Home Affairs Ministry outlines IRTA process for companies

…says Guyana-Brazil road agreement carries great potential for region

The Home Affairs Ministry has detailed the process for companies wishing to operate under the International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA), which regulates the movement of passengers and cargo by road between Guyana and Brazil, including transit to third countries.
Speaking at a webinar on Thursday, Research Officer Gavin Lewis described the agreement as a project with the potential to strengthen regional cohesion, encourage economic growth, promote sustainable development, and improve infrastructure.
“As we move one step closer to implementing the IRTA, I want to thank everyone for joining this process. This project carries great potential for our region,” Lewis told stakeholders.
He explained that companies interested in transporting passengers or goods across international routes must apply to the Home Affairs Ministry to be registered as a transport firm.
The application must include the IRTA Form 1, tax identification details of both the company and its owner, motor vehicle registration, driver’s licence, certificate of fitness, international third-party insurance, revenue licence for vehicles, company registration and the appointment of a legal representative in Guyana.
Lewis noted that the Ministry was in the process of computerising the IRTA Form 1. In the meantime, hard copies are available at the Ministry’s office. He added that to make the process smoother, applicants can also request the form directly from him via WhatsApp.
Once submitted, the application goes through a multi-step approval process. The Ministry first reviews the documents before forwarding them to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for compliance checks. Security vetting is then carried out, and if all requirements are met, the company is issued with an original licence allowing it to legally operate in Guyana.
Lewis emphasised that only registered buses will be licensed for international routes. He further explained that companies must obtain an additional licence from Brazil’s National Land Transport Agency within 120 days of receiving the original permission. Both the original and additional licences are valid for one year only and expire on December 31 of the issuing year.
“For example, if a licence is issued in October 2025, it will expire at the end of December 2025. It will not roll over into October 2026,” Lewis clarified, warning that false information or forged documents would result in the denial or cancellation of permissions.
Lending his perspective towards cargo transport, Lewis said the requirements were largely similar to passenger services, though companies must also provide details of the routes, fleet schedules, vehicle specifications and the types of goods to be transported. He stressed that all vehicles must meet both Guyanese and Brazilian regulations, and carriers are required to submit an advance customs declaration outlining the nature and quantity of cargo.
On the Brazilian side, Lewis revealed that several companies have already applied for additional permission, including for passenger transport and for cargo. These firms are required to submit the same documents as Guyanese operators, but must also present a road transportation licence and proof from Brazil’s National Land Transport Agency confirming that they are legally allowed to operate there.
The Ministry underscored that all licences issued under the IRTA are non-transferable. With implementation now underway, the Agreement is expected to open opportunities for cross-border travel and trade while deepening ties between Guyana and Brazil.