Safety is one of the most common questions travelers ask about Guyana. The short answer: Yes, Guyana is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions. But like any destination, it's important to be informed about the specific risks and how to minimize them.
This guide provides an honest, comprehensive look at safety in Guyana based on current conditions in 2026. We'll cover crime, safe areas, health concerns, wildlife safety, and practical tips for solo travelers and women.
The Honest Truth About Safety in Guyana
Guyana has a mixed safety profile that requires context:
- Tourist areas are safe — Hotels, tour operators, and popular attractions are secure and well-managed
- Crime exists but is concentrated — Most crime occurs in specific Georgetown neighborhoods that tourists rarely visit
- Petty theft is the main concern — Pickpocketing, phone snatching, and bag theft are more common than violent crime against tourists
- The interior is very safe — Jungle lodges, Rupununi, and Kaieteur Falls tours have excellent safety records
- Road accidents are a bigger risk — Poor driving and road conditions are statistically more dangerous than crime
Reality Check
Thousands of tourists visit Guyana annually without incident. Most safety issues are preventable with basic awareness. The key is knowing where to be cautious and following local advice.
Crime in Guyana: What You Need to Know
Types of Crime Affecting Tourists
Understanding the crime landscape helps you take appropriate precautions:
Petty Theft & Pickpocketing
Risk Level: Medium in Georgetown, Low elsewhere
The most common issue. Phone snatching, pickpocketing in markets, and bag theft from cars are reported regularly. Tourists are sometimes targeted because they're perceived as wealthy.
- Markets and crowded areas have the highest risk
- Never leave bags visible in parked cars
- Be especially alert at Stabroek Market and near the ferry terminal
- Keep phones and cameras secured, not dangling
Robbery
Risk Level: Low for tourists taking precautions
Armed robberies do occur in Guyana, but tourists are rarely targeted. Most incidents involve locals and happen in residential areas or at night.
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in Georgetown
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or large amounts of cash
- Use hotel safes for valuables
- Take taxis arranged by your hotel, not random street taxis at night
Vehicle-Related Crime
Risk Level: Medium
Break-ins to parked cars and theft from vehicles are common. Smash-and-grab incidents occur, particularly at night.
- Never leave valuables in cars, even in the trunk
- Park in well-lit, secure areas
- Use guarded parking lots when available
- Keep windows up and doors locked while driving
Important Note
Crime statistics in Guyana can be alarming, but remember: most serious crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods and rarely involves tourists. Following basic precautions dramatically reduces your risk.
Safe Areas vs. Areas to Avoid
Georgetown: Neighborhood Safety Guide
Safe Areas
- Main hotels (Marriott, Pegasus, Cara Lodge)
- Brickdam (government area)
- Promenade Gardens
- Botanical Gardens
- Sheriff Street restaurants (daytime)
- Cheddi Jagan International Airport area
Exercise Caution
- Stabroek Market (watch belongings)
- Water Street (daytime OK, avoid at night)
- Seawall (only in groups, daylight)
- Bourda Market (crowded, watch for pickpockets)
- Camp Street
Avoid These Areas
- Tiger Bay — High crime area, no tourist attractions
- Albouystown — Residential area with gang activity
- Sophia — High crime, far from tourist sites
- South Ruimveldt — Residential area, not safe for tourists
- Buxton — Village on East Coast with crime issues
General rule: If you're unsure whether an area is safe, ask your hotel staff before venturing out.
Outside Georgetown
Safety improves dramatically once you leave the capital:
- Interior regions (Rupununi, Iwokrama, Kaieteur) — Very safe when visited with reputable tour operators
- Coastal villages — Generally safe, but some villages have higher crime. Ask locally.
- Jungle lodges — Extremely safe. Most are remote with tight security.
- Essequibo region — Safe for tourists. Less populated and more relaxed.
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View Tour OperatorsHealth & Medical Safety
Diseases & Vaccinations
Required & Recommended Vaccinations
Required:
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from endemic countries)
Strongly Recommended:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio)
- Malaria prophylaxis (for interior regions)
- Rabies (if spending extended time in rural areas)
Important: Consult a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for personalized recommendations.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquito-borne illnesses are the primary health concern in Guyana:
- Malaria — Present in interior regions. Take prophylaxis if traveling beyond Georgetown
- Dengue Fever — Occurs year-round, especially in rainy season. No vaccine available.
- Zika Virus — Risk is low but present. Pregnant women should consult doctors before travel.
