Destinations / Guyana
Driving in Guyana as a visitor
Usually yes. Guyana expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Guyana expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Guyana expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Guyana accept?
Guyana recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Guyana ask for one?
Georgetown desks request an IDP for non-English licences; 4x4 for the interior.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.