Guyana issues COVID-19 travel requirement for travellers from China
Guyana has joined a list of governments worldwide to re-implement a COVID-19 travel requirement for travellers entering from China – a negative COVID-19 test result.
The National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat issued a COVID-19 Travel Advisory to Guyana dated January 5, 2023, which noted that variants of the SARS-CoC-2 virus continue to emerge worldwide.
It stated that in light of the present surge in COVID-19 cases in certain parts of the world, and to decrease the chance for entry of a novel variant of concern, the Ministry of Health is implementing a requirement for a negative COVID-19 test no less than 48 hours or documentation of recovery for all passengers (2 years and older) travelling directly or in transit from the People’s Republic of China, and the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong or Macau.
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Starting January 8, 2023, all passengers two years and older, originating from the People’s Republic of China, will be required to get a COVID-19 test (such as a PCR test or antigen) no more than two days before their departure from the PRC, Hong Kong or Macau, and show a bona fide negative test result to the airline/carrier upon departure.
The National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat has made it clear that:
- The requirement applies to these passengers regardless of nationality and vaccination status
- This also applies to persons travelling from the PRC via third-country transit and to passengers on connecting flights to Guyana
- Passengers who tested positive more than 10 days before the flight can provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in lieu of a negative test result
- Airlines and Ports of Entry must confirm the negative COVID-19 test results or documentation of recovery for all passengers before they board or deny boarding to non-compliant passengers.
The statement noted that the requirement to show a bona fide negative test result has been shown to decrease the number of infected passengers boarding airlines and it will help slow the spread of the virus as the Task Force works to identify and understand any potential new variant that may emerge.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor travel patterns and adjust its approach as needed.