Mosquito Prevention
- Use DEET-based repellent (50%+ concentration)
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn/dusk
- Sleep under mosquito nets in lodges
- Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation
- Treat clothing with permethrin spray
Food & Water Safety
Do NOT Drink Tap Water
Tap water in Guyana is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth. This applies throughout the country, including in hotels.
Food safety tips:
- Eat at established restaurants, not street stalls (unless recommended locally)
- Avoid raw vegetables unless washed in purified water
- Peel fruits yourself
- Ensure meat is fully cooked
- Ice in drinks may be made from tap water — ask first
Medical Facilities
Healthcare in Guyana is limited:
- Georgetown — Has private hospitals (St. Joseph Mercy, Woodlands) with basic care
- Serious conditions — Often require medical evacuation to Trinidad or the US
- Interior regions — Very limited medical facilities. Lodges have first aid only.
Travel Insurance is Essential
Do not visit Guyana without comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. Evacuations can cost $20,000-50,000 USD. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if visiting the interior.
Wildlife Safety
Guyana's wildlife is generally not dangerous when you're with experienced guides, but awareness is important:
Animals to Be Aware Of
- Jaguars — Present but extremely shy. Attacks on humans are virtually unheard of. You're lucky if you see one.
- Caiman — Spectacled caimans are common but small and not aggressive. Black caimans are larger but rare.
- Snakes — Venomous snakes exist (bushmaster, fer-de-lance) but bites are rare. Wear boots when hiking.
- Piranhas — Yes, they're in the rivers, but attacks are extremely rare. Locals swim safely in piranha waters.
- Stingrays — Shuffle your feet when wading in rivers to avoid stepping on them.
- Electric eels — Present in some waters. Avoid wading in areas guides warn about.
- Vampire bats — Found in some areas. Sleep under mosquito nets.
Wildlife Safety Rule
Always follow your guide's instructions. They know the local wildlife and how to avoid dangerous situations. Never wander off alone in the jungle or rivers.
Road Safety
Statistically, road accidents are a greater risk than crime in Guyana:
- Driving is on the left (British style) but many cars are left-hand drive (American imports)
- Roads are poorly maintained — Deep potholes, no street lighting, and unpredictable surfaces
- Aggressive driving is common — Speeding, overtaking on blind curves, and reckless behavior
- Animals on roads — Donkeys, cows, and other animals wander onto highways
- Night driving is dangerous — Avoid if possible due to poor lighting and higher accident rates
Driving Recommendation
Hire a local driver rather than driving yourself. Local drivers understand road conditions, know where police checkpoints are, and can navigate safely. Most tour operators and hotels can arrange reliable drivers.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
Solo travel in Guyana is possible and many travelers do it successfully. Key tips:
- Join organized tours for the interior — Don't attempt to explore the jungle independently
- Stay in reputable accommodation — Mid-range to upscale hotels have better security
- Share your itinerary — Let family/friends know your plans and check in regularly
- Make friends with other travelers — Team up for exploring Georgetown
- Trust your instincts — If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation
- Avoid walking alone at night — Always take taxis after dark, even for short distances
- Keep a low profile — Don't advertise that you're traveling alone
Safety Tips for Women Travelers
Many women travel to Guyana solo and in groups without issues. Specific considerations:
- Dress modestly — Avoid revealing clothing, especially in Georgetown. Lightweight, loose clothing works well.
- Street harassment exists — Catcalling is common. Most is verbal; ignore and keep walking confidently.
- Don't walk alone at night — Use hotel-arranged taxis even for short distances
- Avoid the Seawall alone — Popular spot but isolated in places. Go with others or in daylight only.
- Book reputable tours — Choose established operators with good reviews
- Stay aware in crowded markets — Keep belongings close and be alert for pickpockets
- Trust female intuition — If a situation feels uncomfortable, leave immediately
Female Traveler Perspective
Many solo female travelers report feeling safe in Guyana when taking precautions. The interior is particularly safe as tours are well-organized. Georgetown requires more awareness but is manageable with common sense.
Scams to Be Aware Of
Guyana doesn't have elaborate tourist scams like some destinations, but be aware of:
- Unofficial taxi drivers — Always use hotel-arranged or reputable taxi services
- Overcharging — Some vendors inflate prices for tourists. Ask locals or your hotel for price guidance
- Fake tour operators — Book through established operators, not random people on the street
- Money changers — Use banks or official cambios, not street changers who may short-change you
- "Helpful" strangers — Be wary of overly friendly people offering unsolicited help, especially at markets
Emergency Contacts
Important Numbers
Travel Insurance: Don't Skip It
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for Guyana. Here's what to ensure your policy covers:
- Medical evacuation — This is the most critical. Serious medical issues require evacuation to Trinidad or the US ($20,000-50,000 USD)
- Medical treatment — Hospital and doctor visits
- Trip cancellation — Weather can cause flight cancellations to interior destinations
- Lost/stolen belongings — Given the theft risk in Georgetown
- Adventure activities — Ensure coverage for jungle trekking, river activities, etc.
