The Ministry of Home Affairs has implemented new procedures governing the issuance of visas for visitors, employment, students and business persons.
These new procedures which took effect from May 11 last, were based on a decision by Parliament following representations made by the Home Affairs Ministry.
Minister Clement Rohee told reporters at a press briefing that the visitors’ visa will cost US$25 for a period of one month and an additional US$25 for every extension; employment visas will cost the employer US$140 for a period of three years and an additional US$140 for renewals; student visas will cost US$140 for three years and an additional US$140 for renewals and business visas will cost US$140 for five years and an additional US$140 for renewals.
Rohee said Guyana has a number of agreements with foreign countries which are reciprocal in nature that allows for certain categories of visitors to enter Guyana without visas. There are other countries for example the United States, Canada and Europe where visa requirements have been made.
“In keeping with the global trends and the need for Guyana to accelerate its development, we have decided to further liberalize our immigration policy by putting in place certain new procedures for persons who are desirous of entering Guyana. Our visa on arrival policy would now mean that we have instituted four categories of visas for persons desirous of entering Guyana,” he explained.
Reporters were told that the immigration authorities have been informed of this new policy and it has so far been working very smoothly.
According to the ministry’s website, persons applying for a visitor’s visa would require two photographs; name, address and contact information of inviter/sponsor; name and address of hotel if a tourist; letter of invitation from inviter/sponsor and evidence of finances to cover expenses for 30 days. A maximum of two extensions of stay for one-month periods will be granted.
For employment visas the applicant will be required to provide to the ministry before arrival the name, address and contact information of sponsor/employer along with their name, address and gender. The place of employment must be an established business and must be registered and be compliant with NIS and GRA rules/regulations. Visa and work permit will be issued on arrival.
The website also stated that for student visas, the name, address and contact details of the registered/accredited institution where studies will be done are to be provided to the Ministry of Home Affairs, prior to arrival of the student as well as a copy of the student’s acceptance letter from the competent authority at the registered/accredited institution.
The address and phone numbers of the student’s intended place while in Guyana must also be provided. Evidence of financial support is to be provided to the Ministry of Home Affairs by the accredited/registered school. Student visas will be issued on arrival.
For business visas the name of the company, name of representative, nature of business and address of business contact(s) in Guyana are to be provided to the Ministry of Home Affairs before the applicants travel to Guyana.
Additionally the address and telephone number of the intended place of stay; contact information of the sponsor/ mentor and evidence from the home country of business credentials are to be provided.
