Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if it is not formally required for your nationality, it is strongly recommended regardless, as is being up to date on hepatitis A, typhoid, and standard routine vaccinations. If you are going into the rainforest or Rupununi, discuss rabies vaccination with a travel health clinic.
Malaria
Malaria is present in Guyana's interior, particularly in forested areas. The risk is low in Georgetown and on the coast, but significant if you are travelling to Kaieteur, the Rupununi, or any remote region. Consult a travel health clinic before your trip about appropriate prophylaxis. Use insect repellent (at least 30% DEET), long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, and sleep under a mosquito net or in a screened room.
Other insect-borne diseases
Dengue fever circulates in Georgetown and coastal areas. There is no preventive medication — insect protection is your main defence. Zika and chikungunya have also been reported.
Water
Tap water in Georgetown is not reliably safe to drink. Stick to bottled or purified water. In the interior, treat all water from rivers and streams before drinking.
Medical facilities
Medical facilities in Guyana are limited. Georgetown has the best hospitals in the country, but even these have significant shortcomings compared to what you may be used to at home. There are virtually no medical facilities in the interior. Make sure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation cover — it is not optional here.
Sun
Guyana sits close to the equator. The sun is intense year-round. Use high-factor sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.