- 24/7 emergency assistance — Access to help whenever needed
Recommended insurers for Guyana: World Nomads, Travel Guard, Allianz Global Assistance (all cover adventure activities and medical evacuation)
Quick Safety Checklist
Before You Go
- Get comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation
- Visit travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure
- Make copies of passport, insurance, and important documents
- Register with your embassy (STEP for US citizens)
- Research your accommodation's safety reputation
- Download offline maps of Georgetown
While You're There
- Only use hotel-arranged or reputable taxis
- Never walk alone after dark in Georgetown
- Keep valuables in hotel safe
- Don't display expensive items
- Stay alert in crowded markets
- Drink only bottled water
- Use DEET mosquito repellent religiously
- Follow your guide's instructions in the interior
- Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone
- Trust your instincts — if it feels wrong, it probably is
Final Verdict: Should You Visit?
Yes, absolutely. Guyana is safe enough for tourism when you're informed and take standard precautions. Here's the balanced truth:
- Thousands of tourists visit annually without incident
- Most safety issues are preventable with awareness and common sense
- The interior regions are very safe with reputable operators
- Georgetown requires more caution, but it's manageable
- The rewards — untouched rainforest, incredible wildlife, authentic culture — far outweigh the risks
Guyana isn't reckless to visit, but it's not as developed or tourist-friendly as some destinations. If you're comfortable with a bit of adventure and following safety guidelines, you'll have an incredible experience.
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Start PlanningFrequently Asked Questions
Is Guyana safe for tourists?
Yes, Guyana is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions. Tourist areas, hotels, and organized tours are safe. Crime exists primarily in specific Georgetown neighborhoods. Most visitors experience no safety issues when they stay alert and follow basic guidelines.
What are the most dangerous areas in Georgetown?
Avoid Tiger Bay, Albouystown, Sophia, South Ruimveldt, and Buxton (East Coast). These areas have higher crime rates and no tourist attractions. Also avoid walking alone anywhere in Georgetown after dark, including the Seawall area.
Is Guyana safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, many solo female travelers visit Guyana safely. Key precautions: use reputable accommodation and transportation, avoid walking alone at night, dress modestly, join organized tours for interior travel, and stay in tourist areas. Street harassment (catcalling) exists but is mostly verbal.
What are the main safety concerns in Guyana?
Primary concerns include: petty theft and pickpocketing (especially in Georgetown markets), vehicle break-ins, occasional armed robberies in certain areas, poor road conditions and dangerous driving, mosquito-borne diseases (malaria, dengue), and limited medical facilities requiring possible evacuation for serious conditions.
Do I need travel insurance for Guyana?
Absolutely yes. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. Serious medical issues may require evacuation to Trinidad or the US, costing $20,000-50,000 USD. Also ensure coverage for adventure activities, theft, and trip cancellation.
Can I drink tap water in Guyana?
No, tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Guyana, including Georgetown hotels. Always use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Also be cautious of ice in drinks, as it may be made from tap water.
What vaccinations do I need for Guyana?
Yellow fever is required if arriving from endemic countries. Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, routine vaccines (MMR, DTP), Malaria prophylaxis for interior regions, and Rabies if spending extended time in rural areas. Consult a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
Is it safe to drive in Guyana?
Driving requires caution. Challenges include left-hand traffic (but often left-hand drive cars), poorly maintained roads with deep potholes, no street lighting, aggressive drivers, and animals on roads. Hiring a local driver is strongly recommended over self-driving, especially for night travel.
Are the interior regions of Guyana safe?
Yes, the interior (Rupununi, Iwokrama, Kaieteur Falls areas) is very safe when visited with reputable tour operators. Crime is virtually non-existent, and guides are experienced with wildlife safety. The interior is often considered safer than Georgetown.
What should I do if I'm robbed in Guyana?
If robbed: 1) Don't resist — your safety is more important than possessions. 2) Report to police (call 911) and get a police report for insurance. 3) Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen. 4) Call your bank to cancel credit cards. 5) File insurance claim. 6) Inform your hotel — they can provide support and guidance.
Last updated: January 2026. This safety information is based on current conditions and traveler reports. Always check your government's travel advisories before departure. For planning assistance, visit our visitor information page or contact us.