South America
Is Guyana safe?
L3Reconsider travel
Is Guyana safe?
Georgetown has significant street crime and armed robbery, sometimes in daylight, and police capacity is low. The interior and organised tours are much calmer, though remote.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2025-05-11.
- Homicide rate: 19.1 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 22.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 913 · Fire 912.
- Solo women: Harassment is common in Georgetown. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark, and use taxis booked through hotels or reputable firms.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Armed robbery and mugging in Georgetown, including around Stabroek Market
- Gangs following cars from Cheddi Jagan airport to rob arrivals
- Dangerous driving, especially minibuses and unlit roads at night
- Malaria, dengue and Oropouche in the interior
Common scams
- Free flights to Guyana offered in exchange for carrying a 'package'
Laws visitors break by accident
- Sex between men is illegal, though rarely prosecuted
- Drug offences carry minimum three-year sentences; pack bags personally
- Water-taxi 'backtracking' to Suriname is illegal
Safety by place in Guyana
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Georgetown | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Guyana safe for tourists?
Georgetown has significant street crime and armed robbery, sometimes in daylight, and police capacity is low. The interior and organised tours are much calmer, though remote.
Is Guyana safe for solo female travelers?
Harassment is common in Georgetown. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark, and use taxis booked through hotels or reputable firms.
What is the emergency number in Guyana?
Police 911 · Ambulance 913 · Fire 912.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Guyana
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Guyana Tourism Authority
- Speedtest Global Index: Guyana
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.