In this edition of our Ask-the-Consul, we will answer some common questions about U.S. passports for U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Guyana.
Q: I’m traveling to Guyana, but my U.S. passport expires soon. Will I be allowed to enter Guyana?
To enter Guyana, a U.S. citizen must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. If you are boarded with a U.S. passport that is valid for less than 6 months, Guyana immigration authorities will determine if you may be admitted into the country and for how long you may stay.
If your passport is expiring within the next 6-12 months, you should renew it before traveling to avoid being turned around at the airport or refused entry to Guyana.
Q: Can I apply for a U.S. passport in Guyana?
Certainly! We provide passport services for U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Guyana. These services include processing first-time passport applications, renewals, and replacements if a passport is lost, stolen, or damaged. Review our detailed passport application instructions at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/.
Q: How long does it take to receive a U.S. passport if I apply in Guyana?
A new U.S. passport may take up to two weeks to be received, so check your passport expiration date when planning your travels, and apply early for a new passport, if needed.
Q: I have an urgent need to travel outside of Guyana and just realized my U.S. passport is expired. Can the U.S. passport renewal process be expedited?
If a U.S. citizen has an urgent need to travel internationally, we can process and print an emergency U.S. passport. Emergency passports are valid for one year or less and are usually ready within two business days of applying. However, this passport will only allow you to travel back to the United States until you get a full validity passport. See our emergency passport guidance at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/.
Q: How much does a U.S. passport cost?
The cost for a U.S. passport depends on a few factors, including the age of the applicant and whether it is the applicant’s first passport or a renewal. Applicants may use the State Department’s Fee Calculator to determine the cost based on their circumstances: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees/fee-calculator.html.
Q: I’ve heard of something called a “passport card.” Can you tell me more about that?
The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic card that has no visa pages. It’s the size of a driver’s license. The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity and has the same length of validity as the passport book.
The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.
The card is not valid for international travel by air.
Q: Can I apply for a U.S. passport card in Guyana?
Yes. You can apply for a passport book and passport card at the same time using the same application. When completing your form, let us know if you would like to apply for one or both documents.
Q: Can I get a passport card if I already have a passport book?
Yes. If you already have a passport book, you may use the passport renewal form DS-82 to apply for a passport card as a “renewal,” even if it is your first passport card.
Q: How may I contact the U.S. Embassy if I have additional questions about U.S. passport processing?
Most general questions about the U.S. passport application process, including appointment and fee information, can be found on our website https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/.
If you still have questions after reviewing the website, you may use our handy online Navigator Tool to get specific information or to receive guidance on emailing us. You may also contact us through our Information Center https://usacs-info.com/en-gy/.
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“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and other Consular topics. Detailed information about visas can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/. Information about American Citizen Services can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. Consular processes change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center using the contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.
