Guyana is big on eco-tourism, highlighting the country’s natural wonders and exotic landscapes. There is a small expat population here, usually made up of foreign workforce. Take a look at some important info we’ve gathered to get you acquainted.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Guyana and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
Georgetown International Academy (GIA)
GIA is located in Guyana’s capital city and serves the diplomatic and expatriate communities as well as Guyanese families who desire an American accredited educational experience. GIA has approximately 120 students from Nursery through Grade 12, from 17 countries. Our 22 teachers come from Guyana, the US, Canada, and Guadalupe. GIA, formerly known as the Georgetown American School, was founded in 1971 and is an official American Overseas School (A/OS) and also a member of the Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA).
Curriculum: American
Address: 9-10 Delhi Street,, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, Guyana
Tel: +592 226 1595
Email: [email protected]
Marian Academy
Marian Academy is a school under the Roman Catholic Church of Guyana. They admit both primary and secondary school students. The school has a range of facilities from separate primary and secondary school libraries, science labs, chapel, counselling service, sports field, multipurpose court and auditorium.
Curriculum:
Address: Carifesta Ave, Georgetown, Guyana
Website: www.marianacademy.edu.gy/
Local News in English
Guyana Chronicle Online
This is an English-language news site, part of the Guyana National Newspapers, Ltd. The site offers local news, sports, editorials, features and classifieds.
Website: guyanachronicle.com
Country Information
Location: South America
Capital City: George Town
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Guyanese Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +592
Internet TLD: .gy
Electricity: The country runs on 120/240V 50/60Hz. Power cuts are not uncommon in the country. The main producer and supplier of electricity in the country is the state-owned Guyana Power and Light.
Address: Waterside, New Amsterdam, Guyana
Website: www.gplinc.net
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 911 / 913
Fire: 911 / 912
Police: 911
Embassy Information
www.embassypages.com/guyana
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Visitors from certain countries including the US, UK, the EU and Australia may enter and stay from 1, 3 to 6 months depending on nationality. Those who are not exempted must apply for a visa at a Guyanese embassy or consulate. Those travelling for tourism may obtain a visa upon arrival, however they need to have an invitation or letter from a local sponsor. The Guyanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a complete list of countries and their corresponding visa exemptions and regulations: www.minfor.gov.gy/images/minfor_docs/consular_services/visa_exemption.pdf.
Here is a list of documents required to apply for a visa-on arrival:
Visitors:
a. Two photographs, as well as name and address of inviter/sponsor
to be provided on arrival;
b. Name and address of hotel if visitor is a tourist;
2. Letter of invitation from inviter/sponsor to be presented on arrival;
3. Telephone number and/or e-mail address of inviter/sponsor and intended place
of stay to be provided on arrival;
4. Evidence of finances to cover expenses for 30 days to be provided on arrival;
5. Applications will be rejected if the above criteria are not fulfilled;
6. A maximum of two (2) Extensions of Stay will be granted. Each Extension
of Stay will be for a period of one (I) month.
Employment:
1. Name and address of sponsor/employer must be provided to the Ministry of
Home Affairs for processing before the applicant arrives in Guyana;
2. Telephone number, fax and/or e-mail address of sponsor/employer
must be provided to Ministry of Home Affairs for processing before the
applicant arrives in Guyana;
3. Place of employment must be an established business and must be registered
and be compliant with NIS and GRA rules/regulations;
4. Name and address and gender of employee/person coming to work in
Guyana must be presented to the Ministry of Home Affairs by the Employer prior
to arrival;
5. Approval to have Visa and Work Permit issued will be given to;
a. Employer
b. Immigration
6. Visa on Arrival and Work Permit will be issued on arrival;
7. Visas will be granted for a three (3) year period;
- From the Guyanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.minfor.gov.gy/images/minfor_docs/consular_services/New_Immigration_Procedures_Visa_Fees.pdf
Accommodation
Guyana offers a range of temporary accommodations for rent: hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and lodges.
There are plenty of hotels in the capital. These are decent and adequate. However the state of the more luxurious and expensive ones in some cases do not match the high price tag. A guesthouse is a better alternative; low-priced, good quality and plenty across Georgetown. Lodges, cabins and community eco-lodges are available within the jungle for those wishing to be closer to nature.
Outside of the capital, quality of accommodations wanes, as most guesthouses may come incomplete, without amenities such as fans and mosquito nets.
Driving License
Foreigners must obtain a Guyanese driving permit, which is valid for one month from the Guyana Revenue Authority. Applications are now also accepted at the CJIA airport to facilitate processing for tourists. Expats would need to present their domestic license and residence details within Guyana. For more information please visit: www.gra.gov.gy/24-traveller-s-information/88-driving-in-guyana-information
If you’re planning on staying in Guyana longer than a month, you will need to apply for a domestic license, also through the Guyana Revenue Authority. It will cost $2000 and valid for 3 years. The required documents are:
- Application for driver's licence
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Valid identification. Passport or National ID
- Three identical photographs
- A competence issued by a certifying officer
- Foreigners should present their foreign licence. If the licence is not written in English a translation should be submitted
From the Guyana Revenue Authority site: www.gra.gov.gy/driver-s-licences/
Healthcare
The healthcare facilities and services in Guyana are below western standards. Although hospitals may treat minor cases easily, more complicated treatments is limited. Poor sanitation and lack of trained specialists also contribute to this issue. The ambulance service is also unreliable. Medical treatment is free in Georgetown, however you will be charged for an appointment with a doctor. It’s recommended to acquire a comprehensive health insurance that can cover or reimburse treatment costs, medical evacuation or even repatriation.
Expats are advised to stock up on personal medications, as these may not be available. Also the humid climate may affect certain types of medicine so be sure to check whether special storage should be considered.
Insect-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue are prevalent in the country, mostly due to its climate. Precautionary vaccination should be sought before travelling.
Insurance Companies
GTM Group of Insurance Companies
The GTM Group is a leading insurance provider in Guyana and in the Caribbean islands of Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Address: 27-29 Robb & Hincks Streets, Georgetown, Guyan
Tel: +592 225 7910 19
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gtm-gy.com/index.html
Hospitals
Georgetown Hospital
Address: New Market & Thomas Street, Georgetown, Guyana
Tel: +592 2 278 244
St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital
Address: Georgetown, Guyana
Tel: +592 2 53185
