Firearms and ammunition without a valid permit from the Guyana Police Force.
  • Counterfeit currency and counterfeit goods.
  • Pornographic materials and obscene publications.
  • Live animals and birds without an import permit from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority.
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, and soil from countries with pest or disease risks.

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medicines — allowed for personal use with a prescription; controlled drugs need prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
  • Plants and seeds — require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Drones — may require a permit from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority; declare on arrival.
  • Satellite phones — require a licence from the Guyana Telecommunications Agency.
  • Cultural artefacts and antiques — may need an export permit from the country of origin.

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF), usually distributed on the plane or available in the arrival hall. After immigration, proceed to customs and present your CDF to an officer. Guyana does not use a red/green channel system. Even if you have nothing to declare, you must submit the form. Random bag inspections are common.

Bringing medication

You may bring personal prescription medication for your own use with a valid prescription or doctor's letter, kept in original packaging. Controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Some common medications containing codeine or pseudoephedrine may be restricted; check with the Guyana Revenue Authority or your embassy before travel.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and soil are prohibited from most countries due to biosecurity risks. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed if declared and inspected. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Low personal allowance

The duty-free allowance for personal goods is only GY$10,000 (about US$48), far lower than in the US or EU. A new laptop or phone can exceed this on its own, and duty may be charged on the full value. Keep receipts for expensive items.

No red/green channel

Guyana does not use the red/green channel system. All passengers must fill out a Customs Declaration Form and present it to an officer, even if they have nothing to declare.

Strict narcotics enforcement

Guyana is a transit point for narcotics, and customs officers are highly vigilant. Even trace amounts can lead to arrest and long prison sentences. Never carry packages for strangers.

Currency declaration

If you carry GY$2,000,000 (about US$10,000) or more in cash or negotiable instruments, you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Undeclared cash can be seized and you may face penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if their total value exceeds GY$10,000 (about US$48). You may be charged duty on the excess. Officers often use discretion for used personal items, but it is safest to declare them and be prepared to show receipts.
Packaged, non-perishable snacks and tea are generally allowed if declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are prohibited. Always declare any food items to avoid fines.
You will have to pay duty on the excess. The duty rate for alcohol can be as high as 100% of the value, plus 14% VAT. It is often cheaper to buy alcohol and tobacco locally.
No, Guyana does not have a tourist VAT refund scheme. VAT (14%) is charged on most goods and services and cannot be reclaimed at the airport.
Yes, for personal use with a valid prescription. Keep it in original packaging. For controlled substances, you need prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Some common medications may be restricted; check in advance.
Penalties include seizure of the goods, fines up to three times the duty payable, and possible prosecution. For narcotics, penalties are severe and can include life imprisonment.
Yes, drones require a permit from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. You must declare it on arrival and may need to show the permit. Flying drones without a permit can lead to confiscation and fines.

Official source

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) — Customs and Trade Administration

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) — Customs and Trade Administration before travelling.