Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvlmactxt/GUYANA.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 6KB | 104 lines

Guyana - Consular Information Sheet
September 7, 1994

Country Description:  Guyana is a developing nation.  Except for hotels in
the capital city of Georgetown, tourist facilities are not fully developed.
Road conditions throughout the country are poor.

Entry Requirements:  Valid passports are required for all U.S. citizens
including minors.  No visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter Guyana.
Dual nationals must have a U.S. passport to depart Guyana for the United
States.  Unlike the rest of the Caribbean, a Naturalization Certificate or
Birth Certificate does not fulfill immigration or boarding requirements for
departure from Guyana.  On arrival, all visitors are granted a 30 day stay.
Extensions of stay may be obtained from the Central Immigration Office
located on Camp Road, Georgetown.  Travelers for other than tourism purposes
should also check in with Central Immigration if they require additional
information about Guyana's immigration requirements for work permits and
extended stays.  For other information, travelers may consult the Embassy of
Guyana at 2490 Tracy Place N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: [phone]
or the Consulate General in New York City.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care and prescription drugs are limited and
sanitary conditions are poor in most medical facilities.  Travelers have
found it necessary to bring prescription medicines sufficient for their
length of stay and to plan for emergency shipment should their supplies
spoil because of the high humidity in Guyana.

Malaria is endemic in the southern interior and the northwest coast.
Minimal stays (even overnight) require the use of anti-malarial prophylaxis.
 Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  In some instances, supplemental medical insurance with specific
overseas coverage has proved useful, particularly when a medical evacuation
is necessary.  Commercial carriers will not carry a seriously ill or
contagious patient out of Guyana.  Medical evacuation from Guyana to the
U.S. by air ambulance costs approximately  $14-17,000 dollars.  For
additional health information, the travaler may contact the Centers for
Disease Control's international travelers hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Crimes against people and property have become
commonplace; foreigners in particular are viewed as wealthy targets of
opportunity.  Crimes of violence are primarily confined to Georgetown and
the other more populated areas of Guyana.  Most crimes occur in the major
business and shopping districts of Georgetown, in and around the two major
indoor/outdoor markets of Stabroek and Bourda, and in the vicinity of the
two major hotels most frequented by tourists and other foreigners (Tower and
Forte Crest).  Burglary from vehicles is common, but is very low from rooms
at the major hotels.  Police are cooperative but largely ineffective.  U.S.
visitors who suffer criminal assaults are encouraged to contact the police
as well as the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy (or the duty officer
after hours) for advice and assistance.

In addition to money, thieves seek U.S. passports and alien registration
cards.  The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to
the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  U.S. citizens
should be prepared to present evidence of citizenship and identity as well
as a letter from Guyana Immigration showing entry into the country with a
U.S. passport in addition to a police report.  U.S. citizens may refer to
the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" which provides
useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security
while traveling abroad.  Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to
Central and South America" are available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Other Information:  Some visitors wish to take a tropical bird back to the
United States.  Many birds are protected species, and quarantine space must
be obtained in advance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).  Proof that space has been reserved
for the bird in the U.S. must be presented to the Guyana Ministry of
Agriculture before permission for export will be given.  This process takes
some time, so it is unlikely that a temporary traveler will be able to
complete the paperwork during a short visit to Guyana.

Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Criminal penalties for possession, use, and
dealing in illegal drugs are strict, even for small amounts.  Convicted
offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and proportionately high fines
charged as court costs.

Civil Aviation Oversight:  In January 1994, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration assessed Guyana's civil aviation authority as in compliance
with international aviation safety oversight standards for Guyanese carriers
operating to and from the U.S.  However, during its assessment, the FAA
noted that Guyana's operations to destinations other than the U.S. are not
provided a similar level of safety oversight.  For further information,
travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

Embassy Location/Registration:  U.S. citizens may register with the Consular
Section of the U.S. Embassy, located at 99-100 Young and Duke Streets,
Kingston, Georgetown; telephone [phone].  The Consular Section's
entrance is on Duke Street.  Officer Hours Monday through Friday are 8:00 AM
to 12:00 PM and 1:30 to 4:00 PM.  For emergencies after hours, weekends and
holidays, call (592-2) 57-963.  U.S. citizens may obtain updated information
on travel and security within Guyana upon request when they register at the
U.S. Embassy.

No. 94-192

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 1, 1993 by
adding information on aviation oversight.