Vaccination & Health requirement to visit Guyana

Mandatory Vaccinations for Entry

Yellow Fever

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement also applies to travelers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Even if you are not arriving from a designated risk country, vaccination is strongly recommended for all travelers. This is a critical precaution due to the genuine risk of contracting Yellow Fever within certain regions of Guyana.

The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in Guyana to be effective.

You must carry your official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “yellow card,” as you will be required to present it to immigration officials upon arrival.

Recommended Vaccinations & Boosters

Consulting Your Doctor

We strongly advise you to schedule a consultation with your doctor or a travel medicine specialist 4 to 6 weeks before your departure. This is the most important step you can take to receive personalized health advice tailored to your medical history and specific travel itinerary within Guyana.

Routine Vaccinations

Before any international travel, it is wise to ensure all your standard vaccinations are current. Please review your records with your doctor. These typically include:

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Polio

Travel-Specific Vaccinations

Based on the nature of your trip and planned activities, your healthcare provider may recommend additional vaccinations for your protection:

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers. This virus can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, regardless of where you stay or dine.
• Typhoid: Also transmitted through contaminated food and water, this is particularly recommended for those who plan to visit smaller cities or rural areas, or for more adventurous eaters.

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• Hepatitis B: Consider this vaccination if you anticipate any medical procedures, plan on getting a tattoo, or might have intimate contact with local populations.

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• Rabies: This is generally recommended only for travelers with a high risk of animal exposure, such as veterinarians, wildlife researchers, or individuals planning long-term stays in rural areas where animal contact is likely.

Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Malaria

The risk of Malaria is high in all interior regions of Guyana, which includes popular destinations such as the Rupununi Savannah and Kaieteur Falls. The risk is considered low in the coastal areas, including the capital, Georgetown.

It is absolutely critical to discuss antimalarial medication with your doctor. This is not a step to be overlooked. Your physician will determine the most appropriate preventative medication based on your specific travel plans within the country.

You will need to begin taking the medication before your trip, continue throughout your stay, and for a prescribed period after your return to ensure complete protection.

Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya

These viral diseases are also present in Guyana and are transmitted by mosquitoes. As there are no vaccines available for these illnesses, diligent bite prevention is your only and most effective form of defense.

Mosquito Bite Prevention: Your Best Defense

Proactive measures are essential for protecting your health. We advise the following practices:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing an effective ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply it consistently as directed.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to minimize exposed skin, particularly during the dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active.
• Consider treating your clothing and travel gear, such as backpacks and tents, with permethrin.
• Ensure your accommodation has well-maintained window and door screens. In more rustic or jungle lodges, always use a mosquito net over your bed.

Other Health & Safety Precautions

Food and Water Safety

To prevent gastrointestinal issues, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Drink only water that is bottled, has been boiled, or is chemically treated. Avoid drinking tap water and be wary of ice cubes in beverages.
• Consume food that is well-cooked and served hot.
• Exercise caution when purchasing food from street vendors.
• It is safest to eat fruits and raw vegetables that you have washed and peeled yourself. Otherwise, it may be best to avoid them.

Medical Preparedness

Travel Health Insurance: It is essential that you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for emergency medical treatment and, crucially, medical evacuation. Medical facilities in Guyana, especially outside of Georgetown, are limited and may not meet the standards you are accustomed to.

Pack a Medical Kit: We recommend you prepare a personal medical kit with essentials for minor ailments. This should include:

• Personal prescription medications, kept in their original labeled containers.
• Pain and fever reducers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol).
• Anti-diarrhea medication.
• Antihistamines for minor allergic reactions.
• Antiseptic wipes and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• An assortment of band-aids and wound dressings.
• Moleskin or blister treatment.

COVID-19 Entry Requirements

As of the current date, there are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry into Guyana. However, international travel regulations can change with little notice. We advise you to check the official Guyana Ministry of Health website for the most current information before your departure: https://www.health.gov.gy/.