Gov’t confirms Guyana visa exemption now in effect

The government has officially confirmed that Guyanese nationals can now visit the territory visa-free, marking a significant step in strengthening ties with the Caribbean nation.

The announcement comes weeks after Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was in the works between the two countries that signalled the shift in policy. The policy change, announced in a recent Cabinet statement, is expected to enhance travel, tourism, and economic collaboration between the two countries. The visa exemption was approved under section 37 (4) of the Immigration and Passport Act (Revised Edition 2013), allowing Guyanese nationals to enter the BVI for up to six months for business or tourism. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley expressed optimism about the policy, noting that it underscores a vision of regional cooperation.

“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment,” Dr Wheatley stated. “It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange.” Premier Wheatley announced the exemption during a press conference on 30 September, noting the BVI’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for Caribbean nationals. “Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier Wheatley stated.