Guyana entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Swiss passport holders can enter Guyana without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy started in 2024, so no visa application is needed before travel. Just bring a valid passport and a return ticket.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Guyana. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required by Guyanese law, but airlines may check for at least 6 months validity — confirm with your carrier before departure.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Guyana
Immigration officers at Cheddi Jagan International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone ready to show.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guyana. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Have access to at least 200 USD per day of your stay, either in cash, a bank statement, or a credit card. Immigration may ask to see evidence of sufficient funds for your trip.Recommended
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you enter Guyana. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry.
No visa, but still need a return ticket
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO)
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreign nationals. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 90 days. The process takes 5–15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport and return ticket (printed or on phone). The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to Customs
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then walk through Customs. Unless you're carrying restricted items (like large amounts of cash or agricultural products), you'll pass through without issue.
Download Guyana Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$40 USD (estimated)

Apply at a Guyanese embassy or consulate; allows a single entry for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (estimated)

For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries within validity.

Long-stay visa (business/other)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)

Requires sponsorship or specific purpose; contact Guyanese embassy for details.

work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Guyana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a Guyanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a significant amount in Guyana (e.g., $50,000+). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues.~$5 USD per day (estimated)
Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not available for visa-free stays; must leave and re-enter.Unknown

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Guyana

No transit visa needed

Switzerland passport holders transiting through Guyana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsCheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) · Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL)

Health & vaccines for Guyana

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialYellow FeverEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.

MalariaModerate risk

Risk in interior regions; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.

Zika virusLow risk

Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is highest in interior regions (e.g., mining areas, rainforest). Prophylaxis recommended for those areas; low risk in coastal Georgetown.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Georgetown
Guyana Immigration Department
Main Street, Georgetown, Guyana
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring all relevant documents.

Linden
Linden Immigration Office
Linden, Guyana

Limited services; best to handle matters in Georgetown.

Practical information for CH travellers

Country basics
CapitalGeorgetown
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyGuyanese dollar (GYD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 209.13 GYD
updated May 19
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,D,GTypes A (2-pin flat), B (3-pin flat), D (3-pin round), G (3-pin rectangular)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police911
Medical913
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Guyana for any reason, the visa-free rules apply.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no online arrival declaration required. You just fill out a paper landing card on the plane or at immigration.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit before arrival.
The local currency is the Guyanese dollar (GYD). US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger businesses, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in Georgetown but not everywhere.
No mandatory vaccinations for Swiss citizens. But yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you're coming from a country with risk. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.