United States Visa RequirementsFor Guyana passport holders
Citizens of Guyana require a B1/B2 visa to enter the United States. The US Embassy in Georgetown processes applications, and the non-refundable $185 MRV fee and an in-person interview are required.
Guyana passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at the US Embassy in Georgetown (Duke and Young Streets, Kingston). Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your biometric and interview appointment through the embassy portal. The fee is non-refundable.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Guyana to United States: What You Need to Know
Guyana and the United States share cooperative relations, bolstered by Guyana's significant oil discoveries in recent years and a large Guyanese-American community, particularly in New York. Despite cultural and historical ties to the US, Guyana is not in the US Visa Waiver Program. The Guyanese diaspora in the US numbers several hundred thousand, making remittances an important part of the Guyanese economy. Interview wait times at the Georgetown embassy can range from a few weeks to several months depending on demand.
How to Get There
Caribbean Airlines flies direct from Georgetown (GEO) to New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA), making it the most convenient option. American Airlines also serves this route. Flight time to JFK is approximately 5 hours. Some travelers also connect through Trinidad and Tobago (POS) via Caribbean Airlines.
Money & Banking
The currency in the US is the dollar. Tipping is standard in the US: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 per bag for hotel porters, and 15 to 20% for taxis. Major credit cards are universally accepted, and ATMs are widely available. Budget approximately $150 to $200 per day for mid-range travel in New York or Miami.
Practical Tips
Check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes before scheduling. Complete the DS-160 carefully and bring strong documentation of ties to Guyana: employment letter, property ownership, bank statements, and family ties. Many Guyanese have family in the US, so be prepared to clearly explain your intent to return. Dress professionally for the interview. If approved, B1/B2 visas are typically issued for 10 years with multiple entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Guyanese citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes. Guyanese passport holders are required to obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Guyana is not in the US Visa Waiver Program.
Where do Guyanese apply for a US visa?
At the US Embassy in Georgetown, located at Duke and Young Streets, Kingston. Complete the DS-160 form online at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your biometric and interview appointment through the embassy portal.
How much does a US visa cost for Guyanese applicants?
The non-refundable MRV fee is $185 USD. This must be paid before scheduling your interview and is not refunded if your application is denied.
How do I strengthen my US visa application as a Guyanese citizen?
Demonstrate strong ties to Guyana: stable employment with official documentation, property ownership, bank accounts with regular transactions, and family responsibilities. Given the large Guyanese-American community, clearly articulate why you will return to Guyana after your visit.
What airlines fly direct from Guyana to the United States?
Caribbean Airlines offers direct flights from Georgetown (GEO) to New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA). American Airlines also serves this route. Flight time to JFK is approximately 5 hours. Some travelers connect through Trinidad and Tobago (POS).
How long can Guyanese citizens stay in the United States on a tourist visa?
US Customs and Border Protection officers determine your authorized stay at entry, typically up to 6 months. A B1/B2 visa, if approved, is generally valid for 10 years with multiple entries, but each stay is limited by CBP at the border.
Can I work in the United States on a B1/B2 visa?
No. B1/B2 visas are for tourism, business visits, and medical treatment only. Working in the US on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future visa bans. You would need a separate work visa such as an H-1B or O-1 to work legally.