Guyana’s passport offers visa-free access to 91 countries

– ranked 54th on 2025 Henley’s Passport Index

The strength of Guyana passport has significantly improved, as it now allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to some 91 countries and territories around the world – an increase from 89 recorded last year.
According to the recently released 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Guyana passport is now ranked number 54th globally – up by one spot from the number 55 ranking last year.
The Henley Passport Index is a widely followed ranking of global passports, which assesses the strength of passports by the number of destinations holders can visit without needing to obtain a visa prior to travel. It compares the visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel destinations based on data provided by the International Air Transport Association, it said.
In this year’s index, Singapore retains the top spot as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations. Japan and South Korea share second place, with visa-free access to 190 destinations.
Notably, the United States of America (USA) – once known for having the most powerful passport in the world – has dropped to 10th place from 2024’s 9th spot. The United Kingdom’s (UK) passport, also formerly considered the most powerful, also shifted one spot down to 6th place this year.
Meanwhile, Guyana shares the 54th ranking with Vanuatu and Saudi Arabia, both of which also allows visa-free access to 91 countries.
However, Guyana’s ranking this year has positioned the country’s passport higher than some of its regional neighbours like Jamaica in the 56th spot; Suriname and Bolivia – both sharing the number 64 ranking, and Dominican Republic in 67th place. Guyana is also in a higher ranking than global economic powerhouses like China which has been placed 60th and India in the 77th spot. But even with a 54th ranking and visa-free access to 91 countries, the Henley Index highlighted that Guyana still does not have visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen area.
The Schengen area, consisting of 29 European countries, includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others, allowing for seamless travel across the region. For years, the Guyana Government has been pushing for visa-free travel to the Schengen countries.
Back in November 2022, the UK’s Government had lifted the visa requirement for Guyanese passport holders. President Irfaan Ali subsequently disclosed that at least five European countries have agreed to support Guyana’s bid for visa-free travel to Schengen area.

Meeting international standards
The Head of State had highlighted the importance of addressing passport requirements for future travel, including upgrades to Guyana’s passports to meet international standards for biometric and e-passport technology.
In fact, a step toward this modernisation was taken earlier this year with the launch of the country’s new 10-year e-passport back in February. The new passport is equipped with an electronic chip with the aim of simplifying border crossings and enhance travel security thus aligning with global standards for secure travel documents. Guyana’s rapid economic development, particularly in its burgeoning oil and gas sector coupled with ongoing investments in infrastructure and industrial expansion has contributed to the country growing international stature and economic potential.
Back in April, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud had noted that Guyana’s passport is now being recognised globally as a “golden passport.”
“There was a time when people used to hide this [Guyanese] passport away. Now, this passport is considered a “golden passport” across the world… Not only are Guyanese proud to hold onto their passports, but we are also seeing non-Guyanese seeking to become citizens or residents of Guyana. That tells you what is happening in the country,” Persaud had stated at a job fair hosted in Toronto, Canada.
This is demonstrated in the fact that the Guyana Consulate in New York had processed nearly 10,000 passport applications and issued over 100 visitor visas in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in travel to Guyana.
Guyana’s Consul General, Michael Brotherson, had revealed in February of this year that the consulate processed 8955 Guyanese passport applications in 2022, 9078 in 2023, and 9996 in 2024, showing a steady increase in demand.
Similarly, visa issuance has also surged. In 2022, the consulate issued 29 visitor visas from applicants of 14 different countries. That number increased to 72 visas from 20 countries in 2023 and jumped to 125 visas from 30 countries in 2024.
This growth, Brotherson highlighted, suggests that Guyana is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international visitors.