TYPES OF VISA FOR GUYANA

TYPES OF VISA FOR GUYANA

A visa is necessary for some nationalities who plan to enter Guyana. Permits may also be required based on the intended length and purpose of stay. Procedures are governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Types of Visa in Guyana

There are four types of visa for Guyana:

  • Visitors visa

  • Employment visa

  • Student visa

  • Business Persons visa

Do I need a visa for Guyana?

Whether you need a visa to enter Guyana depends on your nationality. Many countries have reciprocal agreements with the Guyanese government which allows their citizens to enter Guyana without a visa for a specified amount of time. If your country is on the list of nationalities that do not require a Guyanese visa then you can travel to Guyana without a visa.

CARICOM nationals with a CSME skilled certificate approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their spouse do not need a work permit. Find out more about the covered skills and application procedure.

Can I work on a visa?

You are not permitted to work in Guyana while on a visitor’s visa. Some visas (e.g. employment visa and business visa) will also allow you to also work in Guyana. These are issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Find out more about the work permit procedures.

What documents do I need?

When you submit your visa application you must also provide certain documents. It is advised to check with the Ministry or contact your nearest Guyanese embassy or consulate in advance to know the exact requirements.

Visitor Visa

When applying for a visitor visa the following documents are required:

  • A valid passport or travel document.

  • Two passport photos.

  • Name and address of the hotel

  • Letter of invitation from inviter/sponsor and contact information

  • Proof of financial independence or support during your stay in Guyana

A Visitor’s visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended a maximum of 2 times.

Employment Visa

Persons seeking to start a business or to work in Guyana need both a visa and work permit. Some procedures need to be completed prior to arrival in Guyana by the employer to determine eligibility. Both the employer and Immigration will receive notice of any approvals or rejections before the employee arrives in Guyana. The visa and work permit, valid for 3 years, are issued to the employee upon arrival. The official Employment visa and work permit application procedure is governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Student Visa

Students entering Guyana for the purpose of study may require a student visa that grants them the right to enter the country. The student visa is valid for 3 years and functions like a residence permit allowing the recipient to live and study in Guyana.

Some procedures need to be completed by the educational institution prior to the student’s arrival in Guyana. Both the student and the institution will receive notice of any approvals or rejections before the student arrives in Guyana. The visa will be issued to the student upon arrival. The official Student visa application procedure is governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Business Visa

Persons wishing to conduct business in Guyana need a business visa that is reviewed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and granted for a period of 5 years, if approved. The application needs to be submitted and decisioned by the Ministry before the person can travel to Guyana. The official Business visa application procedure is governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Where do I apply for a Guyanese visa?

You must apply for a visa for Guyana in person at any of Guyana’s missions (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence. If there is no Guyanese mission in your country then you should contact a Guyanese mission in a neighboring country.

Visa can be issued on arrival to persons traveling from a country whose passport holders require a visa to enter Guyana and who may be unable to apply at one of Guyana’s missions. Verify procedure and requirements with the Ministry or with one of the Guyana consulates.

Visa Application and Renewal/Extension Fees

  • Visitor visa (1 month) USD$25; Extensions (maximum 2) US$25 each

  • Student visa (3 years) US$140; Renewals US$140

  • Employment visa (3 years) US$140; Renewals US$140

  • Business persons (5 years) US$140; Renewals US$140

With your visa and work permit sorted, you would be ready to organize your life in Guyana. Find out more about setting up a business, opening a bank account, finding housing, and education options for your little ones.

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