Citizens of Guyana can now travel to the United Kingdom without the need to acquire a tourist visa.

Guyanese Will No Longer Need Visa To UK Nov 9th

Jane Miller, the British High Commissioner to Guyana announced in a press conference at her home. President of Guyana Irfaan Ali was also in attendance. With this new policy, Guyanese citizens can stay in the UK for up to six months without a visa. The new policy will come into effect on November 9th.

Pros To The Visa Lift

“Today is a historic day for the Guyana-UK relation, and I am delighted to inform you that those with a valid Guyanese passport can visit the UK visa-free,” Ms. Miller said. 

Citizens of Guyana that wish to stay beyond 180 days will need a visa. As well as citizens who go to the UK to work or study, should apply for their respective visas as normal.

Photo Credit: Adam Gethin

According to Miller, the new initiative will cultivate a better relationship between the two countries.

“This visa lift is a real sign of the confidence the UK has in the growth of our relationship, and together with the direct flight that will be happening at the end of March with British Airways, we believe this change is going to be transformative to our already strong relationship,” she added. 

Guyana & UK Relations

Back in June, Guyana became the UK’s top trading partner in the Caribbean. In 2021trade relations between Guyana and UK were valued at close to 560 million pounds. Which in turn was 21.6% off all the UK’s trade with the Caribbean.

President Irfaan Ali also asked citizens to not abuse the new visa lift. 

President Ali stated: “Today, I am very pleased that Guyanese can travel with greater ease to the UK. “However, I want to say to all Guyanese that with these waivers comes an important responsibility for all of us. We are responsible for safeguarding these important decisions because it comes with hard work. It takes a long time, and we will be working very closely with the UK in strengthening our systems to ensure that there is proper monitoring and to ensure there is no abuse of the system.”