Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guyana
Guyana is a country perfect for nature-lovers. With expansive tropical rain forests, mountain ranges and impressive waterfalls it is a must for many travellers.
Those taking the leap to explore Guyana can be rewarded with incredible sights and photo-opportunities. It is a truly memorable experiences.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Guyana?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Guyana
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Guyana?
What Is the Climate Like in Guyana?
How Safe Is Guyana?
Guyana’s Famous Kaieteur Falls
What Should I Pack for Guyana?
Canadian Embassy in Guyana
Do I Need Vaccines for Guyana?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Guyana. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guyana: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Guyana |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Guyana |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is primarily transmitted through tainted food and water. Protection against this disease involves vaccination combined with good hygiene and careful food consumption.
- Hepatitis A – Be sure to protect yourself from hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by HAV, through vaccination. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Along with vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding undercooked shellfish are essential for prevention.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever, transmitted through mosquito bites, can lead to serious illness. Prevention is key. The yellow fever vaccine is a must for travellers visiting at-risk regions. The vaccine provides lifetime protection.
- Rabies – Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted primarily through bites and scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the key to prevention, offering pre-exposure protection to high-risk individuals and post-exposure treatment for those exposed to rabies.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable diseases that require a proactive approach through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is a powerful tool in stopping the transmission of these viruses. Ensuring widespread vaccination coverage is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent outbreaks.
Yellow Fever in Guyana
While proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry to Guyana, it is highly recommended. Yellow fever transmission is widespread throughout Guyana, some countries may require proof of immunization when travelling to them from Guyana.
Malaria in Guyana
Malaria is present in all regions of Guyana. Travellers are advised to take antimalarials to protect themselves from infection. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are recommended for travellers to the region. Malaria parasites in Guyana are resistant to chloroquine. Speak with your travel health specialist to identify which antimalarial is best for your trip and medical history.
Traveller’s diarrhea is an issue not preventable by vaccines. Consider bringing a traveller’s diarrhea kit.
The Zika virus has been found in Guyana. Travellers should take care to ward against it, particularly by preventing mosquito bites. The PHAC recommends that pregnant women or women who are considering pregnancy do not travel to Guyana.
Antimalarials may be recommended for your trip. Talk to a Passport Health travel specialist to learn more and see if this option is right for you.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Guyana
Prevent Bug Bites in Guyana
Prevent bug bites by covering up and using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If bitten, wash the bite, resist scratching, and soothe with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Guyana
Safeguard your health during international travels by eating fully cooked, hot meals, at reliable dining establishments. To minimize the chances of travellers’ diarrhea, follow these precautions: choose safe foods, avoid untreated water, practice frequent hand-washing, consider probiotics, and exercise caution when indulging in unfamiliar cuisines.
Altitude Sickness in Guyana
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), manifests at high elevations due to insufficient oxygen intake. To prevent AMS, ascend slowly, hydrate adequately, and consider medication. If symptoms arise—headaches, nausea—descend to lower altitudes immediately for rest and recovery.
Infections To Be Aware of in Guyana
- Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) – The parasitic Chagas disease spreads via kissing bug bites, and prevention involves insecticide use and insect avoidance.
- Dengue – The PHAC describes dengue fever as a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, presenting symptoms such as rash and joint pain. Prevention strategies focus on reducing mosquito exposure and breeding grounds. Treatment is supportive, emphasizing the importance of mosquito bite prevention.
- Leishmaniasis – Sand fly bites are the main mode of leishmaniasis transmission, but it can spread through other means. Prevention measures include using insect repellents, wearing long clothing, and minimizing outdoor activities during times when sand fly are most active.
- Zika – Zika, a virus carried by Aedes mosquitoes, can pose risks, particularly for pregnant women. Preventing Zika requires using mosquito repellent, practicing safe sex, and getting rid of mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Guyana?
A visa is not required for business or tourism purposes. A passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the departure date is required to enter the country.
If you are travelling on business, you must bring a business letter stating the nature of your visit.
A departure tax of 2,500 Guyanese dollars and an airport security fee of 1,500 Guyanese dollars will be charged upon departure and must be paid in local currency.
Guyana Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Guyana? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Guyana and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
What Is the Climate Like in Guyana?
The coast of Guyana has a long wet season from April to August. There is also a short wet season from December to early February. The southern savannas do not experience a wet season.
Temperatures are very consistent for Guyana due to its tropical climate. The country has high temperatures, high humidity and heavy rainfall. The trade winds of the coast can affect this, and can sometimes cause a drought in July and August.
The daily temperatures at Georgetown are usually between 20 and 30 degrees.
How Safe Is Guyana?
Armed robbery, murder, and petty crimes are common in Guyana. It is crucial to always be cautious and have a mind for safety.
Georgetown is known for purse snatching, assault, pick pocketing, and robbery. Be sure to guard your property well in this area and put all valuables in your hotel safe if applicable.
Travellers coming back from Guyana have found narcotics planted in their luggage they did not place there. Only carry items that you personally buy, pack and check that no extra bags are registered in your name. Drug laws in Guyana are very strict.
If you bring credit cards, be careful with their usage, as stolen PIN data can be common with them and ATM cards. Currency exchange should only be done with banks, hotels, or licensed exchange houses.
Guyana’s Famous Kaieteur Falls
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
Kaieteur Falls is the most visited attraction in Guyana. This area features guided tours, ancient past, rushing water, and untouched scenery. Visitors can explore the beautiful rain forest in Kaieteur and walk across jungle bridges.
The drop of the Kaieteur Falls is 220 metres with a sandstone plateau. The National Park was established in 1930.
This amazing feat of nature is considered to be the biggest single drop waterfall in the world. It has eroded a gorge 8 kilometres long that then goes down another 25 metres.
Kaieteur Falls is on the Potaro River in West-Central Guyana.
What Should I Pack for Guyana?
If you’re going to Guyana, make sure to pack some important items. Guyana is a hot and humid place, so bring light clothes made of cotton or linen. Mosquitoes can be a problem there, so pack some insect repellent. The sun can be strong too, so bring sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin. It rains a lot in Guyana, so pack a raincoat or an umbrella.
You’ll also want comfortable shoes for outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching. Guyana has some amazing wildlife and scenery, so don’t forget your camera. To stay hydrated, bring a refillable water bottle. It’s also a good idea to bring cash and a credit card, a travel adapter if you’re coming from a different country, and any medication you need. Finally, pack a basic first aid kit.
By bringing these essential items, you’ll be prepared for a great trip to Guyana.
Canadian Embassy in Guyana
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Guyana, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
High Commission of Canada to Guyana and Suriname
Young and High Streets
Georgetown, Guyana
Phone: (592) 227-2085
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Guyana
“Well organized Knowledgeable Staff Member Convenient appointment time.”
“Great nurse who was knowledgeable about Guyana, not pushy and great when administering the vaccines”
“My experience with the passport health clinic in Whitby was excellent. My nurse took her time to go through everything necessary and was very knowledgeable about Guyana and helpful. I highly recommend this clinic.”
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