Information is based on travel restrictions from South Africa to Guyana
Most visitors from South Africa need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result and/or quarantine to enter Guyana.
COVID-19 testing requirements
Visitors from South Africa must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) or Antigen (quick-test) test taken 72 hours for RT-PCR (NAAT) and 72 hours for Antigen (quick-test) before departing to Guyana.
Quarantine requirements
Visitors from South Africa are not required to quarantine after entering Guyana.
Documents
Passenger Locator Form - All travelers must fill out the Guyana Passenger Locator within 72 to 24 hours prior to arrival.
Returning to South Africa from Guyana
COVID-19 testing requirements
Visitors from Guyana are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering South Africa.
Quarantine requirements
Visitors from Guyana are not required to quarantine after entering South Africa.
Flights to Guyana from Johannesburg can vary but generally, you can expect to land in Georgetown International Airport after about 42-45h of travel time, depending on stopovers. If you’re looking for Guyana flight deals from Cape Town, you’re looking to travel for around 50-55h before you land in Georgetown. Most of your travel time is going to be taken up by your stopovers, so come prepared.
Unfortunately, direct flights from South Africa to Guyana are not currently available. Cheap flights to Guyana from Johannesburg will usually need a few hours of stopover in Dubai International Airport and then John F Kennedy International Airport in New York City before arriving at Georgetown Airport. If you’re flying from Cape Town, you’ll also normally arrive in Dubai and then John F Kennedy International Airport before arriving in Guyana.
Public transport is not really available in Guyana. A good idea would be to hire a car to ensure you have reliable transport. You can get a hire car from the airport, however, you will need to make sure you get a driver's permit first. In order to do that, you need to go to the Guyana Revenue Authority offices at the airport. You must then show your local driving licence to the officer there, as well as the address of where you will be staying while in Guyana. From there, the officer may ask some questions before issuing your permit. Your permit will last for one month once you get it. Once you have your permit, you can hire a car from one of the car hire branches at the airport. Once you have your car, you can drive from Georgetown to New Amsterdam, which is a two-hour drive, or maybe you can check out Noitgedacht, which is an hour and a half drive from Georgetown.
You should check out the Bourda Market if you are in Georgetown. It’s a fantastic way to familiarise yourself with the local fresh fruits and vegetables. If you’re more interested in Guyanian culture, then check out the Guyana National Museum, which has loads of interesting exhibits and displays about local art and culture for you to learn from. If museums aren’t your thing, there is always the beach, which is super close to Georgetown and absolutely gorgeous. For those searching for more than fresh produce, local culture and beautiful beaches, try and explore the natural wildlife of the South American nation. The country is dense with natural vegetation and wildlife that you will not be able to see in any other part of the world. The Canopy Walkway of Iwokrama is an amazing experience that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. For a look at authentic Guyanian culture, you can go to the Surama village, where locals will often invite tourists to learn about their culture and heritage.
You will not need a visa if you are a South African citizen, since South Africa is part of the Commonwealth. You will, however, need a valid passport that has at least six months until it expires for you to enter Guyana.