Destinations / Guyana
Driving in Guyana as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Guyana drives on the left, unlike its neighbours; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English, and interior roads are largely unpaved.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Guyana expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h highways where signed |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in GYD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Unpaved roads outside the coast. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Guyana
At the pump
Stations (GuyOil and majors) sell gasoline/petrol and diesel priced in Guyanese dollars, historically averaging roughly GYD 200/litre; cards are accepted in Georgetown but carry cash for the interior.
After a crash
Dial 911 for police and 913 for ambulance; do not move vehicles after a serious crash until police attend, and obtain a police report, which is mandatory for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: harbourbridge.gov.gy · tollguru.com · globalpetrolprices.com · internationaldrivingauthority.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Guyana?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Guyana drives on the left, unlike its neighbours; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English, and interior roads are largely unpaved.
Which translation format is used for Guyana?
Guyana uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Guyana ask for a translation?
Georgetown desks request an IDP for non-English licences; 4x4 for the interior.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Guyana?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in South America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.