Explore: Guyana - Formalities
Clearance
GUYANA ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
The clearance process will depend on which of the official ports of entry you use. The ports for clearance are: Corriverton (Springlands), New Amsterdam, Georgetown and Bartica.
The Government of Guyana has specifically designated the small mining town of Bartica, about 40 miles up the Essequibo River, as an official Port of Entry for the purpose of welcoming yachts to the country—the process here is most streamlined.
General process:
Visiting yachts may give advance notice of their ETA’s to the Maritime Administration ([email protected]) and can contact the Lighthouse Tower on SSB frequency 8281.2 and VHF16.
Clearance consists of two steps:
- Immigration, carried out by the Police department.
- Customs clearance carried out by the Customs department.
GUYANA DEPARTURE FORMALITIES
Checkout procedure is the same as checking in and requires visits to the two offices.
A small fee is charged for clearing in and out—see below
Last updated: February 2019
Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
Immigration is carried out by the Police.
- Passports must be valid for 6 months.
- Visas are issued on arrival for those that need them. No visa is required for nationals of many countries including UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, France, Germany, Australia, Sweden and the Netherlands. See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more.
- Stamps are given for 3 months and extensions are possible
- Evidence of sufficient funds may be required.
Last updated: February 2019
Customs
Arriving By Yacht:
Customs clearance for yachts is for 6 months and can be renewed for a further six months. Beyond this, the yacht must either leave Guyana or be imported.
Firearms and large amounts of foreign currency must be declared.
Value Added Tax Refund for Non-Residents:
Visitors to Guyana are eligible for a refund of VAT paid on purchases, provided that the goods purchased will be taken out of Guyana and total twenty-thousand Guyana dollars (G$20,000) or more. In order to ensure that you are eligible for a VAT refund you must do the following:
Ask for a Sales/Tax Invoice. Shop where you see a Certificate of VAT Registration, issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority and ask the salesperson for an original receipt, sales invoice or tax invoice when you make a purchase.
Remove the items from Guyana when departing. A physical inspection of the goods to be exported will be conducted by the Customs officials at the airport or border.
Complete a VAT31 Form in order to claim your refund. Forms are available at GRA Branch Offices and the Tax Operations and Services Department which is located at 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown.
Attach documentary evidence to VAT31 Form to prove that VAT was paid on the goods.
Once your claim has been processed, a cheque will be prepared and dispatched to you in the currency of the country in which you reside. For more information see this Facebook post.
Last updated: February 2019
Communication and Tax Advisory Services Division
Health
Medical care is available for minor medical conditions. Emergency care and hospitalizations for major medical illnesses or surgery are inconsistent due to the lack of appropriately trained doctors and poor in-hospital care and sanitation.
Visitors should bring prescription medicine sufficient for their length of stay. Some common generic prescription medicines are available.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Be sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines.
Guyana is regarded as a yellow-fever-infected area, and your next destination may require a vaccination certificate, as does Guyana when you arrive. Typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria/tetanus and polio inoculations are recommended.
Food and Water Concerns:
Water-borne diseases increase during periods of flooding. Only bottled or purified water should be consumed, and special precautions should be taken when eating fruits and vegetables during the rainy seasons.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
Chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria and Zika are present.
Because of the risks to pregnancy, travellers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.
Prevention:
Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.
Parasitic Infections:
Diseases transmitted by ticks are present.
Plants and animals:
Leptospirosis is present. This is a viral infection spread via rodent droppings and waste.
STDs
Special attention should be paid to HIV/AIDS, Guyana has among the highest prevalence rates in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Last updated: February 2019
Documents
Necessary Documents for Guyana:
These will vary depending on where you clear in.
- A copy of the boat registration.
- A copy of clearance from your last port.
- Crew lists signed and stamped with the ship´s stamp.
- The Immigration Regulation form, signed and stamped with the ship´s stamp.
- An immigration form for each crew member.
- A copy of each passport.
- Registration by the owner for a Guyanese TIN (Tax ID number) for the clearance fee.
Last updated: February 2019
Fees
Customs/Immigration:
GY$2500, or approximately $12.00 USD for clearance in and out.
Last updated: February 2019
Restrictions
Driving:
Any tourist who wants to drive a locally registered vehicle while in Guyana must obtain a one-month Driver’s Permit issued by the Licence Revenue Office of the Guyana Revenue Authority.
Alternatively, you can obtain a Driver’s Permit at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)
Last updated: February 2019
Local Customs
As with many countries in South America, there is an office dress code: Long pants and a collared long sleeve shirt are needed for clearance. Men and women in shorts or very casually dressed may be turned away.
Pets
All animals must be declared.
Cats and dogs require an Import Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture (P.O. Box 1001, Georgetown) and Health Certificate issued by competent Authorities in country of origin, stating that animal was vaccinated against rabies less than one year but at least 30 days prior to arrival in Guyana. Animals will be quarantined for 90 days unless arriving from the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, Dominica, Ireland, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
