– Guyana lauded for int’l diplomacy in elevating C’bean voice
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) will remove visa restrictions for Guyanese to travel to the islands, becoming the latest in a series of countries that have relaxed travel requirements for Guyanese as the country has grown in both regional and international influence.
The announcement was made by the Premier of the BVI, Natalio Wheatley, on Monday. During a press conference, Wheatley revealed that not only would visa restrictions be removed for Guyanese looking to travel to his country, but that talks were ongoing towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guyana.
“(The MOU) was passed in cabinet some weeks ago, for us to have a memorandum of understanding with Guyana, focusing on a number of areas, trade and investment, immigration, and perhaps agriculture and some other areas.”
“So, we had to seek permission from the United Kingdom (UK) Government, the Secretary of State, that’s consistent with our constitution. And now we’re engaging with officials from Guyana and putting together this MoU,” he explained.
BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley
Wheatley was however hopeful that they could conclude the MoU within six months. Additionally, Wheatley could not say exactly when the visa free travel would take effect, though he noted that cabinet approval has already been granted for this.
Wheatley went on to laud the work being done by Guyana at the international level, to elevate the Caribbean’s voice. In particular, Guyana’s role at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its efforts to pursue sustainable growth were recognised by the Premier.
“As a CARICOM member and emerging global power, Guyana has become a model for sustainable growth and international diplomacy. Guyana’s election to the United Nations Security Council places it in a pivotal position to address the global policies on peace and security.”
“(This is) an accomplishment that elevates the Caribbean’s voice on the global stage. Guyana has also become a focal point for global investment driven by its significant oil reserves and growing non-oil sector for example,” Wheatley said.
The Premier also pointed out that several developed countries from around the world have been pursuing investments in Guyana. He noted that Guyana is considered a key partner by the BVI, owing to its groundbreaking development.
Soper’s Hole in Tortola, BVI
In November 2022, the UK Government lifted the visa requirement for Guyanese passport holders. Subsequently, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had disclosed that at least five European countries have agreed to support Guyana’s bid for visa-free travel to Schengen countries. Moreover, Guyana has been in talks with several other countries including Italy and Mexico on the possibility of visa-free travel.
Earlier this month, it was announced that from January next year, Guyanese and other nationals who currently enjoy visa-free travel to the UK will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the country.
Based on information shared by the British High Commission in Georgetown, an ETA is a digital permission to travel and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
It was noted that effective January 8 2024, all Caribbean nations, that currently do not require a visa to travel to the UK will require an ETA for travel to the UK. Eligible persons can start applying for an ETA in advance from November 27, 2024.
Applications are available via the UK ETA app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple app store. It is also available on the UK Government’s official website at gov.uk
Based on international reports, the ETA scheme was first rolled out in November 2023 and was initially for travellers from Qatar.
In February of this year, it was extended to travellers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Subsequently, the UK Government announced a further expansion of this initiative that now requires all visitors – including those from Europe – to complete the online pre-travel check form. (G-3)
