The U.S. Embassy in Georgetown provides emergency services to U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Guyana. These services include replacing lost or stolen passports, connecting individuals with medical and legal assistance, addressing emergency needs due to crimes, explaining financial assistance options for returning to the U.S., contacting family or employers during emergencies, and conducting welfare checks.
The Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov. This program allows the Embassy to contact registered individuals during emergencies and provide them with relevant information.
For emergency situations such as arrest, serious illness, injury, destitution, or death of a U.S. citizen, the Embassy is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 592-225-4900 Ext: 4222/4332. After-hours emergencies can be reported by calling 225-4126.
In cases where a U.S. citizen dies while visiting Guyana, the Embassy will attempt to contact their next-of-kin promptly and assist with preparing a Consular Report of Death Abroad. This document is essential for settling legal matters in the United States.
Victims of crime should report incidents both to local police and the Embassy. Although unable to investigate crimes or provide legal advice, the Embassy can help replace lost documents and notify relatives.
If arrested in Guyana, U.S. citizens are subject to local laws but can expect the Embassy's assistance in ensuring they receive due process and are treated according to international human rights standards.
The American Liaison Network (ALN) consists of Citizen Liaison Volunteers (CLVs) who facilitate communication between the Embassy and U.S. citizens within their communities.
Travelers planning a trip to Guyana are advised to register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov and consult destination-specific information on travel.state.gov/destination.
For more details on American Citizen Services offered by the Embassy, visit https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ or follow @USEmbassyGeorgetown on Facebook for updates.
"Ask the Consul" is a monthly column providing answers about U.S. immigration law and consular topics. Visa-related information is available at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/. Applicants are advised against relying on third-party advisors due to frequent changes in consular processes.