# What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know About the Latest Guyana Travel Advisory
Planning a trip to Guyana from Ottawa? The Government of Canada has just updated its travel advisory for this South American destination, and there are important safety considerations you should understand before booking your flight. The current advisory sits at **Level 2 — Exercise a High Degree of Caution**, primarily due to significant crime concerns and border tensions.
## Understanding the Risk Level
A Level 2 advisory means Canadian travellers should take extra precautions when visiting Guyana. While this isn’t a recommendation to avoid the country entirely, it signals that certain risks require careful planning and awareness. The March 2026 update emphasizes ongoing concerns about violent crime throughout the country and heightened tensions along the Venezuelan border.
## Crime Remains the Primary Concern
Violent crime poses the most significant threat to visitors in Guyana. Armed robberies, carjackings, and assaults occur regularly, often linked to drug trafficking activities. Criminals frequently work in groups and have been known to surveil targets—including tourists—before striking.
Georgetown, the capital city, requires particular vigilance. Neighbourhoods like Agricola, Albouystown, Stabroek, and Tiger Bay have elevated crime rates. Tourist areas aren’t exempt either; Stabroek Market has seen incidents involving foreign visitors.
Travellers have been targeted immediately after withdrawing cash from banks or leaving hotels with valuables. The best defence includes avoiding flashy jewelry or electronics, never exchanging currency with street vendors, and staying alert to your surroundings at all times.
## Border Security Situation
The border region with Venezuela deserves special attention. Ongoing territorial disputes over the Essequibo region have created a volatile security environment. There are no official crossings with Venezuela, and travellers should only use designated border points with Brazil and Suriname.
## Preparing for Your Trip: Health Meets Safety
For Ottawa travellers, proper preparation goes beyond reviewing safety protocols—it includes protecting your health. Guyana presents specific disease risks that require medical attention before departure. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry, and depending on your itinerary, you may need protection against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies, and malaria.
A pre-travel health consultation allows you to address both medical and practical safety concerns. Our travel health specialists can recommend antimalarial medications, prepare a personalized medical kit for remote areas, and provide country-specific advice that complements the government’s security warnings. When you’re travelling to a destination with limited medical infrastructure and elevated crime risks, being medically prepared is as crucial as being security-conscious.
Travelling to Guyana? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.