Guyana - Security
Overall Crime and Safety
Crime is moderately high in Guyana and visitors are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and not take risks. Criminals regularly use weapons including handguns, knives, machetes, or cutlasses. Armed robberies, including carjacking, occur regularly, especially in businesses and shopping districts or in Georgetown after dark.
Specific areas of concern:
There is an ongoing border dispute with Venezuela, which has led to increased political tensions and potential security risks in the border areas.
Money changing:
Visitors are advised to change currency only at legitimate exchanges at hotels or airports. Visitors are strongly discouraged from exchanging currency on the street, as this is a dangerous practice.
Road safety:
Road conditions and road safety standards are below U.S. standards. Roads are rarely maintained, and street lighting is sporadic. Vehicle accidents are very common, and accidents involving pedestrians are also very common. Traffic enforcement is rare to non-existent.
The use of public transportation (mini-buses) by visitors unfamiliar with the country is discouraged. The use of reputable taxis (those offered through the major hotels and tourist agencies) is preferable, as they are usually safer, more reliable, and affordable.
Maritime Issues:
The Guyana-Venezuela border area has seen an increase in violent attacks, allegedly perpetrated by Venezuelan crime gangs against Guyanese fishermen. Local shipping has also been subject to piracy attacks.
Emergency Numbers:
Last updated: January 2024
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We cleared in and out at Bartica, all very nice and easy. Great anchorages on the river, and we anchored off the charming Hurakabra resort where for usd10/day we could use showers, drop off garbage. Food delicious and staff very friendly. Raj, the new owner, was not there but very helpful on whatsapp and keen to attract yacht visits.
Checking in fees: these have increased a lot.
Current fees are GUY$10000 to clear in (approx 50 USD) and the same again to clear out. (Large increase from the GUY$2500 we were expecting although apparently this has been in place for a few years). The figure was confirmed by another boat.
It is possible to get your passport stamped at Parika but not to clear your boat in. There isn’t currently a customs officer based there.
It should still be possible to stop there get passport stamped, pick up supplies then carry on to Bartica to clear the boat in. Food is cheaper in Parika than Bartica.
We cleared in in Molson Creek on the boarder with Suriname. This was fine but they are not used to dealing with yachts.